Aside from who you know, it's also how you do it

That's what I think. "It's not just what you know these days, it's WHO you know", I agree, but you also have to put a little elbow grease into your final product as well.

Just like a musician (such as myself) will practice a musical piece over and over until it's right, you need to market yourself well and paint your face on a virtual billboard. Since June I've been searching for work, and as I've said in a recent post, just recently I've been getting a few calls. Why?

Because I've been going insane posting and reposting my resume on all of the jobsearch sites I'm on - craigslist, hotjobs, careerbuilder, monster, not to mention applying to job after job on indeed.com, simplyhired.com, etc. I apply, and when I don't get a response, I reapply. If I find that I have to send a resume to an actual Hiring Manager, or HR Representative, I follow up. If I'm asked to call, I call. Always do as you say, and do as you are asked.

And that linkedin site- if you think people arent watching or looking at your profile, you're 100% wrong. Just last week, I decided to spit my mind out and post my thoughts with the idea that someone was going to see me and say "hey, I have a job you can apply for". But, apparently my words took on more of a ranting and raging format and actually received a message from a mentor (customer of our family's business) basically telling me to shut my trap and not to rant. Haha, not a "you're an idiot" email, but more of a "hey man, I know you are frustrated, just chill out- you'll scare any prospective employers away". I removed my posts and ended up creating this log. By the way, those advertisements displayed on the right side here, click on them - they sometimes link you to pretty good information and great articles relative to our little blog here.

Now, can I say that these calls back that I got were for great positions? Hell no, they were for positions that I'd never consider. Financial planner/advisor? I'm not a sales guy, and I dont think I'd be good at it- 100% commissions? No, not yet. How about an interior decorating franchise? Uhh, rather, I'd end up going to salons and find women who like to decorate and try to sell them a franchise. Food franchise? Yes, interior decorating franchise? I don't think that'll go down well.

So, I've basically said to keep posting, keep replying, always follow up, answer your phone no matter what number calls you, you NEVER know who may be on the other line, and they won't always leave you a message. Remember that.

Network, find groups on facebook, linkedin, whatever site you choose and introduce yourself. I'm not saying to go to a random person and give them your life story, in New York, they'd think you're just crazy. Do it in a forum, online somewhere, get involved with a group, and when you find out about a job fair, just go. It usually wont cost you anything and you never know what companies may be there offering. In fact, I'm going to a job fair in NYC next week. I found out about it through a Greek organization whom I subscribe to. Last time I went, in 2006, there were many companies - most of which I was too green for, but maybe things will be different. Unlike the last time I was looking for a job, I actually have a bit more of an aim now. I was a Business Analyst, maybe not to the extent I could have been (other than what I've done in college, I really havent acted as a programmer), but I feel that I'm good at what I do. We'll just have to wait and see what happens.

As for who you know- I've been able to meet some very interesting people who are able to help me with my search. They've been more than generous with their time and hopefully something will be able to come of it. At the very least, I have a personal outlet to send my resume to, who will then forward that over to people they know, and so on and so forth. Oh, and one of those guys, is the dude who told me to not "rant" on linkedin. I saw the man today, he's a gentleman.

So, to me, it seems that I've actually been ranting on and on today- I'm not looking to kiss my ass or anyone to ask if I'd like a biscuit. All I am saying, however, is this: finding work is a full time job. The more you put into it, the more you get back.

My major book company phone interview story comes tomorrow. Maybe I'll throw in the story about not pushing for a job which may have ended up doing well.

Time to help the wife cook dinner.