September, 2001
By MICHAEL DOJC
Employment is
Always Out There
In the midst of a sputtering job market, economic implosion,
"r"word, call it what you may, it's not enough to just send out stacks
of resumes and prey to your deity of choice(I prefer the mighty
Workopolis). Qualifications rarely speak for themselves. Remember, if
employers were interested in you, your phone would be ringing off the
hook. The ball is in the big suits court, and its your job to convince
them that you've got mad skills.
The first thing to do is not to
panic. Put on your best game face, suck in that belly, and then get
psyched to wow the pants off the next HR department you walk into. It's
not exactly rocket Science, you've just got to be personable, charming,
and qualified--not necessarily in that order. If you're not up to snuff
with the job requirements of your desired post, maybe its time to get
some extra corporate cred by enrolling in a course or three.
Keep
Hope Alive
Think of yourself as
a debutante at your sweet sixteen party, (guys picture the day you
noticed that girl next door), either way its showtime! Sure, you've
heard it all before but its true--use your contacts, go to social
engagements and make new contacts, and most importantly, network,
network, and then network some more.
Get Tactical
Compile a list of
places you wouldn't mind punching clock at, and then cold call them to
find out if they're hiring. If they are vague or standoffish about
opportunities in the immediate to near future, call back the next day
till you get a straight answer.
Personalize resumes to show that
you've done your research. Be aggressive and walk right into offices
armed with gallons of self-confidence--no not the liquid kin-- and talk
to employers face to face. Remember to brush your teeth, and no this
not a lame excuse for a joke. The Office Hipster is talking dead
straight.
People Want to Help
Enlist the aid of University job
resource centers while you still have access to them. The outside world
is also filled with recruitment/headhunting agencies that are free to
join and make their bread on placing you in a job, the cushier and more
lucrative the bigger their take--which works out fine by you. HRDC,
Aquent, Adecco, and Drake are just a few. So keep your head held high
and chill, you will find a job provided of course you still want one.