How to get a job

[Dear Leader]

I have a trade, and I was going to different construction companies asking if they were hiring. One manager asked me a few questions, and actually went over my resume in front of me. He asked me about rate of pay I would expect, I think I may have high balled with it, but made note that it was totally negotiable. He was writing things on the copy of the resume I gave him.

Is this a good sign? I haven't had a job with my trade before, and I was wondering if anyone had some tips, and some things that I should take note of when meeting with a potential employer.

[LOLseph Stalin]

Tips to get jobs? I'm all ears. I haven't worked in five years.

[#FF0000]

Always make it about them. When they ask why you're interested in working there, make it all about what you like about the company and what you can do for the company and all that. Helps to do a little research about the company so you can drop facts casually like "Yeah I heard about this new project..." or "I know your company did *positive thing here* and that sounds like a team I wanna be a part of" or some bullshit like that.

And uh always lowball the "how much do you expect to be paid" thing. Find the median of what folks in your line of work get paid and go with that, or slightly lower.

[Lord Hargreaves]

The looking at your resume, making notes thing, yeah that's hard to interpret as anything other than a great sign. Good luck bro :thumbup1:

As a general tip on getting a job, you have to immerse yourself in the latest employment language, and trends in resume presentation, interview technique etc. Employers are often looking for signs that you "get it" before they bother to go into the details of who you are and what you can bring to the company. It isn't an equal relationship between them and you after all, and you have to show that you'd make a good "club member" (unless you are far and away the most qualified for the job obviously, but most people are never in this position).

[LOLseph Stalin]

Always make it about them. When they ask why you're interested in working there, make it all about what you like about the company and what you can do for the company and all that. Helps to do a little research about the company so you can drop facts casually like "Yeah I heard about this new project..." or "I know your company did *positive thing here* and that sounds like a team I wanna be a part of" or some bullshit like that.

And uh always lowball the "how much do you expect to be paid" thing. Find the median of what folks in your line of work get paid and go with that, or slightly lower.

This is like the hardest piece of advice for a communist to follow since we really know what goes on in businesses :laugh:. I hope we're all just really good liars.

[Riveraxis]

I forged my first resume and they never really checked into it.
Most companies won't unless they require a bit of experience, then they will check your references to see if you were a hard worker.
Worst case scenario- they realize you're full of shit and you have to find another lead.
Best case scenario- you get a job.

Overall all they are looking for (in most companies) is someone who will show up on time, work hard, and not cause problems. You'd be surprised how many people are simply not capable of doing that. Just walk into any interview you land with a positive attitude and remember to shake hands.
Bourgeois love to shake hands.

Don't fake some interest in the company. They're are most likely not stupid and will not believe that you have a passion for menial labor. I dunno what kind of job you're trying to land, but I assume it's entry level, in which case you just need a positive attitude to get one.

If you're having a hard time finding leads, check craigslist. I've found every job I've ever had through craigslist.
Call centers and low-end restaurants are real easy to work for. I would recommend staying the fuck away from any fast food place.

[Philosophos]

This is like the hardest piece of advice for a communist to follow since we really know what goes on in businesses :laugh:. I hope we're all just really good liars.

We're well trained from capitalists' lies :D

[cyu]

I've been meaning to put together a bunch of (personal) reviews of what various cooperative-type companies say they're like, and if I thought they could be improved or be worth working for. Something along the lines of http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smygo/links/Counter_Economics_001186112419/Worker_Owned_and_Controlled_Businesses_00121554994 2/ but with more stuff. Would be cool if I could also get them to start talking, linking up, and working more with one another.

Too lazy / busy to do it though. One of these days, one of these days! :grin:

[Pretty Flaco]

On "focusing on the company", focus on what you can do for them. Make it clear how you will benefit them.

[homegrown terror]

The looking at your resume, making notes thing, yeah that's hard to interpret as anything other than a great sign. Good luck bro :thumbup1:

As a general tip on getting a job, you have to immerse yourself in the latest employment language, and trends in resume presentation, interview technique etc. Employers are often looking for signs that you "get it" before they bother to go into the details of who you are and what you can bring to the company. It isn't an equal relationship between them and you after all, and you have to show that you'd make a good "club member" (unless you are far and away the most qualified for the job obviously, but most people are never in this position).

i've actually had some success doing the exact opposite. when you go into a job interview, you're essentially on inspection, and have to prove to THEM why THEY should hire YOU. if you're good with words, however, you can put the guy off-balance and have him trying to prove why YOU should work for THEM. it'll take a bit of practice (expect some failed attempts, so try it first on jobs you could really do without) but once you've got the con down pat, it's your key into employment from here until the revolution (or until you retire, if the revolution's feeling lazy)

[Decolonize The Left]

I have a trade, and I was going to different construction companies asking if they were hiring. One manager asked me a few questions, and actually went over my resume in front of me. He asked me about rate of pay I would expect, I think I may have high balled with it, but made note that it was totally negotiable. He was writing things on the copy of the resume I gave him.

Is this a good sign? I haven't had a job with my trade before, and I was wondering if anyone had some tips, and some things that I should take note of when meeting with a potential employer.

Yes that is a good sign. What you need to do is follow up on that interaction. Get the number of the business and the extension of the manager you spoke to. Call back and politely say that you are following up on your previous meeting and would simply like to know if there's been any progress in regards to possibilities for your employment. If he says no then say thank you for your time and let him know you'd be interested if any openings appear in the future. If he says yes then say great and you'd like to schedule a time to come in and discuss the details.

When you show up again look clean and well-groomed but come dressed appropriately for whatever position you are looking to get.

Good luck.

[ellipsis]

not specifically dealing with the OP's question but i thought that I would offer my job hunting advise.

check craigslist frequently. idealist.org if you are looking for a non-profit-type job.

cold call places. go through the phone book, the news paper or any local publication and start calling, asking if they are hiring.

apply to jobs you are not qualified for, bullshit if you need to.

bring a resume to every job interview, even if you will fill out an application while you are there. bring a resume and cover letter to interviews, even if you sent them in.

network, this basically means meeting people, schmoozing, giving out your business card, generally getting your name out there.

[revolon]

Before going for a job interview, first of all you need to aware of whatever you have provided as detail in your résumé or even copy pasted some part of it. As you might be asked for some of these details. Try to find out latest progressions and relevant details of the field for which you are going to apply.