First Post

As all of you can see, attending job fairs can bring about some interesting results, like an interview with Dave Price of WHO TV. This is my first post to all of you seeking employment during these difficult economic times. My message is to maintain a positive attitude and to remember that the career positions you are applying for with a myriad of companies will happen within their time frame not yours. This is probably the most frustrating aspect of the job search. We're excited by an interview, whether telephone or face to face, then apprehensive about the screening process and the perpetual wait to hear again from a prospective employer.

For those of you seeking a new career, especially professionals who are unemployed, you must take advantage of the great opportunities available to you free of charge at the Iowa Workforce Development Center (IWD) located at 430 E. Grand Avenue in Des Moines. This is not just the "unemployment office"!! Become a member of IWD and the doors open with friendly professionals who give you the respect you deserve, help you build your resume, brush up on your interviewing skills, and most importantly, assist you in finding the right job. I have even been able to network with outside corporate leaders from introductions by staff at IWD.

As I continue to pursue my next adventure in life, I will keep you informed through this blog. I really appreciate the many blogs that all of you have been posting. We are here to listen to and help each other. I'm grateful to meet so many of you online.

Steve

Week 1-4

Well, at first I performed the obvious. I went to all the similar companies in the area and dropped off a resume. Unfortunately only one was 'hiring'. I use this term loosely because while they were advertising for a position, I came to find out later that they were not actually going to hire someone until the market rebounded.
I also applied with a bunch of 'headhunter' companies. These companies actually seek out employee's for employer's. They basically do a lot of the work for you. I would highly recommend seeking out these type of companies. I also tried to let everyone that I knew that I was looking for a job. You never know who might know someone! This will come into play later on my next blog on how I got another interview.
I also checked in with my alumni association at Iowa State University and probably had the most success with finding applicable jobs initially. They have CMS 'Career Management Services' where employers can post job opportunities on the universities website and you can apply online.
Another avenue I pursued was the usual Des Moines help wanted, Monster Jobs, Career Builder, etc. I did have moderate success with finding applicable jobs at these type of locations as well.

Stay tuned for more updates next week.

Noah

Dazed and Confused

Well here goes my first blog. I'm Noah, I was on the Channel 13 news 'Job Seeker' report on Saturday September 7th on the 10pm news. I was formerly employed by a Fire Sprinkler company in Des Moines. I had worked for the company since my graduation from Iowa State University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in May of 2004. Unfortunately, there was no heads up from my former company that anyone was going to be let go. I found out on a Friday at 2pm. I guess at least I had the weekend to gather myself and figure out a game plan for looking for a new job. I'll discuss my next steps on my following posts............So stay tuned!

A bit disappointed

I am a bit disappointed that after having three interviews with one company, I was the person who had to make the contact with them and find out that the job had been given to someone else. Oh, well, on to the next contact!

Yes, I'm still here

Yes, I am still looking for a job. I just got sidetracked a bit as I took on a seasonal job at the great Iowa State Fair!!

What an adventure--if you count an adventure as working 12-13 hour days for 14 days in a row!! I did have fun though and learned a lot about myself. Like . . .

1. I could work 12-13 hour days in the sweltering heat and/or during rainy days
2. I don't need to find a desk job anymore like I used to have. My legs held up for those 12 hour days.
3. I developed a new appreciation for sleep. My head hit the pillow as soon as I got home at night.

Most importantly, I gained a new self confidence. After doing that job, I think I can do anything!!