Just Keep Truckin' (Applying to Jobs That Is)

If you are unemployed and think you are too good for a part-time job, then I think you're missing out on a great place to network! Since working at the restaurant, I've met many fellow grads like myself who are also looking for jobs. A restaurant is a great way to network because you talk to customers one on one. The best shift to work for network is lunch. It might not be the best to make money, but I've gotten many business cards after talking to customers about my degree and my desired career path. (Of course it doesn't hurt that I just love to talk to people!)

So not only am I applying to full-time positions in Atlanta, I've also gone onto the Nordstrom website to apply to part-time jobs. Here's hoping to hear from someone or something soon!

Still signing off

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

Moving in a Few Weeks? Where Did the Time Go?

Somehow it became September already and now I'm scrambling to find out what I have to get done before I move. Of course moving to an entirely different state, almost 1000 mi away is a lot different than moving down the street or across town. Here are some of the things I need to take care of before I hit the road: (And don't worry, I've been applying to jobs left and right).

1) Packing: Well the most dreaded thing on the entire list. I was hoping when I moved home to Boston, it would be for a while (find a job, make money for a couple years etc etc). I am NOT looking forward to that...

2) Address Change: I think I should maybe wait until I get there to actually do the address change. I would hope my parents would hold onto my mail for me. Plus my dad loves opening my mail anyways.

3) Bank Change: My current bank is only found in suburbs of Boston, so it wouldn't be very useful in Atlanta. I'm going to have to maybe go to Bank of America. Of course I also need to look at more options...

4) Car Insurance: Ok this is one change I am SO looking forward to do. I really feel like my insurance is ripping me off, but I'm gonna wait for the policy to expire for the year. That way I'll still be covered in GA. I think I'll also wait until then to

5) New License/New plates: I think the correct order I have to do this is license first, then plates/registration and then insurance? I'm not really sure.

6) Medical Insurance: I'm still covered under my dad's plan until I'm 25, but I'm not sure how it would work if I move out. Plus if I get a job and claim myself independent on taxes does that mean I'm not dependent on my dad's insurance?

As you can see, I still have a lot of questions to get answered before I move down there. The problem is that my dad is not very happy that I'm moving out and feels that it's not a good decision on my part. And when dad isn't happy, no one's happy. I just wish I could sit down and ask him these questions and not have to worry about him judging me or saying some smart remark about me being poor...he wasn't exactly rich when he was my age either. Plus I won't be entirely alone. My boyfriend's mom moved back into the area, so I'll still have someone who can give me advice or help if I need it.

I am open to suggestions, my readers! I need help figuring this stuff out. Am I going in the right direction? I just feel like I can get more help from Clemson if I'm closer to the network (regarding finding a job). Let me know what you think!

Still signing off as...

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

P.S.

I've been doing some updates on my portfolio page if you haven't checked it out yet. I just finished a logo for and independent film co. "astropiano films" if you haven't checked it out already! The logo will be featured at their first film premier for "Sunblocked" opening October 1, 2010 in Harvard Square!

Learning Social Media

Social media is one of the largest growing marketing platform today. It can help you reach out to new customers and let them know what you and/or your company is up to. As you all know, I am "FUN-EMPLOYED" and currently searching for a job. Today I started to expand on my (slight) social media obsession in order to add to my resume.

After applying to a job as a Social Media Manager, I started to think about all of the different media that I use to communicate with friends, family and colleagues. The first obvious one is Facebook. Facebook was started waaaaay back in 2004 by a couple of Harvard kids looking to connect their campus. Soon they expanded to other schools, such as Clemson University, and the rest is history. I joined Facebook pretty much as soon as it got to Clemson (Fall 2004--freshman year). Through Facebook, I was able to connect with kids in my classes and to meet new people. Now Facebook is a giant of Social Media, enabling its users to play online, interactive games, create fan pages for any cause or company, and of course keep track of their friends. Facebook's creators are constantly updating the UI and its applications. They have often gotten themselves in trouble for their privacy options. I haven't, personally, seen any problems with the privacy. (I happen to have my privacy, pretty much if you don't know me, you won't find too much info on me unless you're a friend). Facebook also happens to "own" the posts and pictures, so just make sure not to post anything that is way too private or something that you wouldn't want your grandmother to see.

Facebook can be a great tool to use if you're a company, especially if you are trying to reach us Gen Y'ers and the Millenials. These two generations are the biggest users of online social media. As a company, you are able to create a page, that your customers can "Like" and can receive posts/news about it on their news feed. As a company you can also create ads that appear on a news feed. Facebook can use the data entered on your profile to pair people with the right ads, making sure that your company reaches the correct audience.

Another big platform for companies to use now is Twitter. I am a new comer to this one and when I first heard about it, I thought it was just a fad. However, Twitter has blown up and it seems that it's here to stay. Basically, Twitter lets you say what you're doing or just whatever's on your mind in 140 characters or less. Twitter is is less complicated than Facebook at first glance, but there are a lot of things you can do in 140 characters!! Twitter allows you to tag your posts. By tagging the subject, people who are searching for that specific subject are able to find all posts (including yours!) regarding that search. Also, Twitter keeps track of similar subjects and if they have a lot of posts about it, then it is labelled as "trending." On your home page, you are able to see which topics are trending in your area, country and even worldwide! This is a great tool for companies who are trying to generate buzz for a new product, new developments or even offer special sale or coupon found only on Twitter. People who are your friends are called your "followers" and you can "follow" people back. Celebrities are big users of Twitter and you can find the real accounts by following the ones that are "Certified." Celebrities often have large followings. For example, Lady Gaga recently set a record at over 5 million followers! Celebrities often "tweet" about products they endorse. This way the ad (disguised as a casual tweet) reaches a VERY large audience.

As I mentioned in a previous post, LinkedIn is a great tool to use when job searching. Does it surprise you that it is, in fact, a social networking site? Think of LinkedIn as the Facebook for professionals. You are able to post your resume, your accomplishments and connect with colleagues. As a company, you can also create a page for your company that people are able to follow. By following a company, you are able to keep up with recent news about a company and you can find out who works there, who has work there and their new hires. I am currently following a couple of companies to see if I have a chance to work there. You can also join groups that have similar career interests. For example, I am a part of the Clemson Alumni, Communication Arts and New Grad Life. The discussions in the groups are able to be sent to you via email if you don't want to log in (or forget your password all the time like me...).

However, there is one GREAT new tool I found today that is great for keeping track of ALL your media!! Hootsuite.com is able to combine Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare, MySpace, and WordPress all into one dashboard. Here's what it looks like:



Each different site has its own tab so that you can look at each feed in just one click. Hootsuite is also great for tracking statistics if you are a company. By utilizing their shortened links (ow.ly) they are able to track how many people have clicked on that link and it can compile the data into charts for quick comparison. Even though I am just using it for my own personal accounts, I am practicing so that hopefully WHEN I get a job and I need to use it, I'll be an expert! I wish that it supported Google's Blogger! Now THAT would make my life 10,000,000 times easier!!

[Did you notice that I left out MySpace? Yeah, Myspace is good for bands because of its ability to play and stream music, but it's also good for attracting creeps. I only joined it because Facebook was only opened to certain colleges and my high school friends couldn't get on it. I got rid of MySpace after Facebook opened up to everyone. It's not really professional (in my opinion) and I feel its mostly for middle school and high school kids.]

So that was my quick guide to the most used of social media. Stay tuned for more on my two part (maybe three part) posts about the wide world of social media and its benefits for business and those (like me) searching for a job.

I am still signing off, my followers/readers,

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

Update: Part-Time To Pass The Time

Hey Bloggers!

Well it's been a busy few days. Today I had orientation for the restaurant that I'll be working at and I start working working on Thursday...yaaay. I am still looking for another job and I'm planning on moving to Atlanta in September/October.

I am using my cousin to help me find a job in Atlanta. (The headhunter) Just asking her advice on who to contact, what to say, etc.

So here's hoping to not be

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

(sorry for the short post--my lil cousin, well not so little she's 17, is coming into town tonight. I'm going to take her in town to visit schools)

Great Find for Fellow GC Grads!

Hey followers! As usual, I was perusing the job sites and I found an excellent site for those in the printing industries/field. The site is called: PrintLink.com





Apparently they are a Graphic Placement group. So you upload your resume, put some info up and then someone is supposed to contact you if you fit anywhere. They also have job listings from all over the country that you can browse and apply for. I was just so excited about the site that I thought I had to share!!

Back to the job boards!!

Signing off, still yours and...

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

A Not So Helpful Job Site

Hello Blogger World. Haven't been up to a whole lot, other than diligently sending out resumes and anticipating ANY response. One job that I applied for, I can't stop thinking about. I really feel like I have a chance at getting this job. Entry-level, pre-press job I mean that's pretty much what GC has prepared me for!! I've started following them on LinkedIn and I feel like the next step would be to make connections with people at the company. However, I don't want to come off as desperate or arrogant. I really REALLY want this job.

I have an interview for a restaurant job today, no big deal. Just need to make some quick cash to pay some bills and start saving to move down to Atlanta. So I'm still going to say that I am "Fun-Employed." I hope that doesn't offend anyone haha. Times are tough and a job is a job.

As for the topic of the day. Job sites (as I previously posted) can be very helpful. However, one job site that I had joined is really not working for me. The site is called "JobFox."

This is what my public profile looks like to employers:





Since my most recent job was working at chili's too on campus, apparently the site classifies me as a food service worker. There's nothing WRONG with working in food service, but that is NOT what I want employers to see when I'm trying to apply for jobs in graphics. Plus I can't change it because I would have to take it off of my resume so that the site wouldn't read it off the resume. They also keep sending me jobs for hotel and food service that I DON'T WANT! And the actual graphics jobs they do send me are for people with 4+ years of experience when the job site CLEARLY lists me as less than a year experience (thanks--I guess all my class work doesn't count either).

JobFox also keeps sending me emails for upgrading my resume (for a mere $100). Gee thanks but no thanks. I've said no MULTIPLE times, yet they keep sending me emails about it. They're almost as annoying as the Mary Kay lady!!

Well I must go get ready for my face to face interview. I just wish it was for a full-time real job position.
So I am still considering myself

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

Getting My Creative On!

Hey! Sorry I took the weekend off, but I'm back! Today (as usual) I applied to a couple new jobs. I'm hoping that a lot of people are lulled into the idea that "it's the summer, no one's going to do any hiring now" and I'm the only one applying to jobs. One can dream right? The fact is, it's been six months since I've graduated. So that means, the loans have been piling up. Life is really starting to stress me out. I want to move to Atlanta soon, but CitiBank is looming over everything that I do.

On a lighter note...

I worked out a little bit. Did some pilates and walked the pond; just trying to get all this weight off my mind. I did pilates while I was at Clemson during one of the toughest semesters. I ended up getting Dean's List that semester. I really feel that pilates made me slow down for an hour and just BREATHE. I just find it very relaxing and calming. Walking the pond is also the same kind of therapy. I feel that it's very important to get out and breathe during the job search. Sure you can apply to jobs all day, but you can't do it everyday. Looking for a job is almost as tiring as actually HAVING a job.

I also worked on a logo for a friend's production company. My best friend Shannon is starring in an independent film called "Sunblocked." This is her first lead role and it is her friend Jess's first film (outside of film school). Here is the poster for the movie (I didn't design this--disclaimer)



















Check out the trailer:




Jess's production company, AstroPiano is brand new and she also has a couple of student projects up on youtube that are also pretty good. She's a sweet girl and she just got married last week!! Congrats!! They are planning on wrapping up in August and premiering the movie, in Harvard Square (Boston). So if you happen to be in the area you should stop by! I am actually going to be an extra in one of the scenes--we're going to be shooting on Saturday!! Haha it's my acting debut!!

So lots of exciting things and lots of not so exciting things in the world of Fun-employment. I try to stay on the positive and I won't give up my dreams.

Still signing off

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

Online Job Searching Part Deux

Ok so I just got the runaround from a couple of sites today. This is what happened when I attempted to apply to just ONE job:

1) went to Indeed.com -- searched "Production Artist"

2) saw a job posting that I liked -- clicked on it, read the description, wanted to apply

3) clicked on "apply now" button

4) was redirected to ANOTHER job site that required registration to that site in order to apply

5) registered, had to wait for email with password reset

6) clicked on the reset link, ok I'm registered...wait, where did the job go?

7) went BACK to Indeed.com to find the job, clicked on the "apply now" logged in etc.

8) job site tells me WAIT!!! you can't apply to the job unless you post your resume!!

9) filled in the skills, education, contact info fields; click confirm ok done...o wait...where did the job go again?

10) AGAIN went BACK to Indeed.com to find the job (by now I'm doubting if I even want this job)

11) I am finally!! allowed to apply. Writing a note to the employer, only 300 characters? Not enough room to even tell them about my internships! (which the resume website omitted)

So I really don't think I am getting any call/email back for this job. Although I feel like I put in a LOT of work just to apply. I have a feeling that I'm going to have to make a move to Atlanta if want to be even considered for a position. I just don't like the idea of moving down there with no job prospects. If I move I want it to be for good; I don't want to have to move back to my parents' house, defeated.

But, I digress...must get back to the job boards!

Signing off (I have ONE reader!)

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

The Wild World of Online Job Searching

So as you know, I am currently searching for a job. I have my resume on several sites. I really don't know how on earth people found a job without online job sites, but of course people weren't moving from job to job as quickly as they do now. The downside to ease of use is the mass influx of resumes and cover letters that employers have to read. Therefore, employers are quick to overlook those that don't stand out. There are many job search sites out there, you just have to sort out which ones will work for you and put your resume at the top of that huge stack.

Here are just some of the job sites that I am on:

LinkedIn: the Holy Grail of Networking

According to my cousin (who is a headhunter in NYC) the key is to NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!! Her advice was to get a recommendation from a previous employer (check) and to join some graphic design groups (check). I even joined some new grad groups and job searching groups. She also advised me to find a company I wanted to work for--but I just don't know what companies to look at yet. I feel like networking is much better if you have more experience and have actually started a CAREER and not a JOB.

(and yes that picture is me with my sweet purple Clemson diploma)

Monster.com: Probably the biggest job search engine out there, but Monster has the probably the pick of the crop. They always have new jobs (even though I have yet to hear from ANY of the ones that I've applied for). On this site you can enter in your job and career goals and they will automatically match up jobs in your area or in any area you wish to browse. It's also helped me to focus on the kind of job that I want and what I want to work towards.

CareerBuilder: Also a very big job search engine and it was the only one where I heard back from a job (the interview that I had a couple weeks ago). CareerBuilder actually matched my resume to them when they looked for potential employers--pretty neat! However their job search leaves something to be desired. Most of the entry level jobs that show up are sketchy marketing schemes that look almost as bad as Mary Kay...

(No picture, all business)

Job.com: Ok this was a random find...even though the website was kind of a "duh" moment...This website seems pretty legit (I'm from Boston we say that). I do need to explore this site a little bit more. I tend to favor Monster because I have the password saved (I'm SO bad at remembering passwords, it is ridiculous). Job.com usually sends me job matches every week via email, but they also tend to send me "supplemental education" emails. No, I do NOT want my Associates' Degree...I have a B.S. (Not that there's anything wrong with an Associates' Degree!)

(see all the crazy education ads??)

So these are just a few sites that I'm on. I'm also on YahooJobs, JobFox and iHirePrint to name a few more. I've also sent my resume to several graphic recruiters in the Atlanta area. IF for some crazy chance I finally get a follower (Come ON!!) let's network!

Here's hoping that SOMEONE soon will see my resume and be impressed!

And so, still signing off

FUN-EMPLOYED!!

Looks like its back to Atlanta soon, folks!

Hello my readers (if you're out there)! Well it looks like I'm headed back to Atlanta at the end of next week and doing a bit of job hunting (hopefully). It's hard being a long distance relationship. It's especially hard since in the beginning of our relationship we practically lived together. And now...we're 1000 mi apart. We know that we're supposed to be together, but with the current job climate, being unemployed means home with the parents...FUN! We both wouldn't mind living in either city, but we both can't afford to move anywhere without a job first. My sister moved to Nashville for 8 months and couldn't find a job and had to come all the way back home. I just can't do that. If I leave I want it to be for GOOD. But...nothing without a job. So recently I've been using my boyfriend's address as my info when applying for jobs.

My mother suggested that I apply to be a pharmacy technician, just for the time being and to pay the bills. It doesn't sound BAD I guess...I just wish I could find a job in my field. I know I know I'm being a typical whiny 20-something...I guess when I get back I'll have to just suck it up and do it. My student loans are going to be up soon and I went to school for extra time...I just changed my major really late in the game! Not cause I'm a partier--trust me I would have rather graduated on time and gotten a job like all the other people who I would have graduated with!!

Well my readers, I am getting very very sleepy--enjoy the night and I'll be back tomorrow (I promise!) and I'll still sign off--

FUN-EMPLOYED!!