When is a good time to start looking for work?

LCpl Clinton Lenahan — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:01:49 -0500

I'll be up front. I have been out of the Marine Corps now for 13 years and have recently went back to college. I will graduate this spring with an Associates degree in computer support technologies. When is a good time for me to start looking for work and where should I go? I'm currently in Michigan but not only am I willing to relocate, I'm hoping for it. Somewhere south and sunny all year long.

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 8:28 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 08:28:13 -0500

Start immediately and never stop scanning the vacencies.  Also don't be afraid to apply to positions that you may not have all the requirements for.  It is rare to get everything we want in an applicant and those on the recieving end may deem your other experiences and skills as valid off-sets.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Nov 29 at 2013 9:35 AM

CMC Robert Young — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 09:35:30 -0500

Start as soon as you can. I was recently told that depending on your chosen field and skill set, six months to a year was not uncommon to find a new job. I was also told that while good skills are a necessity, about 85% of finding your next position is going to be about networking....somebody you know, or with whom you have a common connection is help more than any other single thing during your search. Good luck!!

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 29 at 2013 11:40 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 11:40:37 -0500

USAJobs.gov...start searching now.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Nov 29 at 2013 12:43 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 12:43:23 -0500

Start now, prepare your resume and attempt to relate your resume to that field only.

IT is a very competitive field so don't feel dismay if your turned down.

If your degree covers forensics make an attempt to work for the FBI.

during that process, you can keep searching other sites such as those other members posted. If hired then great, this will add to your resume as experience.

Should the FBI find you qualified and make an appointment to meet with you, follow those instructions by the book and be ready to make that move.

Some things that you will be asked by the employer.

Q: "Tell me about yourself"

Keep this question related to the field your applying for and don't say something like: I like to lay baseball, I enjoy fishing on the weekends. keep your personal life out of it, rather:

"I have an Associated degree in Computers, and would like to work for your company in an entry level".

if more acceptable.

Idea for finding work is how you present yourself in your resume and how you present yourself in the interview.

Now when you summit your resume on line, set it in such a way that it will have key words:

Many of these resumes are scanned searching for words, example:

Microsoft office, lotus notes, hard working, oracle, and so on. if your resume has these keywords, then you will have a chance to being called in for an interview, but never lie in your resume.

I thought I throw that in for your FYI

I work in the IT department at 60 wall street NYC.

But I will not relocate, because of the cost of living and pay.

Go here for instructions on how to apply for the FBI:

https://www.fbijobs.gov/031.asp

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The following instructions outlines the FBI's application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of t...

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Nov 30 at 2013 12:21 PM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 12:21:30 -0500

First off - I will be brutal - take an English Course. You need to use correct tense and grammar in all written correspondence that anyone sees. You never know who is a prospective employer. If you are not taking a course in Resume writing then consider one or one in job searching at that college. Secondly - It is NEVER to early to start looking for and applying for that job. If you find the ideal POSITION (not job) at the company of your dreams, then you need to tailor your resume for that particular position/company. This site is a good place to look, bit not the only one - consider Lnkedin (free) and/or some other sites if you need or want - but network. Use the internet and search for jobs in your field - no one is going to come looking for you - you have to be aggressive and sell yourself, the outside is not the Military and as you know you are your own best advertiser.

Response by MCPO Kevin Logan made Dec 2 at 2013 2:37 PM

MCPO Kevin Logan — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 14:37:28 -0500

It sounds like you want to relocate. Look in the areas you want to relocate to and find the companies you want to work for there. I noted that you have a LinkedIn profile. You can use LI to your benefit by finding people who work at the companies you want to work for and connecting. Begin your networking by asking specific questions about things like, when the best time to apply is based on your grad date. You can't move until it is complete so you have a limitation. You can ask other specific questions as well. I can't tell if you have worked in the computer support industry in the past or if you know what it is you are specifically trying to do with your training. I believe you may need to answer some of those questions if they are outstanding so you can ask specific things of your new network. By beginning that way right now, you can begin to establish a rapport and interest may be generated. More importantly, you'll get the lay of the land and may learn about opportunities not otherwise advertised. I noted the networking advice above and I can tell you it is the most effective way to obtain employment or leads to employment. Start networking now and then apply when your network advises is the best lead to to do so. Good luck with the search.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 21 at 2014 11:40 AM

SPC Michael Hunt — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 11:40:35 -0400

Always! That's what networking is all about.

Response by SSG Todd Halverson made Nov 25 at 2015 3:00 PM

SSG Todd Halverson — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 15:00:02 -0500

Start NOW..... Look at the areas you want to relocate to and start networking on LinkedIn with people in your career field and areas you are interested in. Make sure you have a professional looking photo on LinkedIn since you are out of the service.