Finding a Job It can be pretty hard…

Knowing What’s Available Tell everyone you know you’re looking for a new job. When a new position opens up: –Look internally –Ask your network –Pay Monster, HotJobs, Dice, etc. $$

Goals Get an Interview –Resume Get a second interview –Have a good Interview Get an offer –Get a second interview

The Resume to Get an Interview Sounds brutal, but you get about 20 seconds of a screener’s time. They have a specific idea of the candidate in mind. You need to MATCH their idea.

Resume Matching Salary Expectations –If they’re not in-line, don’t expect them to read much further. Work History –If your previous jobs don’t match what the position requires, don’t expect them to read much further. –If your job titles don’t match, they’re not going to read the details. –If you want a job as a Project Manager, don’t tout that you were a IT Director. –If you’ve jumped around (<2 years), spin it. Work Experience –If you’re over-qualified, or under-qualified, you have to spin it. –Over-qualified is HARD. Under qualified can be easier, but you need to have a good interview! –Consultants need to explain why they want a “regular job.”

First Interview Meeting your new Boss –Act like they’re doing you a big favor by seeing you.

First Interview What to Bring –Enthusiasm & Interest –Enough resumes for everyone you meet –Examples of your work –A refreshed brain to answer “trick” questions and do some drawings. –Timeframe when you’re available to talk (phone) –When you’re available to start How to Act –Happy to be there –Act interested in the Position, Department, Company –Like you’d know what you would be doing

First Interview What to Get –Business cards / Contact Info –Timeframe to hear back –Who will contact you What to Ask –Ask questions, save at least one or two for the end –Send a Thank You to everyone you met!

Hang Time Send the thank you notes –This really does put you at the top of the list if you’ve made it this far. Call and bug them –Be careful, but it works.

Second Interview Meeting your new peers –Don’t be a threat. –Get along with everyone. –If you’re being hired to get a project up to speed, don’t seem like everyone’s time drain. –If you’re being hired as an entry-level, act eager to learn from the Masters, but eager to learn quickly from the Masters. Meeting your boss’s boss –You’ve already been somewhat approved by your new boss. –Don’t come off like a weirdo. Be likeable. Communicate well. Offer just a little bit more than what was asked, but not no more.

What about… Cover Letter? –Honestly, it is rarely read unless you’re applying at AmEx (?), Accenture, etc. Spinning? –Don’t lie, but get the interview. Thank You Notes? –Send one

What about… Trick Questions? –They do exist! They’re asked to see how you handle the question and to rate your problem solving skills and ingenuity, not if you have the answer memorized. –aka Practice looking like you’re a problem solver, even if you’ve memorized the answer.

What about… Whiteboarding? –Coder At least be able to write a bubble sort, describe a linked list, explain polymorphism. How do you work with Business people? –Analyst Draw a UML diagram. Describe the differences between functional and non-functional requirements. How do you work with developers? –Project Manager Have answers around project metrics. Last project in dollars, time, people hours, variances, etc.

Fin