OT-- Job Search advice

[bubba]

I am looking to make a career change, and quickly. There have been a few events happening at work the past few months, and I don't want to be a part of this anymore. I have never had to actually look for a job before, do a resume, etc... I did a resume, had a few people check it out, and I sent it to a company about a week and a half ago. They didn't say what they were paying, but in the ad they asked for salary requirements, so I told them what I needed. I haven't heard anything back that they even received it. I did send it with a cover letter. They have since posted the opening again. Is there a "protocol" or rule for follow-ups once a resume is submitted? It was submitted via email with a cover letter.

[Seven181]

Ken,

I would give them a week to get it, then call and ask if they received it. Ask if the positon is still open and see if you can talk to the hiring manager. Be very upbeat and ask the hiring manager any questions you have about the job.

Tell them you are very interested and want to know more about who they are looking for. Tell them what you can bring to the table in terms of work ethic, skills and so on.

Brian

[ZMonet]

I have to agree with Brian's advice.  Having looked for work on a number of occassions, I know how difficult it can be to find a job.  It is very smart of you to be proactive while you have a job (as opposed to leaving and then looking for a job).  Another key thing to do when talking with the company is to make sure you have researched the company thoroughly and that you sell yourself.  Avoid talking about why working at the company would be good for you and focus on what you can do to meet the company's needs.  Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions -- the last thing you want to do is jump from the kettle into the fire.  Good luck.

[SIGNGUY]

Be upbeat... I was in charge of hiring at a couple of my jobs and always looked for upbeat postive people.. no matter what the field.  If a weeks' gone by I'd call and just to follow up that they got the resume'.
Good luck! and yes your doing it smart... keep you chin up at the current gig until you find something to replace it with...
Good luck! '>

[Kilroy]

And network yourself. It's no different then telling friends you are looking for  coke machines or game room stuff,  spread the word  to friends and family that you are  looking to change jobs, and would they let you know if they hear of anything.
A lot of times positions are filled  before an ad is placed in the newspaper, or posted at monster, Dice, etc,  because a firend or family member is  recommended.

and on that note

I just want to say good luck. we're all counting on you. ...

[ZMonet]

You might start your networking with letting us know what field you are looking for work in and what geographic location.  There may be people here in your field, or people who know people in your field.  Just like people find soda machines in strange ways, the same can hold true for a job.

[90grad]

Ken.

A good website is www.usajobs.com.  This is the website for every open federal government job in the nation.  It has a good search engine.  You will submit your resume electronically in a format they specify (it's easy to do).  The key thing is to make sure your resume has all the key words the job duties and requirements have.  This is because the first scan of your resume is done by computer and it looks for the key words to determine if you might qualify.  Best of luck to you. '>

[bubba]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. They specifically mentioned in the ad for no phone calls. They provided an email addy and a fax number. I can send a follow up email and see if I get a response. As far as networking goes, I do have feelers out there. I have talked with a few of my suppliers whom I have become close with over the years and they have eyes and ears open. I've had a few leads, but nothing substantial so far.

Right now, I am in a niche job. We manufacture pressing equipment for the garment and dry cleaning industry. It is an extended family business that I was promised a future in, and after 13 years, its not gonna happen. My current position is plant manager-- I am responsible for seeing work get put into production, making sure its done right and on time plus all of the other jobs I've taken on over the years. I have a thing for automation, whether it be home, commercial, or industrial manufacturing. Over the years, I designed and patented a machine for steaming automobile seats on the conveyor line. Anyone owning a Dakota pickup and a few other vehicles made in the past 5-6 years, the seats were probably run through my machine. I have plc experience, ac/dc wiring and troubleshooting, pneumatic circuitry understanding.  Anyway, the place I applied to is a manufacturer of automated packaging machinery and they are looking for a builder and technician to repair the machines.

I have a buddy who is also trying to set me up with a company he deals with that does home automation systems.

I am looking in the Central NJ area.

[bubba]

Wayne... thanks for the link... I'll have a look into that. So far, the only places I've browsed through are monster, careerbuilder, craigslist and the local papers.

[Eric]

Bubba ...
 I feel your pain.. I'm in the same boat...
I work for ATT in the art department and have topped out... and
there ain't much at the top in this department.....there is no
senior artist position and a management position is out.
I have friends in other companies that make twice as much but
is more physical labor than this sitting behind a desk gig...
And at this time I'm looking into something more along that line.
I want to do what I like which is art but I need to provide for my
wife and kids so I'm doing a lot of soul searching....
Hang in there, follow up on your resume...Look into Monster Inc...
that would be a great idea.. put your resume there....
Someone may be looking for you!