1
2
3
lots of good info in this post that I've heard even my own boss.
I like the follow up call. Plus cold call or e-mail some companies- just because they don't have a job opening listed somewhere doesn't mean you can contact them to see if they have an opening or will be soon. I know a few poeple who got jobs that weren't even advertised.
Jerry From LA wrote:SVreX wrote:BTW- Jerry from LA nailed it. I don't have any disagreement with him whatsoever- networking and word of mouth FAR exceeds any other option. There are plenty of jobs that get listed just because they are supposed to get listed- the position was occupied long before it was listed.
But you didn't ask that. You asked how to get your resume noticed.
True dat. However, my point is that the best way to get your resume noticed is with a "bullet," i.e. a personal recommendation either attached to it or a separate letter or phone call.
We all know people who know people. Making the most of contacts gives your resume extra weight.
I would also like to hear from people regarding the value of sites like LinkedIn when job-hunting.
A little over a year ago, I looked long and hard at becoming an employment councelor, someone who coaches and guides people through the transition between jobs as possible new profession. One of the of the interesting statistics I found was that in 2009 nationally about 20% of positions were being filled by people who responded to advertising (Craigslist/Monster/other job boards) about 12% were people who applied to company's website and the rest, 68%, were filled by personal referals.
Budget your time and energy accordingly. Online applications and job adds do get people hired. However your network (friends, family, old workers, professors, etc.) is the best source of job leads. Learn to use it.
I've had several jobs since graduating, in widely varying fields. Every single one was from a personal referral, with the exception of one. In that case, I cold-called the company and said "I have these skills, nobody else outside that industry over there has them, and you need them in yours". Got two of their senior managers to back me up and basically created my own job.
I've never had the paper diplomas for any of my jobs. Always done pretty well on them, but it's always been experience/skills backed up by personal referrals that got me the gig.
It's hard to network in a city where my field isn't exactly in demand. It's known (Count GIS Office and local utility use it), but I haven't heard of any engineering firms using it in Erie.
So, how can I find those obscure jobs in my community that won't be posted or are within organizations that are difficult to network in.
I've tried volunteering with groups that use GIS, but they are either paying people do their mapping, or they do it themselves.
Network with other GIS guys. There must be some :)
Jerry From LA wrote:.....or you can "create" your dream job by explaining to companies how they benefit from GIS. You may not convince anyone but your "road show" will look great on your resume, especially to DeLorme and Xmap and etc.
PHeller wrote:I've tried volunteering with groups that use GIS, but they are either paying people do their mapping, or they do it themselves.
That's a good start. You've begun identifying the need for the services you want to provide.
2 questions:
Is relocation an option? If so, you can consider a job anywhere.
Is self employment an option? Even if it is part time? If so, you could set up your own small business designed to meet the needs of those local people currently paying other people, with more targeted local focus at a better price. Once you get a name doing it, other opportunities for employment may open up.
