I both agree and disagree here. When you're talking about an internship I think it's a great experience to have had. I hired a lot of people that had 'done their time' at Microsoft.

 

I also found this thread a great read.

Cole,

The only thing I will add to everyones great suggestions is that you should not look at your experience as poor. Take a step back and look at the things you did and how they relate to other fields. Being a manager of a store that did those kind of numbers is a big advantage over someone out of school who hasn't had a "real" job yet. What aspects of that job relate to finding a job in IT? Problem solving and time management come to my mind right away.

You also mentioned that you haven't interviewed every. This is one aspect that I recommend that you reach out to a pro like Busta Rib. Buy him lunch and learn the interview process. There are strategies out there that can be a big help before going into your first interview.

You get a A+ on networking. Reach out to everyone you know who can help you.

Best of luck!
Rob

 

Did we even talk about informational interviews?

Ok, so there is this odd problem about the job hunt. How do you know that a job/company works for what you want to do? Its hard to find out. That's what an informational interview is.

If you connect with someone that is in an area that you are interested, give them a call or send a note asking if you can grab a cup of coffee, or some other light social activiety that has a very small impact on their schedule. Once you get a date set, show up a few minutes early, establish how long they have to chat, ask them about themselves, their background and just get them talking about themselves. Have a resume and your contact info (card works) ready in the event that they ask. Have a little elevator speech prepared.

Do your homework on the company, position, career, etc. be mindful of their time and ask smart questions. You should in general (this is my opinion only) be talking to people that are doing the job that you are going to be going into. It is also a good idea, to meet with the type of person that would be your bosses level so that you can ask more specific questions about how to be successful.

The information you gather here can be very valuable during a real interview. However, always show up to an informational interview prepared for it to turn into a full-on, very real interview.

An elevator speech is just a short answer to the typical questions, where are you from? what is your background? Why do I care?. I don't have a "scripted" one, but here's an example of what mine might sound like.

Assume the person said to me, "So Trevor, What's your story?"

"Ah, well Cole, I'm a local boy that shipped off to the military at 19. Found myself at the Military Academy and graduated in 2001. I left the Army in 2007. Along the way I became an Airborne Ranger, served in Iraq in the 101st ABN DIV and oddly developed a taste for the Financial Markets. So from there I went to the MBA Program and the UW, and did an internship at a bulge bracket investment bank this past summer. I'm looking for a role in ____ area/specialty."

I hope that adds to the content here.

best of luck.

 

I second the comment about grabbing a pro for some advice/practice.

from this day forward, you are building a brand. When people here your name they have someting come to mind. What is it? What do you want it to be? I'd say you are off to a great start. Far better than I was for sure.

Good luck again.

 

Trevor: Truly awesome advice.

This is the small change in attitude that results in the difference between outrageous success and just "getting by".

 

Bleu Omdurman (Trevor?) : I really cannot thank you enough for your helpful tips and advice.


Firstly I would like to apologize to those of you that offered your services and time to me. I ran into a bit of a hick up this week and was unable to finish my resume. Aside from homework and tests I also had planned my first ever date (aww. haha) which didn't exactly work out. Anyhow, I finished my tests and homework and plan on working on my resume this weekend after I get done with work. Sorry for the delay, I feel terrible about it.

Hope you all enjoy your weekend and MLK day

 

Who needs a real date when you have myspace Sorry to hear about that. Much more fish in the sea.

 

This reminds me of probably the most important piece of advice (doomed to be ignored, yet it must be given anyway). Forget girls. Sure, date, have a good time, just don't get bogged down; it will distract you from your goal.

 

Yup, that's me. I'm always happy to help out where i can.

 

It's alright, when I said it didnt go as planned just meant we had to reschedule.


I hear ya, what's the point of working for success though if you're by yourself

You've been a huge help. Thanks, Trevor.

 

Sorry to double post but I had a quick question. What are your guys' thoughts on the page margins. I am trying to keep this to one page but I think I might need to adjust them a little bit. Nothing extreme, I'm just having issues with this 1" space.

 

It's not always ignored mate, It helped me make the best decision I've ever made.

 

you can't share success if you never achieve it.

 

Depends on your definition of success.

It's not all about money and things.

 

i used the word in the context on which you interpreted it above, so i am using YOUR definition. maybe you should consider a minor in english as well.