My Fellow Grads

A Los Angeles blog dedicated to sharing the pains of job hunting for recent graduates as wells lend some assistance. Sometimes you gotta go looking for opportunity to find it, other times you rely on the kindness of strangers.

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Operations Manager Position

Description & Details

Location: Los Angeles, California Industry:  Aviation/Aerospace, Law - Enforcement/Security Job Function:  Management, Operations Description:  The Operations Manager has the overall responsibility for station operations and will ensure that all functions are performed in a consistent manner with agreed procedures and protocol and in accordance with client standards. DUTIES (The position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.) • Manages, directs, plans, organizes and coordinates the day-to-day operations of airport agents • Responsible for station staffing and development of manpower schedules. • Evaluate station attendance and performance deficiencies and administer corrective measures in accordance with Human Resources policies. • The Manager will administer payroll reporting within the established guidelines and deadlines. • The Manager will be responsible to ensure cost effective measures are administered at the station. • Prepare and report daily client/shift reports, log entries; analyze and review operational activity, incident reports. Responsible for station compliance relating to all reporting procedures. • Administer procedural changes and ensure they are communicated effectively and efficiently with staff. • Conduct daily briefings and staff meetings. • Identify and coordinate with the Training Department all training and re-training requirements of station personnel. • Responsible to ensure station personnel and activity is in compliance with all Federal and Airport and client security regulations. • Responsible for the safeguarding of all company equipment and vehicles. • Will be responsible for business development of the station to ensure growth revenue. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS The Operations Manager is responsible for management of contracted functions and activities and ensures effective management of the day to day operations at the airport. Reports directly to the Director of Operations. Business Development activities will ensure revenue growth of the station. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Knowledge of effective management, supervisory and negotiation principles and practices. • Ability to develop and manage manpower schedules and forecasting. • Ability to relate effectively with employees, air carrier employees, airport agencies. • Ability to express oneself clearly, concisely and effectively, both orally and in writing. Competency Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Preferred knowledge of Airport Operations / Airline Operations • Ability to analyze and evaluate problems, to make appropriate recommendations and to effect appropriate courses of action. • Ability to establish and maintain systems and procedures. • Excellent organizational and multi tasking abilities. Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience preferred equivalent to successful completion of college coursework from an accredited college or university in Airport/Airline Management, Business Administration. Career Focus:  Business/Management Position Level:  Experienced, Mid-Career

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Too true or not?

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For all of us still job hunting and want something more than the encouraging word of the day, here you go.  Something I think might help at least get you to that interview.

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this was in my twitter feed, so I thought I would share with you guys

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Hello! I'm also LA native and graduated from college in 2010. I was fortunate enough to offer a position as an Americorps member last August. My term ended in June. The stipend was pretty low but enough that I didn't have to worry about living essentials. Now I am jobless again so I know how you feel. I checked out Goodwill and noticed they have a lot of job openings. I emailed my resume but haven't heard back. Did you have any luck with them? Best of luck! I hope we both obtain a job soon.

If you're trying to get in touch with GoodWill, contact their Human Resources office.  You're going to ask for Melissa or extension 2458.  Just let her know that you're checking on the status of your application and you want to know what the next process or steps are. 

Thanks for the message.  I truly appreciate it.  I figure since they're so many people help seasons veterans find work, maybe it someone in our shoes to help us (the college graduates with little to no experience).  If you want to let me know what you're looking for, I'll throw whatever I come across your way!

You're right, good luck to the both of us!

[myfellowgrads-blog]

Cal Jobs

Since I think most of us are in it on our own, here's a link I received that I thought I'd share with the rest of you.  Heads up.  I have not found out how to upload your resume onto the site, so you'll have to actually generate your resume by hand (well, not really, but, you'll have to create one through their prompts)

Good Hunting!

www.caljobs.ca.gov

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Career Fairs

I swore that I was never going to attend another one of these cattle hurdling spectacles as long as I was unemployed (or even, employed for that matter).  But today, I gave in.  And I don't know why.  Maybe I sorta psyched myself into believing that as the job market slowly picks up, so should the atmosphere of these career fairs, right?  Hmm.

I don't know what I'm more upset about... the fact that I spent $12 on parking for a 20 minute stay or that the career fair was like every other one I've been to.  And after 15, 20 (you go to enough, yeah, you'll lose count), there's nothing to them.  I've heard of  people (someone told me of a scenario they heard from someone else...reliable, right?) going to these events and being hired on the spot.  But I've never been one of them. And I'm not particularly bitter about that.  I would just like a career fair that's more about the hiring and less about the good bags and flyers.  No, I'm not a pessimistic, here.  Actually, I'm quite the opposite.  But "Career Fairs" are just an opportunity for companies (and not the really great or cool ones) to come out and let the public know who they are and maybe let us in are what job vacancies they have.  Oh.  Okay.  Here's the kicker.  Then they tell you where online to go to apply.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!  I just wasted gas and parking money to be told where to apply ONLINE?!? I could've done all of this from the comfort of my own home. 

Recruiters? Only a handful of those people are the companies actual recruiters.  The others are... whoever.... employees, representatives, those who wanted a working vacation, whatever. You hand them your resume, they tell you how to apply online and, as to be expected, you never hear from them.  Why?  Because you don't get a job through a Career Fair (unless you're in sales, because they're always hiring).

 And trust me, I'm well aware of the attitude adjustment.  Every time you look for a job, your attitude should be positive and hopeful... not angry and desperate (and no self pity parties, either).  And I did my best to control myself and remain positive... until I saw the booths.  I did perk up as I pulled out of the parking garage for some reason.  If we're not finding these jobs online (if we ever do get a response back and we're definitely not finding them at Career Fairs... is there something wrong with our strategy?  What are we not doing enough of or correctly?

[myfellowgrads-blog]

I graduated not too long ago, trust me, I feel your pain...

[myfellowgrads-blog]

Executive Assistant Position

I've spoken to Ms. Laura Lindstrom myself and if anybody's interested in working as an Executive Assistant position, by all means, shoot over your cover letter and resume to her: [email protected]​om

Job Description

We are a small start up in search of an administrative assistant to our owner, to maintain calendar, and travel, both personal and professional.  Handle confidential documents, press kits for products, and all general office responsibilities.  Maintain client and customer database.

Applicant will have no less than 5 years experience with verifiable references.  He or she will be a multi-tasking, self starter, assertive and expected to share ideas, MAC/Apple proficient, internet savvy, and possess impeccable organizational and interpersonal skills.  Must be flexible for occasional travel, some with very little notice, and the occasional night or weekend responsibilities.

Please forward interested party resumes to me at [email protected] for immediate review. The first interview will be on the phone, as proper phone skills are imperative to the position. The position needs to be filled immediately.

[omgcheesybread]

[myfellowgrads-blog]

omgcheesybread:

It’s a problem. Yes, yes, I know it is a problem. Literally every new person I encounter and inform about my proposed future profession gives me a look of pity and says, “You know, the economy out there is pretty rough…” (She's gotta point, here...)

REALLY? Really. I…oh my God. I did NOT KNOW THAT. AT ALL.

/rage

It just...

[myfellowgrads-blog]

If you're in southern California, you might want to check GoodWill... they seem to have a lot of positions open.

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Is It Us Or Them?

I'm sitting here planning my week, my job hunt to maximize my opportunities, put myself in the right place at the right time.  I'm reading up on successful job searching tips, companies that are hiring and have vacancies and signing up for career fairs (as useless as some of them seem).  But I have to wonder --  is the problem me or the companies that I'm applying to?  In other words, is it us or them?

We send off our resumes, whether it's in person, email or by way of a mutual friend hoping to hear back.  Hopefully in the form of a job interview, right?  But, what are we really saying when we do that?  It's almost like we're begging, "pick me, pick me!"  Maybe we need to take a more entrepreneurial approach and do a freelance work, or become self employed.  After all, that would end our unemployment situation.  Trust me, I know it's easier said than done.  This may not make the most of sense, but hear me out.  Maybe we need to work for ourselves for a bit.  Find something we like to do and explore the career opportunities it offers.  We'll gain experience, knowledge, fill in those awkward unemployment gaps and if we like and it likes us, it could be something more.  And if not and we want the stability of a weekly check, it can be something we've added to our resume. 

Either way, despite the high unemployment rate among recent college graduates, we still have power over our future.  Hey, that's a four-year education we paid for (5 for some, because sometimes you gotta switch degrees once or twice).  Why not start cashing in?

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I thought it was interesting of the article to point out that our unemployment may cripple the future of our country.  After all, forget the about moving in with our parents (again), student loan payments, the job hunt and the slow supposed growth of the economy... all of us unemployed graduates aren't helping the bigger picture at stake here.  Our bad.

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Sore Thumb

I still get repeatedly those notifications from various employment profiles I've signed up for that offer some sound advice along with job openings I might be interested in.  Again, with the how to write a perfect resume and cover letter or personal brand... but my favorite thus far is... how to stand out from the crowd.  Really.  Logically, it makes good sense, but how do we as recent college graduate with minimal, at best, stand out from career veterans?  I mean, isn't that why we went to college... to put that degree to work on our resumes?  But, that's not enough these.  We, one way or another, have to make ourselves stand out like a glorious sore thumb.  And not just on paper.  But in person too. 

How?  I've heard stories from friends about lengths they've gone to, including the clothes they've worn.  Nothing...too unprofessional, just...different.  One friend, wore all black; black slacks, black shirt but complemented his outfit with a pink tie.  I don't know if he got the job (which probably isn't helpful, but this was awhile ago) but his interviewer did remember him. Another friend, made sure to use different stationery for her resume.  Noticably different.  Paper so thick I'm surprise it didn't cause a paper jam when she print it.  Me?   I've make the atmosphere light by telling a few job related jokes.  It showcases my experience, let's my interviewer know I have a personality (and that I'm not some drone) and eases the tensions (more so for myself). 

Is it a guaranteed tactic?  No.  Nothing is.  But standing out should be something we're comfortable with doing.  Because it should be as close to being ourselves as possible.  Whether you feel like making a fashion statement or killing a tree (in a way), stand out however it works for you.  The job market is stil just as tight as ever.  Do what you gotta do. 

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Tips for Recent Graduates entering the job market

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Reconciling With Your Résumé

On average, I get about half a dozen of these... what do I want to call them?... briefs, maybe articles, in my inbox about the best résumé writing tips or how to make your résumé stand out from the crowd, how to make yourself memorable after an interview, how to get that interview, but I always feel like these articles are written for people with experience.  Like, career focused related experience.  Not for recent-graduates-that-worked-at-Diary-Queen-to-pay-the-rent experience.  (And for the record, there's nothing wrong with working a Diary Queen, a department store, a clothing outlet or whatever other part time job you might have had in college.  If nothing else, it should show potential employers that you know how to juggle and prioritize.)  But all of these wonderful tips and advice don't amount to much for the inexperienced, am I right?  With all of their Dos and Don'ts of our résumés: how to avoid gaps of unemployment history, what experience to leave on and take off the résumé and what language to use.  What if we're just trying to get someone to read our résumé and take it seriously?

How do my fellow graduates and myself reconcile with our résumés?  If we went to college straight out from high school, maybe took a few part time jobs to pay the bills and buy on occasion, food and water, do employers really expect us to have related relevant employment history?  Now chances are, if you interned while in college, you have a better chance of landing a job, because that counts as your experience.  But is it enough?  And what about the rest of us?  If I'm not mistaken, I have a  great deal (not all, but most) of my employment history on my résumé to show that I do have employment history.  Yes, I know it's not related to the position I'm applying for, but none of the positions I worked were related to my academics studies and I seemed to do that quite well.  So how do we reconcile our résumés?  Well, if you google the ideas and information, you might find it quite redundant because... I don't know, we're almost kind of overlooked. 

Well, we are and aren't.  We are in the sense that none of the tips out there seem to be applicable to those of use that graduated in this... job market and economy.  But, then again we are, because we're still graduating or have graduated and are adding to the numbers of unemployment and underemployment, according to the Department of Labor; we are part of the statistics. 

But all hope is not lost.  A few things I've learn, especially if you're going to stick it out until recovery.  Network, Network, Network.  Pass on your résumé to family, friends and whoever else you might know.  It may feel a little embarassing that you're asking for help finding a job, but it's more important that you get that job.  And don't just pass it along.  Whoever you give your résumé to, explain to them what you're looking for and what you're willing to do (that wasn't an invitation for wise cracks). What I'm saying is... you may have a business degree, but you're willing to work as an administrative assistant (which isn't as easy to get these days, either). Volunteer.  I've seen this myself, but you won't believe how it can work in your favor until you do it for yourself.  If you need experience, volunteering is one way how you can get it.  Or, you may cross paths with someone who can offer you something better.  With volunteering, do be mindful of transporation, because, let's be real... you gotta get there and back... on someone's dime.  If there's anything that you do real well and could get paid for (again, this is not a set up for jokes), offer your skills as a service.  Think of it as, taking the entrpreneurial initiative and doing something for yourself. And most importantly, don't stop job hunting.  Potential employers need to see the best of you reconciled in your résumé.

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