Going job hunting tomorrow, any tips?

GlossyTundra

GlossyTundra

Tractor Detailer
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
 
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!
 
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.
 
zippymbr said:
Leave the interviewer with a question like "is there any reason you can think of that I should not be hired for this position?"
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Great piece of advice, I used a similar line in a job interview I had..I ended up getting the job!
 
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! :xyxthumbs
 
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.
 
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.
 
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!
 
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.
 
Use people you know to network for you. That is how MANY, MANY people get their jobs. Family or friend connections. Don't be afraid to use them, but if you do you'd better be prepared to work hard and not embarass the person that got you there.
 
Yes a follow up call and or thankyou letter is always nice and professional. It is OK most of the time to get a few days to a week to make a decision on a job offer. Asking for longer might just get the offer removed. Yes, network.network,network, it is all about face time. get your face and resu in front of as many hiring managers and their bosses as you can. It comes down to who you know in many small companies as well as large corp.
 
bigltc said:
Don't forget to check your university's job search office. They may have leads on internships and summer jobs.
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+1 on this idea, they also have resources such as websites which are connected to local employers. Usually there are jobs posted here that you will never see in the newspaper because they know colleges are the best places to find qualified applicants.



Internships are a great idea, most are paid - but if not the experience you gain is well worth your time even if you find another job, I would highly suggest an internship at some point. Hope it is going good so far, sounds like you have a lot of good leads - what do you need us for :sign
 
Yeah, def. I tried to go to my remaining 3 dealerships today, one person was out sick, one was on an emergency call to VA. and one was in a meeting (he was like, I dont mind meeting with you, I just wanna know who told you now was ok, he was cool).



I'm just hoping on some calls,
 
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