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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Cwadda on August 14, 2018, 03:53:31 PM

Title: Job search?
Post by: Cwadda on August 14, 2018, 03:53:31 PM
I am transitioning to the job search phase and it seems there is more info than ever going around on navigating the job hunt waters. It's a bit overwhelming trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. A Google search yields a zillion articles that seemingly contradict one another.

For those who recently went through the whole job search, what are some effective ways to look for jobs and apply? Maybe some HR folks can weigh in here as well.

There are tons of search engines like Indeed, Glassdoor and Linkedin with access to thousands of jobs. I can't help but wonder if it's worthwhile to get your resume on the stack with hundreds of other applicants - is it really just a numbers game? Others have reported using Linkedin to directly message employees of a company and show interest which may lead into a job. How about meetups and in-person networking events? What about recruiters?

My background broadly falls under STEM, if that's relevant.

Basically, lots of job hunt info out there and I'm looking for ways to narrow things down to create a game plan.

TIA!
Title: Re: Job search?
Post by: mozar on August 14, 2018, 05:12:45 PM
Can you be more specific about what kind of job you are looking for?. I would say for conducting your job search "it's all of the above". I've never gotten a job by applying through the website or through craigslist / indeed etc but I'm sure it's possible.  Different fields have different norms. Most jobs I've gotten are from recruiters who contacted me through LinkedIn. You can also cold call recruiters that specialize in your field.
Title: Re: Job search?
Post by: Gone_Hiking on August 14, 2018, 10:56:49 PM
In the past, I have found new jobs through:

While many people will tell you that direct applications online yield zero results, it looks to me that the approach might succeed in smaller companies and with a specific type of skill.   Both my DH and I have found jobs this way; mine turned out to be a bad fit and I left after a year, but DH is still with the same company after eight years and seems happy there.   Sending resumes can be a numbers game if they are sent mindlessly.  Targeting it to specific segments might work better here.

LinkedIn approach has worked for a few people I know.  Let recruiters know you are available and really stand out with your profile to start getting bites.  Another way to meet recruiters is at professional networking events; I see a local recruiter present whenever I have breakfast with the local chapter of a national organization.  Recruiters can be useful in the process, as long as it is understood that they make their livelihood of finding good hires.  They will usually do a decent job with matching you with an employer not because they like you but because they want to get paid and they only get paid when they place someone.  Some  provide a guarantee that the new hire will stay with a company for a period of time - those usually do the most to get to know you and your preferences before placing you somewhere.  Either way, it helps not to be vague.

I have experienced the best career moves so far with personal contacts, which brings the topic of networking to mind.  The thing about networking is, this:  network building should be done before you are looking for a job, not when you're looking.  You can talk shop with your contacts, perhaps work together on a small project and, once you are looking, you will have a number of people who already know you to give you leads.  And some people will give you leads even if you're not looking.

I hope this helps.
Title: Re: Job search?
Post by: Cwadda on August 15, 2018, 12:31:34 PM
Can you be more specific about what kind of job you are looking for?. I would say for conducting your job search "it's all of the above". I've never gotten a job by applying through the website or through craigslist / indeed etc but I'm sure it's possible.  Different fields have different norms. Most jobs I've gotten are from recruiters who contacted me through LinkedIn. You can also cold call recruiters that specialize in your field.
I have been doing sales for a couple of years and do not want to keep going with it as a career. My background was more technical in nature, so I am very open to technical jobs.

In all honesty I just want a W2 job that pays me a salary and provides health insurance coverage. I want to put in 8-10 hours a day and do a great job, and get a paycheck every 2 weeks. FIRE is the ultimate goal. My current situation allows for a very high savings rate so the sooner my income goes up, the sooner I can get closer to FIRE.

In the past, I have found new jobs through:
  • recruiters - twice
  • personal contacts - twice
  • applying on the company website without knowing anyone - once

While many people will tell you that direct applications online yield zero results, it looks to me that the approach might succeed in smaller companies and with a specific type of skill.   Both my DH and I have found jobs this way; mine turned out to be a bad fit and I left after a year, but DH is still with the same company after eight years and seems happy there.   Sending resumes can be a numbers game if they are sent mindlessly.  Targeting it to specific segments might work better here.

LinkedIn approach has worked for a few people I know.  Let recruiters know you are available and really stand out with your profile to start getting bites.  Another way to meet recruiters is at professional networking events; I see a local recruiter present whenever I have breakfast with the local chapter of a national organization.  Recruiters can be useful in the process, as long as it is understood that they make their livelihood of finding good hires.  They will usually do a decent job with matching you with an employer not because they like you but because they want to get paid and they only get paid when they place someone.  Some  provide a guarantee that the new hire will stay with a company for a period of time - those usually do the most to get to know you and your preferences before placing you somewhere.  Either way, it helps not to be vague.

I have experienced the best career moves so far with personal contacts, which brings the topic of networking to mind.  The thing about networking is, this:  network building should be done before you are looking for a job, not when you're looking.  You can talk shop with your contacts, perhaps work together on a small project and, once you are looking, you will have a number of people who already know you to give you leads.  And some people will give you leads even if you're not looking.

I hope this helps.
This does help. I have had success with the Indeed/Glassdoor route for smaller companies. I landed one job this way and 2 interviews out of 8-10 applications, which is pretty good.

I actually have zero experience with recruiters. Searching for them on Linkedin, sending a message, and connecting via phone or in person seems like a good route.

Can you go into more detail about personal contacts? Do you target personal contacts at a certain company you're interested in and ask them to vouch for you?
Title: Re: Job search?
Post by: mschaus on August 15, 2018, 02:15:14 PM
Can you go into more detail about personal contacts?

I'd highly recommend conducting some informational interviews -- https://career.berkeley.edu/Info/InfoInterview

The key to making things more comfortable there is that you aren't "asking for a job", just for information. They have to like you -- if they do, they'll tell you if they know of any jobs, and if they don't like you, it doesn't matter if they know of any jobs.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Job search?
Post by: Cwadda on August 15, 2018, 06:43:38 PM
Can you go into more detail about personal contacts?

I'd highly recommend conducting some informational interviews -- https://career.berkeley.edu/Info/InfoInterview

The key to making things more comfortable there is that you aren't "asking for a job", just for information. They have to like you -- if they do, they'll tell you if they know of any jobs, and if they don't like you, it doesn't matter if they know of any jobs.

Good luck!

YES - this is what I'm seeking! I think this is a fantastic way to look for jobs. An informational coffee or lunch would do the trick.