Tips for looking for employment

[Phu Cat]

Next Friday, the 30th, is my last day with my present employer.  I love my wife, but too much togetherness probably won't be good for us.

The last time I looked for a job you did it the old fashioned way.  But now that computers are so much in use for nearly everything, has that changed the way people seek employment?   Applying for a job over the 'net seems kind of impersonal but I can see where it might be a lot easier of the employer. 

Any tips on looking for part time work?   Also, I heard a rumor that my ex can claim part of my social security even though she worked at the time.  True?

Thanks for your advice,  PC.

[quikbike]

Good Luck I've been looking since Daytona Bike Week. Problem is there are millions looking also.

[ohio-rider]

I think it shows you have some initiative when applying for employment in person.  The old fashioned method of getting out there and hitting the pavement is as good a way as ever. Good Luck PC.

[marc]

God...Where do I begin...I went through the same thing several years ago...There are also a lot of other people looking too...Start by networking...Talk to friends and business contacts who may know people who can help you...Visit company websites of companies that you may be interested in...Post your resume on hotjobs.com and other job search websites...I got some inquiries that led to a few interviews...Also some head hunting firms have websites where you can post your resume...Be proactive and follow up after you have posted your resume...My job search ended up being a full time job for 4 months...5 or 6 hours a day...Very depressing at times and got me down which did not help me at all...Try to stay positive...

[ΚĜΗΟŜΤ]

I have had MANY jobs over the years and I became somewhat savy looking on the computer/internet.

These should be some of the things you do in preperation.

1. get/make your Resume and make it good and nice. Easy to read and specific and to the point.

2. Save it as a word document and also save it again as a text file. Some online applications require a text version only.

3. google search for online job search sites. My favorite is Monster.com. I has worked many times for me.

4. be careful putting your info online/signing up for a job search web site. They tend to attract all the hungry head hunters and you get swamped with emails and phone calls. Not that that is a bad thing but it can become overwhelming and a pain because they may try to get you something you are not qualified for or really want to do. Just my opinion.

Still use your local and major city newspapers because not all company's advertise on the internet. (limits applicants)

When and if you go on a interview, Dress For Success!!!! Look for info on company and be informed. Try to get a feel for what it is they are looking for and absolutly tell them what THEY want to hear!! Try not to talk about you or your life. Try to answer questions about the job and company. Also they always seem to ask "Why do you want to work for us" or "where do you see yourself in the future if you get hired for this position"

just some of my experiences and opinions.

KGHOST

[dablaze]

Look for info on company and be informed

Its amazing how much this can make you stand out...

Craig

[02roadcling]

+ in person.
One time I found a job opening and went there in person during the day and talked to the boss. Next day I was there at 8am holding my lunch. He thanked me and said he'd get back to me. Yeah sure he would, not. Next day same thing. I asked if the position was filled.

Third day he said get to work.

cling

[Rags722]

Practice saying "Do you want fries with that?".   

Sorry, I just couldn't help it.  I got whacked (middle management) after 38 years with the same company about 4 years ago.  Not wanting to commute 3 hours a day and compete with 25 year old kids willing to work 80 hours a week to make a name for themself, I decided to pick up a few unskilled PT jobs and slip into semi retirement.  Since I wanted to work on my terms, and the Home Depots/Lowe's of the world figured PT'ers all should work some Saturdays & Sundays, I decided full time retirement was a better deal.  Then again, I have to admit I really wasn't busting my butt to find a real job so there may be just the right thing out there for ya.
Rags

[Scooterfish]

Good advise above. As for the Ex wife, if you were married for 10 yrs or longer the ex can use your income/ ss credits if it will increase her check. You need to check it out, but I don`t think doing that has any effect on what you will get.

[000]

look healthy and answer only the questions asked

[Sc00ter]

The most productive way to find new employment will always be thru your friends, family, business contacts, neighbors - people who know you.  It eliminates risk on their side if they can hire someone familiar vs. a stranger.  Most openings are not advertised in any way.  If you don't happen to know someone who knows someone - you would never know of open positions.  Sometimes people are afraid to tell their acquaintences of their unemployment - because they are ashamed to.  There is no shame in looking for work.  Take it from someone who is generally on the hiring side of the equation....network - network - network. 

[Phu Cat]

Scooterfish,  If the EX is already getting disability from SS, can she still come back to try to get more? 

PC

[Princess Butt]

I got my current job more than 12 years ago. I figured I would come here, work a few years, then be on my way.

When they hired me, there were 3 things that helped:

1. I was willing to learn the way they did things first, before changing anything.
2. A friend of mine was the point of contact. He's no longer working here, but that's beside the point.
3. I wore a suit, had a fresh haircut, and answered questions carefully.

A good thing to remember? Make sure you run a spell check on your resume'. Years ago, I worked for a woman who was a total wench, she was just horrible. But she started her career as a secretary, and I had to admire her ability to go thru a stack of resumes in under an hour. She would look for any grammatical or blatant spelling errors, and that would weed out 90% of the candidates on the first run.

BnEUC

[Scooterfish]

Scooterfish,  If the EX is already getting disability from SS, can she still come back to try to get more? 

PC

She can always try but the short answer is I don`t know. Your concern is that what ever she gets I don`t believe it`s going to come at  your expense in a lower payment to you. I would check with SS to be sure.

[HyperDetroit]

At the risk of being very obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people ignore to do one simple thing: looking presentable when applying/interviewing.

Hyper

[smokey3644]

As a former manager that has hired many people and served on many selection panels I can tell you the three most important things to consider when applying for a job. 
                          1.  Your resume must be short, to the point and grammatical, with perfect spelling.
                          2.   Act like you really want the job and tell your interviewer why you'd be a positive asset to the company.
                          3.   Dress, I don't care if it's a job as a garbage man, don't dress like one for the interview.
I can't tell you how many apps I've looked at from people that were supposedly college graduates that I couldn't read, if you can't write pay someone to do it for you, a professional resume is a huge asset.

Good luck.

[apes]

...and if you have freekin tats, hide them!!

[Deye76]

The most important...these days, pass a drug screening. You'd be amazed at the well dressed, well groomed applicants that fail.