So, I lost my job, and I have noticed something about Job Ads

[MelchyBeau]

Almost every single job ad asks for 2+ years of experience. I plan on ignoring that aspect of the job ads and apply for the jobs. However I imagine HR will be so kind to tell me that they do not have any current positions for me but my resume will be kept on file for future use.

Anyways the company I was working for pretty much ran out of money. So now I'm screwed, especially considering I was a contract employee and therefore I don't qualify for unemployment.

Yeah so hopefully I can take my B.S. in Physics and find a place that wants to hire me.

Melch

[touchfaith]

Disregard the 2 year thing. Apply for jobs you feel qualified for and tell them why in a cover letter.

Are you sure you do not qualify for unemployment insurance? Most contract positions out here (bayarea) are actually W2 through the agency as opposed to 1099.

GL

[BruinEric]

A great number of jobs are really "had" by knowing people and networking. The candidate who is vouched for by someone in the process is more likely to get the job than another candidate.

Apply for lots of jobs the "main way," which is replying to ads. Expect the response to be poor.

Network amongst friends and relatives and/or within your industry as well.

Also, make sure you take advantage of your University's career center. These will be jobs that are tailored to those without lots of experience.

Always send a cover letter attempting to address how you can benefit their company. Try not to start each sentence with "I."

If possible, slightly tweak each resume you send with items which address their criteria (assuming they're true.)

[Drew16]

You should not even waste your time looking for a job. Just sell drugs or something.

[tek]

What, you're too lazy to 8 table like all the other kids your age /images/graemlins/confused.gif

/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[TheCroShow]

aye, i'm experiencing the same thing. just finished my diploma and bam...sorry kid, we need ppl with 2+ years of experience. xxxx you xxxxers! =P

[2planka]

BS in physics, eh? Semiconductors? Where are you located? Know anything about TFT design?

[MelchyBeau]

I'm in San Diego. My college is in Louisiana, they were worthless in helping me find a job. We made high voltage diodes and thyristors. I mainly did testing and experiments on the devices.

Melch

[quadzilla]

The market is as good as it's been in years. Be aggressive and you will find something. I am a headhunter and most of my clients are looking for entry level people. Identify relevant companies, find out who the managers are and get in front of them. Where do you live?

[jakethebake]

[ QUOTE ]
I'm in San Diego. My college is in Louisiana, they were worthless in helping me find a job.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can always move back to the swamp. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[MelchyBeau]

[ QUOTE ]
You can always move back to the swamp.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would rather castrate myself with a rusty boxcutter

Melch

[jakethebake]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
You can always move back to the swamp.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would rather castrate myself with a rusty boxcutter

Melch

[/ QUOTE ]

Nice. It's a wonderful place to visit though. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

[MrMon]

Monster.com

Always worth the effort. I haven't worked in the Internet field in 4 years and STILL get the occasional call or email from my old resume.

Also, consider non-traditional work with a physics degree. Investment firms always like people with physics degrees. Has something to do with the fact that physics majors are very smart and can do kickass math. They'll teach you to do the rest. (And it's not as a broker, this is backroom analysis stuff.)

And yes, knowing people is always the best route. Doesn't get you the job, but gets you in the door. Work contacts from your old job, especially if you went out on good terms.

[drewjustdrew]

One of the higher level actuaries at the insurance company I work for has a degree in astrophysics. Just another route if you can't find work in your degree area.

[cadillac1234]

Try a temp agency. A lot of companies contract out with them and it will get you in for interviews a lot easier than the email your resume thing.