Getting a Job after School

[Lespaul20]

I will be Graduating in Sep with associates in Computer Systems/Networks. I've looked around and found a few job that probably would fit me, and I have a resume wrote. I've noticed that most of the jobs out there are asking for 1 - 2 years experience, I have over 1100Hours of lab time, but I'm not sure how that rates to employers. I would like to know how to get a job without any "field" experience? It's just very frustrating; btw, I'm studying for the Net+ exam.

[TimPoet]

Ignore those statements about how much experience is wanted. Just apply, apply, apply and then interview, interview, interview. You'll get a good job.

[sdkfz]

With the economy the way it is now, there are a lot of people looking, business' know this and are shooting for the moon to cut back on the applications to sort through.

Apply, follow up on the app, talk to some one and follow up, my wife just got a job that she was basically the same as the other two finalists, cept, she took notes during the interview on the job duties and followed up with a thank you letter and a couple of pertinant questions. Since she showed interest in the job (versus the paycheck) she got it (they told her so afterwards)

[cypher1919]

An english teacher at the college I attend told us if we are confident we can do the job,there is no fear in whether we can obtain the position we want

[Lespaul20]

Thanks for the replies, I am planning on sending my resume to every place that I can find that might be for me.

Also, is there anybody here that has any idea what kind of job I should be looking for? Any help would really really be helpfull, btw, I'm looking mainly in Des Moines, IA.

Thanks again for the info.

[RayH]

Get some paid experience. No matter how little. Just so you can say, "PAID EXPERIENCE." or volunteer your services to a nonprofit agency.

[james8547]

Try to separate yourself from school as far as possible. Generally, employers doesn't want a newbie fresh out from school. Experience is the key.

When you're applying to a small business, stress out your knowledge in other areas. Versatility is the key in getting a job in a small firm. The only reason that I got my 1st / current job is that I know PCs too. They were looking for a bookkeeper. They were hesitant at first in hiring me but they gave me the job when they learned that I know PCs too. They wanted someone who can help in all aspects of the business.

IMHO, getting a job in a small place is the way to start ones career. You get 1st hand experience and you're not stuck in just one area of the company. I've been hearing from other students that for Fortune 500 companies that all they do at work is fax, sort, open, deliver documents. If they do get something related to accounting, it's mostly clerical. I actively participate in all accounting aspects for the company. In addition, I also assist in production, sales, HR and marketing. I also get to tinker with the firm's website, network, and workstations It's a good feeling knowing that my efforts are very critical to the daily and long term well-being of the company.

[Lespaul20]

thanks guys!