|
If you've got a lot of diverse, unrelated skills for a job, HR might focus more on someone focused on that specific field. Sounds like the jobs you are trying for are entry level, so you're probably filling out an application, and that means all they'll see is your age and your previous work experience. When I used to hire entry level, we went for young and barely experienced people.
Are you speaking to anyone when you apply, or just turning in an application, or do you turn in a resume? You have to stand out for the job enough for them to put yours on top. Apply in person, looking your best, and try to speak to an owner or manager when you turn in the application. Drop a little about yourself when you do. Don't corner him and badger him into boredom, don't sound desperate. Just say "I'm driving a truck, but I really want to get into (whatever you're applying for)." Don't make it corny, don't make it desperate. They hire you for what you can do for them, so avoid saying anything like "I really want to get out of trucking, I don't care what I get into." You can say that in an interview, maybe, after you've established what you want to do for them. Say "I've always felt I had management potential, and I would love to learn retail (or whatever) from the ground up. I've always been good at sales (or numbers, or hard work, or organization), and I'd love the chance to prove it." Or something like that, but in line with your personality. When you turn in an application, though, don't tell them too much, unless they ask. Just ask for a manager or owner, turn it in, smile confidently, and keep it short. "Just wanted to make eye contact," or even something brutally honest, like "I'm hoping meeting you makes you remember me." Quickly say something to tie you to the resume, and maybe creates a question or two. "Not everyone sees how trucking is related to (whatever the job is)." That might make them ask a couple of questions, or it might just stick in their mind. At that point, you'll see in their eyes whether they want to hear more or whether they are trying to get back to work. Don't overstay, or that's what they'll remember. Leave them wanting more. Smile, not phony, and not desperate. Confidence sells, arrogance repels.
The only knock anyone would have against trucking is that it's not related to their line of work. There may be a stereotype or two about cleanliness or education, and that's why you want to meet whoever is looking at the applications. Let them see you to dispel the stereotype.
And if you apply to jobs with resumes, tailor your resume for each job, if you can. Write a clear objective--"I want to work up to management from this position," or "I want to learn a career in construction from the bottom up." In other words, convince them that you want more than a temp job between driving gigs, or that you are more than a job hopper just trying for a paycheck.
And stretch your imagination. Think about any skills or talents you have, even vague stuff like "Good at following directions, good at scheduling." Try to match job descriptions to what you do, and work that into the application. For instance, if the job requires scheduling or following orders, under previous work history, make a not of that as your job description. That might help relate your experience to their requirements. You may find that you don't even have to aim at entry level.
Last thing: applying for state jobs or through state data banks will give you a high rejection rate, because of the sheer number of applicants, and because a lot of these jobs aren't real in the first place. Agencies have to advertise jobs, but sometimes they already plan to hire from within, or to hire a friend of another employee, and so the listing is just a requirement. Don't get discouraged, just flood the market with your resume. Also, use Craigslist and the local paper, and consider trolling--just walking down a street looking for help wanted signs, or visiting several businesses you'd like to work for even if they have nothing advertised. Since so many other people are doing this, some companies don't even bother advertising. And email resumes to large companies from their websites. Also, ask friends about their jobs and whether they know anyone hiring. A lot of people get hired through connections for jobs that aren't even advertised.
The economy sucks, but there are jobs. You have to keep at it, and convince someone that you can help them. You don't have to be the best application they see, you just have to convince them that they'd like working with you, and that you can do what they need. There's a lot of emotion in hiring. People hire someone they like, or someone they feel good about giving a job to, as much as someone who can do the job. Try to be that person.
Sorry so long. No time to edit. Good luck, and reject anything I say that doesn't fit your personality or doesn't apply. Just giving some tips, not any kind of rule book.
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
