Applying for new jobs etiquette

Being in college, we seem to get a lot of different advice on what to do to get a career. I'm looking for an engineering career within about 30 miles of my home. I'm firing out resumes like mad, applying for anything from entry level to jobs that request experience. I have a few solid years of co-op and internship experience. Some of the jobs I am confident I'm qualified for, some may be out of reach, but I still want it.

Here's my question: Should a person call the company you apply at to check on your application? How long would you wait before doing that? I've never done this for any of the previous jobs I've had, but it seems like now I have sent out a ton of resumes and never hear anything. Maybe I'm coming off as "just another online application"?

 

I'd go one better Ryan.

Find out who the hiring manager is and ask for a meeting. If you're lucky you'll be able to take him or her to lunch. If that works give them the resume. If that doesn't work tell them your interest in their company and ask if you can job shadow...if yes, then give your resume. Make sure you're educated on the company and the area you're applying for...

I've done this and I've been on both sides...both looking for a job and doing the hiring. Trust me, showing true interest in the job is a good thing so long as your not a pain in the ass. Interest in the job can even over come other short comings...

Do you know anyone working at places you're considering?

 

Yes you should definately follow up about your resume. Also, in case you get a phone interview once you follow up, be ready and know about the company (when company started, what the company excells in, who is the president of the co, know about the position you are applying for).

Also, make sure your resume is tailored for the job you are applying for. State skills/experience/education that is applicable to the job. Sounds like you are applying for several different jobs, so I would expect several different drafts of your resume to fit each job.

As far as when to follow up, it is not like dating and you need to wait 3 days or some bullshit. Call right away and show your interest. Then call back a week later, and show more interest.

If you got the interview, you have the skills they are looking for. Your job during the interview is to sell yourself. There are probably lots of other people applying for the same job, so you need to stand out. Remember people's names and have a great attitude.

I recommend go online and do some searching for interview skills and questions. Not only questions they will ask you, but have some questions for them.

Good luck!

 

Yea, I think there's more "donts" than "dos".

Years ago when I first started in low level management we reviewed resumes & applications as part of a required Interviewing & Selecting Employees class. The place I was working was typical big US corporation and had the standard bullshit questions on this divisions application. One question was something like "tell us about a stressful time in your life & how did you deal with it". On one resume & application I had some dude had actually answered that with this...while he was in college he didn't get alone with one his room mates and it was really hard not sticking him with a shiv. Really, that's what the guy wrote on a real application. He was working for us as a contractor, had his degree and had already passed a federally required back ground check & drug test. Needless to say he wasn't hired and his contract wasn't continued or renewed.

 

Interesting idea! That is something no one has mentioned before. I may try something like that.

Sound advice! But I need to get the interview first.

Thanks. I try to research the company as much as I can beforehand. I like to know where they have been and are going, growth options, and all that. I know I need to work on my interviewing too, but I can't even get a chance it seems like.

 

Yea definatley start practicing interviewing skills now. You will only get one chance to make that first impression, so be ready ahead of time. Don't wait until you have an interview to start practicing.

Practice in front of a mirror. Ask the standard questions they will ask (where do you see yourself in 5 years, what are you looking for, what makes you special, what are you looking for in a company, etc), and speak your answers out loud to get comfortable with them.

Also practice asking the questions you want to ask them (what are the growth opporutunities, available training). This will show you have serious interest and won't want to quite in 1-2 years.

Lastly, do not bring up pay. If they ask you what you would like to make, keep it vague and say something like 'just looking for a great opportunity to learn and grow'. They will pay you what the position's market value is most likely, so if they ask these questions, it is a trap.

 

Good ideas here! It seems like some of you guys have resume experience, so... Should I have my personal business on there as work experience? I did as someone suggested and listed myself as "principal" and I did the usual job description. I only manage 1 employee, the rest of the people are "contractors".

I currently have a job so my resume shows that I have worked at 2 places for the last year. I've heard that companies won't hire business owners, so could this be a road block?

 

Yep. 100%.

A company owners focus is typically on their own business not the prospective employer.

Ill be damned if I hired an engineer that was moonlighting. We keep them plenty busy as is.

Don't get me wrong - I really could care less what anyone does on their own time, but all our engineers are salaried so if you need to stay late - you need to stay late. None of that "I need to get home to my other job BS".

We also pay very well and there is no need for anyone here to have two jobs/careers.

 

It's not always what your know or your experience that counts. It's who you know. Look up local groups that get together and network. My wife did this for a while, here in Richmond it was called "HYPE". http://www.grcc.com/View.aspx?page=leaders/hype_redesign

This got her foot in the door after college.

Just a thought and good luck to you.

 

I took it off. There are so many mixed opinions out there, but I see what you're saying and it makes the most sense for engineers. I still have several solid jobs on my resume without it.

 

Does your school have a Career Services program? I know they can do things like check your resume, give you tips, and they even offer fake interviews so you can practice and get feedback about how you do. I've used mine a lot as of late.

I'm in the same position. I can just never seem to get that interview.

 

Every time I've been there, I get a different opinion or method. By now I've been led in so many different directions that I'm trying to go back to the basics and restart. I know there are a number of human resources and hiring managers on here that can offer sound ideas based on the real world. I applied to almost all of the local jobs I'm qualified for by now, so I'm not sure how I'm going to get those companies back.

 

Changed my resume, fired out an app, and got an interview just now!

 

Sweet! Best of luck bruda!

Curious, what did you change on your resume that you think made a difference?

 

Thanks!

I took off the self employed part. As someone stated, they don't like to see that you are running your own business while trying to work for them. If it made any difference, I don't know. I'm happy I have an interview. The interview is for a maintenance engineer position. Fixing things around the plant as such.

 

Yup, that's slick move.... it shows care and interest.

 

Congratulations.
Just be confident and polite. And know how you can help them.
Also, be prepared for a lot of soft-skill questions. We ofen ask things like "How have you handled a conflict with a Co worker in the past". Even though you might not have even had a job, they will expect answers.
Good luck!

 

Think of an interview as your opportunity to find out if the company is a good fit for you. Do your homework about the company and think about how you'll fit in there. Sometimes the right person for the job doesn't have all the qualifications but is a good fit for the company.

 

I'm up to 3 interviews this week now. Not sure how that happened. Luckily I could squeeze them all in so I don't need to stress over them all weekend. Now I'm working feverishly on my interview skills.