Need help/suggestions looking for a job

[wushuguy]

Well, I guess more and more people will be in this boat, but I need some help or suggestions to find a job.

For the last 6 years or so I had been running my own business, my normal clients had required my computer networking, computer literacy, custom programming, web design, and some other computer related talents. but now those companies have less and less business... so I'm in need to find a regular job to pay the bills.

I was considering computer work, but I've been working with computers my whole life, i'm kinda burned out on it. My wife suggested I do something more physical, to help keep health and not just hunched over a keyboard all the time.

It's been such a long time since a job search, I kinda forget what it's like and what one needs to successfully find a job.

I was thinking along the lines of either retail/management position, security, or anything like that. I don't know what's in demand at this moment, but I'm pretty diverse and capable, just don't know where to start looking.

Any advice or pointers to places hiring in the Bergen County, NJ area is appreciated.

Oh yeah, does anyone ever put martial arts in their resume as education or skill?

 

[terryl965]

I would never include your Martial Arts training except it was for security or law enforcement. Best of luck to you, I know about the job thing I went back to being a teacher after being in business for over ten years. It is hard enough to work but after being your own boss it is harder having a new one.

 

[wushuguy]

From your advice I think I will make 2 versions of the resume, 1 if I apply for a security position, will include martial arts related as skills, and one without martial arts stuff for other jobs.
Here's what I got for a resume so far. Any critique or advice on it is very appreciated:

Objective
I am seeking to find a job which I am qualified to handle, in order to be a useful member of society.


Education
Hueneme High School, Oxnard, CA – Graduated with honors. In top bracket of class.
ITT Tech, Oxnard, CA – AS degree in Computer Aided Design


Employment History
Instructor and Assistant Instructor. AIM USA, Oxnard, CA – 1998 - 1999 Instructed people of all ages in martial arts and self-defense, handled sales of equipment and uniforms, resolved conflicts, leadership training
Loss Prevention Specialist. Best Buy, Oxnard, CA – 1999 Operated CCTV, analyzed employee and customer behavior, team leader and team presentations, customer service and situation escalation.
Computer tech. Oxnard Computer Center, Oxnard, CA – 2000 Assembled computers and installed software for companies, troubleshooting software and hardware problems
Assistant Design Engineer. Delta Microwave, Oxnard, CA – 2000 - 2003 Used parametric 3D and 2D CAD to update and design parts for aerospace, commercial, military and high-rel use. Troubleshooting, networking, and other engineering office related tasks
Electronics Retail. Fred Meyer, Battle Ground, WA - 2003 Provided customer service, retail experience, knowledgeable in consumer electronics, provided extra attention to unruly customers
Owner. XNTech.US – 2003 - present Created websites, custom software, desktop publishing, typesetting, CAD, networking, troubleshooting software and hardware


Skills
Computer literacy, Linux, Windows, OSX; Computer Troubleshooting; Kali/Escrima, Wing Chun, self-defense; Outgoing personality; Customer service; Fast learner; Leadership;

 

[Flea]

name address deleted

MA or no, I'd be very cautious about posting personal information like this online for the world to see.

On your original topic, I know a customer service company that'll have a vacancy pretty soon. :wink2:

 

[Tensei85]

Can't offer any good advice, but I understand what your going through. Its a tough time right now, but hang in there! Something will come along, well I should say as long as you put yourself out there.

 

[wushuguy]

Well, it's been more than a month, i've run around quite a bit, paid some cash to get certified as a security guard, still no job (btw, if you are in NYC or NJ, there's many many advertisements for security industry, now i know most are just going to take your money, and you still got no job... got the certificates at a higher than normal cost, but not the job as they advertise), I got sent back and forth apply here or there, but no work. Even tried to apply for a job cleaning dog kennels, but that's just too far from where I live to make it worth a trip. Anyway, one thing that makes it tough too, is being self-employed, I'm not qualified for some aid like most others, so I feel pretty much on my own in things lately. The economy is tough lately, anyone else also having difficulty?

 

[wushuguy]

Anyway, some things I learned recently:
1. Can't trust people's word, if they say they'll hire you, gotta have it in writing.
2. No one hires on the spot anymore, you go through a bunch of hoops, maybe got a job or not, it takes a while to find out.
3. Apply more than one place at a time, maybe 9 out of 10 will not call back, then the last one will call to tell you that you're not hired.
4. People will take advantage of anyone, it's an employer's market right now, so everyone looking for work is working against each other and always looking for some way to make them better than the other... being polite or helpful for them, they will not help you. but they can even say something behind your back, to make them more employable!
5. The good in all this, is really learning about myself, and about how the world works. Learning my lackings, and learning what things are really unfair or fair, which aspects in our society can and should be fixed.
6. Even though I got no work, life will still continue, but not like it was before.

 

[Ken Morgan]

What programming do you do? Use Sharepoint at all?

 

[Frostbite]

Well, just off-hand, I'd say the skills part of your resume lacks a little depth (and to some extent, your employment experience). You mention having done networking, computer programming, etc. in your original post but your resume doesn't really reflect that at all. As an IT manager myself, I like to see specifics. Even if you're applying for security type jobs, "computer literacy" covers a broad spectrum. Be specific about what you know. It's not enough to say "programming." People want to know specific details and languages you're proficient in. If you're looking for work outside your normal field, make sure you indicate that in your cover letter/objectives.

Speaking of your objectives, I'd be more specific there as well. Tell them what type of job you're looking for and briefly describe your career goals. I'd also eliminate the part about being a useful member of society. To me, it comes across as either an indictment of unemployed people or a little self-pitying. I'd also take the part out where you say "in top bracket of class." It's a little redundant after you already said you graduated with honors.

Also, as others have said, I wouldn't include your martial arts experience on resumes you send out to non security related jobs.

The thing to remember is that a resume is likely to be a prospective employer's first impression of you. If you come across as mediocre in your resume, they'll assume you're going to be a mediocre employee. Your resume is your chance to impress employers so much they won't want to pass up the opportunity to hire you.