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Hellmeister

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Joined: 06/07/2006
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Job hunting tips

If anyone out there has any advice about landing a job (either in th form of interviews, CV's ect) id be exceptionally greatful, i was jsut turned down by yet antoher job and there is literally no shops in my town that have hired me, none and i pretty much have no where else to go.

Out of all the shops/resturants ect ive applied to ive had 3 responces, all negative and the others no responce.

Obviously i have to be doing soemthing wrong since 90% of my college mates landed jobs, MOST of them got their currant jobs first time and im struggeling here...

Anyways i feel marginally better after gonig to a few of the shops i didnt get a responce in and raising hell with them about not reply to my CV or application form at least, i mean come on its not hard jsut to even send a letter saying not interested!

So id very much welcome any advice because frankly im starting to get very ****** off about this, and after nearly 18 months of trying to land a job my patiences is wearing VERY thin

04/12/07 10:04

BishopDon

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Joined: 04/19/2005
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RE: Job hunting tips

First things first, what does your Resume look like? That is ususally the determing factor of who gets a call back and who gets nothing.

If you have not done so, I'd say get some professional help with your Resume. That is the only first impression that you'll ever have with a potential employer, do whatever you can to make it the best one.

The only other thing that I can advise on is make sure to tailor that resume to the job that you are applying for. Which means, you may have several different drafts of a Resume which highlights different things depending on the position you're looking for.

It wouldn't hurt to use a cover letter as well. Just giving a little more detail on your skills and assests and how they apply to the position you're applying for. Never ever hurts to have a good cover letter accompany your Resume.

If you do these things correctly, you'll get a lot more responses and better your chance at landing your dream job or a job that you applied for...whichever comes first :)

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04/12/07 12:21

Hellmeister

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RE: Job hunting tips

Yeah i do so, and i have had help as well but its not payed of yet :(

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04/12/07 12:57

BishopDon

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RE: Job hunting tips

well...what is it that you are looking to do?

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04/12/07 13:10

Hellmeister

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RE: Job hunting tips

in a word... ANYTHING (however not McDonalds or of simular likings)

04/12/07 14:06

govtmorgue

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RE: Job hunting tips

Well, to give you a heads up...never wait on a call back. Restraunts/Grocery stores rarely give call backs. I've always found that returning to the place and asking "May I speak with the hiring manager to see if my application has been reviewed?" is a perfect line to use when returning. Number 1, it shows them that you are persistent, 2 is that you're respectfully asking and not some street thug, and 3 is that it actually gives the hiring manager a face to the application, not just some name/paper. Those are my suggestions bud, I'd have more but I already got a job again :/

04/12/07 15:37

Hellmeister

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RE: Job hunting tips

Yeah i did that lately, went to all the stores and ask to speak to teh manager, some shops turned me away there so i couldnt even speak to teh manager ¬_¬ others jsut said were nto interested in you

I still ask is it TOO much to ask for some for of formal responce?

04/12/07 18:02

Mzzkc

Posts: 1
Joined: 01/12/2006
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RE: Job hunting tips

Well (long and painfully drawn out emphasis on "Well"). You could always take the route that most of us here are most familiar with. First, you'll need to acquire for yourself a wide array of weapons. Anything will do, but I prefer shiny things because they look pretty when covered in a deep, flowing red. I'm assuming that you don't have the monetary funds to buy such objects, so, you'll have to get creative. You're a villain, you should know exactly what that means. Once you have shown your creative flair and have obtained a goodly variety of tools you're almost ready to go get yourself a job!

You'll need to scout your location first. Figure out exactly what you need to do to avoid being caught. Locate every security detail and figure out a way to get past everything. Whether you decide to cut the power or whatever, it's important you have a plan and a way to set it off remotely, remember, you're doing this alone unless you can afford to hire some henchmen, but that could prove too risky if you can't pay them right away. While you're working out your plan pinpoint your targets. Find the manager's office and know when he/she is in it and when he/she is not. You'll want to move when you know the manager will be in their office. Figure out what happens when throughout the day and commit all the little details to memory. You want to strike when there are less people around. When you finally figure out your infiltration plan, you're ready to go get a job!

When you're ready. Disable security, make your entrance (something flashy always gets peoples' attention, we like flashy things), make your way to the manager's office being sure to put any would-be heroes in their place as you go. If the manager is there all the better, if not find him/her using any means necessary (this is your future we're talking about for crying out loud, you need to get the job and you need to do it right!). When you find your future boss threaten their life. He/she should be more than willing to give you the job once you ask for it. If you are again rejected don't hesitate to follow through on your threat, it makes the next manager you approach all the more willing to consider your request. Just follow these simple steps and you'll have yourself a job in no time! I'm glad I could help.

Disclaimer: I do not condone the use of violence while searching for a job. Hellmeister should not follow the above instructions for any reason. These steps should be taken as nothing more than a sick attempt to brighten his mood. Thank you for understanding.

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04/12/07 20:18

DeathFetish

Posts: 25
Joined: 05/17/2005
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RE: Job hunting tips

QUOTE

They really can't say that to you. Ask to make an appointment to speak to the manager if they are having interviews. I've hired & fired a lot of people, try a few little things when you go in. Dress nice & look clean cut even if you are going to just pick up an application. Do the same for the interview, when in the interview look the the manager in the eye when he is talking to you, don't look away & don't fiddle with anything or be distracted. Be attentive & speak clearly. Plan out what you are going to say when he asks you the questions. Basically he will just ask you about what you filled out on the application. Be polite, "yes sir/no sir" "thank you" & so on.
The other thing you might want to do is go online look for the company info under job openings & apply that way. That way your not dealing with some half witted clerk.
Fill out that application thoroughly, personal references can be teachers, friends of the family or people you see everyday. Make sure you print clearly or type out your application, remember that piece of paper represents you. I can't count how many times did not even look at an application or resume because it was folded up in someones back pocket before they gave it to me.
Hope this helps a bit. feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions.

04/12/07 21:09

Sapir

GameAmp Staff
Posts: 54
Joined: 10/07/2005
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RE: Job hunting tips

Heh, I think maybe they can do that to Hellmeister, DF...the EEO statutes we are 'blessed' (meh! right!) with here in the Colonies have probably not made their way across the pond as of yet. Other than that your suggestions are 'spot on' at least from every Human Resources manager that I have ever talked to (including my mother).

Sadly, it appears that the job situation in the EU is in a worse state than our own. UK is at 5.5% (March 2007) while US is at 4.4% (March 2007). Believe it or not but with margin of error and other considerations an UE rate of 4.5% is considered essentially 'no unemployment'. To explain the how and why of that would take to long but the logic is there. Strange aint it? But that esoterica doesnt get Hell a job. The thing to consider from it though is that even with a US UE rate of 4.4% there are places that can be in the 7% range in the US. Perhaps Hellmeister is in a higher UE area of the UK.

I would be interested in seeing Hell's resume', just to poke it dontcha know. Along with the other great advice that has been given (take it to heart, Hell, these are smart people talkin') I would like to add a couple things.

1) A resume is nice, but if you are essentially just entering the work force as an adult (as it appears); your resume is going to be a bit light so focus more on your Cover Letter. The Cover Letter has always been the most important part of a resume especially for the young job seeker. That is where you grab the Hiring Manager's attention. Make it short, sweet, and interesting. If you bore them on the Cover Letter; they will probably 'round file' the whole thing. Dont forget to be creative. Sure you arent planning on selling widgets til retirement, but show the same enthusiasm for it as if you were planning that. Manager's want to hire a dynamic 'UP' person, not some stodgy slacker.

2) While I have never worked in the 'Fast Food Industry'; what the heck is wrong with you working in it. Listen closely here: it is better to have McDonalds on your resume then to have 'Not Employed' on your resume. It at least shows the prospective employer that you are a 'worker'. Any time over a month unemployed is a red flag to a Hiring Manager and will have to be dealt with in the interview process. They will want to know 'why' you werent working for that time. Better to have no 'holes' in your resume. Besides you will get a discount on your lunch at McDonalds. A penny saved...

3) Mayhaps it is time to move to 'where the food is'. If the local job market is flat; hit the bricks and expand the radius of your job hunt. If you are still at home you are going to be limited, but maybe the next city over will have a job. If it is not too much trouble to commute to work; do so.

4) It's been said before; I'll say it again. Be Positive and I will add but NOT aggressive and overbearing. Show that you are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work, but do not become too much of a pain or get 'in their faces'. I dont mean that you shouldnt return to a prospective employer often to see if an opening has come up, but there is a fine line of diminishing returns. Be careful.

Well, that's all I have at this hour of the morning. Good luck, brudda.

Whups, just thought of something. Why not talk to your 'mates' about how they got hired. Perhaps they have a few tips for you.

04/13/07 06:25

Hellmeister

Posts: 3
Joined: 06/07/2006
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Job hunting tips

Dont worry i dress the part alright, i got myself a suti tailor made with a fair amount of my (short) life savings, i must say i dso look very snaz in it :P

got that over a year ago and its still slightly too big, which is fine as im still growing (thinknig ahead there). I put on my best DO and my most charming nature, i tailor my answers to any possible questions on the applciation and im changing my CV like everyday these days to try and get it to best suit whoever its going to, alas not alot so far.

As for asking my mates, well they just said they did everything i did, and i guess lady luck smiles on them and not me -_-

Oh well all i can do is just keep trying i guess, SOMEONE out there has to want me right? so i jsut have to keep looking i guess

(this is only for a college type job imagin how im gonig to fare job hunting after uni @_@)

04/13/07 10:33

whymsie

Posts: 1
Joined: 02/08/2005
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RE: Job hunting tips

I have been in management (health care) for about 8 years.
Everyone has listed great recommendations and it sounds like you are doing most of them already.
Eye contact is so important to me and a smile that is genuine, if you can't look me in the eye and make me believe you want to be here you won't sell the customer either.
The resume and cover letter are your foot in the door with me, once there appearance and personality. My theory: I am looking for some innate skills, I can teach the job basics I can't teach you communication skills and basic respect. I am sure you value the same and displayed this at your interviews, sadly the ppl interviewing don't have a clue. I agree with you, out of respect to the interviewee I always call them regarding the outcome of their interview. If they are interested I will schedule a time with them to discuss the reasons for not choosing them.
We have a few schools attached to out facility, the managers offer mock interviews to help any student interested. Maybe there is someone you know in a management position that can help you in the same way. We offer a critique( constructive , of course) Good Luck

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04/14/07 10:01

Hellmeister

Posts: 3
Joined: 06/07/2006
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RE: Job hunting tips

I keep my focus and smile as best i can (id assume that it is my weakest point but since ive only ever got to two interviews i dont see it being that much of a letdown for me). Well today i just landed what seems very promising, gave in an application form earlier today and they said they would ring me tomorrow to see what tiem suits me for an interview, tomorrow. That in my eyes seems posotive, time to pour on my charm, best suit and best deoderant i guess

04/14/07 14:57

whymsie

Posts: 1
Joined: 02/08/2005
Credibility: 0 pts

RE: Job hunting tips

QUOTE

I am sending positive thoughts your way.... I am sure this is the one!!

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04/14/07 15:42

Hellmeister

Posts: 3
Joined: 06/07/2006
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RE: Job hunting tips

I hope so, any means to escape this household i live in, somethings what surrounds me drives me nuts, i flip out and yeah, on focus im gonig to be as best as i can!

04/14/07 17:17

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