treehumper
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Ridgefield, NJ
I've been looking for work for the last couple of months and have finally landed something.
FWIW, While I did look at job postings I focused my efforts on finding reputable companies and calling the owners directly. Using the membership directory on the ISA website, Angie's list, and networking I found a few companies, the names of the owner or manager and then researched their website to see what there working conditions were like. Through the photos they used on the site and the description of the services and history I was able to get a handle on the "culture" of the company and how my background and skills may fit in. With a brief description (about 15 secs long) of my experience, skills and work ethics prepared I began calling them.
Most didn't call back, those that did were willing to listen to what I had to offer but many were struggling to keep their existing employees busy. I did manage to get a day here and there as a trial. This gave me a chance to eliminate a few. The ones that I thought were a good fit, I maintained contact with.
One fellow I called actually referred me to another company that he thought may be more likely to hire and offered his recommendation. That company is giving me a chance to work with them for a day though originally I was told he wasn't looking at the time.
Now I have landed a job with a company I cold called at the beginning of January. They called me back on Friday and interviewed me the same day.
The point I'm trying to make is, don't rely on advertised jobs, be positive, take control, call companies to talk to the owner describing what you've got to offer and never sound desperate. Network! Even with people you've only met for the first time. It's how you present yourself that will make the initial impression a good one.
Good luck out there!
FWIW, While I did look at job postings I focused my efforts on finding reputable companies and calling the owners directly. Using the membership directory on the ISA website, Angie's list, and networking I found a few companies, the names of the owner or manager and then researched their website to see what there working conditions were like. Through the photos they used on the site and the description of the services and history I was able to get a handle on the "culture" of the company and how my background and skills may fit in. With a brief description (about 15 secs long) of my experience, skills and work ethics prepared I began calling them.
Most didn't call back, those that did were willing to listen to what I had to offer but many were struggling to keep their existing employees busy. I did manage to get a day here and there as a trial. This gave me a chance to eliminate a few. The ones that I thought were a good fit, I maintained contact with.
One fellow I called actually referred me to another company that he thought may be more likely to hire and offered his recommendation. That company is giving me a chance to work with them for a day though originally I was told he wasn't looking at the time.
Now I have landed a job with a company I cold called at the beginning of January. They called me back on Friday and interviewed me the same day.
The point I'm trying to make is, don't rely on advertised jobs, be positive, take control, call companies to talk to the owner describing what you've got to offer and never sound desperate. Network! Even with people you've only met for the first time. It's how you present yourself that will make the initial impression a good one.
Good luck out there!
