Going job hunting tomorrow, any tips?

Brandon1 · 04-13-07, 02:38

I changed my major at NC State from Construction Engineering to Agricultural and Enviromental Tech. with a minor in machinery systems (tractors, trucks, heavy equipment). So I am looking for a job at the closest thing to tractors/trucks/equipment around here, a dealership. I am looking at my first priority being a equipment/tractor dealership, with a second priority to a auto-dealership (gotta be similar right?). I have never had a "public" job before, I have always worked for myself (detailing) or with dad (general contractor). I am a little nervous about going around to these places with my resume in hand asking for a job. I actually got a lead at a local John Deere dealership already, and have an interview next week.

Do yall have any tips for a nervous guy like me that is getting a public job for the first time in his life. I am more nervous than anything right now, hoping for the best. I have my resume, I am going to dress nice, and if the places arent hiring, leave my resume with them for the future. Any other tips?

Thanks, wish me luck!
Brandon

Joshua312 · 04-13-07, 02:44

Brandon,

Don't know how many jobs like the one you are talking about may be on this site but it is worth a shot Indeed | one search. all jobs. It's a great resource for jobs.

As for the job search, if you are passionate about the job and getting into this field of work - there is no need to be nervous. Just do your best, be yourself, and let your passion show.

Before I went job hunting I did a lot of looking around on the internet at interview questions and tried to come up with answers, don't be rehearsed but just have an idea of what you want to talk about. Be prepared to talk about yourself as well, who you are, what you love to do, etc..

A lot of employers are more worried about your personality and who you are rather than what is on your resume. Good luck and don't get too worried/stressed out, you'll do great!

zippymbr · 04-13-07, 06:10

Make sure to have a cover letter that will get their attention. Many people overlook this or just do not include one. My Wife and Dad have often done alot of hiring for their companies so I got to see alot of what works and what does not. Also do some mock interviews and come up with answers that just roll out of your mouth without hesitaion. Leave the interviewer with a question like "is there any reason you can think of that I should not be hired for this position?" This gives you another chance to sell yourself and your skills.

Joshua312 · 04-13-07, 06:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippymbr

Leave the interviewer with a question like "is there any reason you can think of that I should not be hired for this position?"

Great piece of advice, I used a similar line in a job interview I had..I ended up getting the job!

Brandon1 · 04-13-07, 07:50

I may have to use that line, thanks fellas!

Brandon1 · 04-13-07, 07:51

And what is a cover letter?

Joshua312 · 04-13-07, 07:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon1

And what is a cover letter?

It's kinda like a letter to the employer that talks about your qualifications, why you are a good fit with the company/position.

Check out this link:
JobStar--Cover Letter Template

Pennypacker · 04-13-07, 08:58

This is what job-hunting's like...

no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no yes

..from the book, "What Color Is Your Parachute?" (great book, by the way). Sometimes, you just have to get through all the no's to get to the yes, kinda like a numbers game.

Also, most jobs aren't advertised online or in print, so don't just depend on that. Find companies that you want to work for, try to get a contact, and then show how your skill set would benefit them. At the very least, leave your materials (resume, cover letter, contact info) and kindly ask them to contact you if any matching positions should open up. If you can, avoid HR because that's just an endless pit and your resume will go into a big pile with all the rest.

And when the point in time comes where you're going to interviews, send a Thank You letter afterwards! That's no small deal.

Good Luck!

BMW335i · 04-13-07, 09:38

Speak well, and sound lively and friendly. Talk to them about your experience(s) with what your are looking to do. They like that stuff. Talk about any unique skills you have, they LOVE special skills.

Brandon1 · 04-15-07, 04:26

Ok, I still have a few places to go. I always heard that a thank-you letter is appropriate for people that have taken time to talk with me. Whudda yall think?

Also, if I get a call back with a job offer, and I want to wait until I talk with all of my prospects, is it rude to let the guy know that. I dont want to settle for a job with the probability of getting a better one at another place.

Joshua312 · 04-15-07, 04:40

Brandon, I would follow up with a thank you letter. This is what I did, I sent it out a day after I met with the employer. Also, it leaves the communication door open and puts you a step ahead of the competition with professionalism.

As for the taking all options into consideration, I think that is fair...but just don't wait too long to get back to them as they may move on to the next applicant. When I went job hunting, I only applied at jobs where I would love to work, in this case I could go from employer to employer and if one came along with a "yes" I knew it would be the perfect opportunity. It took one employer 2 weeks to call me back and offer me the position as they needed to interview others as well, trust me when that perfect opportunity comes around you will know it!

Hope it is going well for you so far!

Brandon1 · 04-15-07, 05:23

I definatly have interest, I got a meeting tomorow with the owner of the local John Deere dealer, and a commercial John Deere dealer is calling me tomorrow. The local Kubota tractor dealer invited me next weekend to the open house to talk more with me, and the local Massey Ferguson dealer, whom the owner I have known all my life, said he has a sales job opening up in a month or so and he would give me first dibbs.