Job Searching Tips

mimico_polak

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Hey guys,

So it's been about a month now since I got downsized because the company got sold off to another firm (shockingly) and this job search is bringing me down because the results are just not what I was hoping for.

I've been looking through LinkedIn jobs, Indeed, Workopolis, and trying to connect with people with organizations I know as well as companies I dealt with. It's a lot of 'Wish we could hire you, but not right now...maybe in the Spring'

Just looking for your experiences in the search, what your best strategy has been (cold calling companies? recruiters?)

Also, how did you find switching industries? I was in a fairly niche market which was great...until now it's hard to transfer because I'm either over qualified for work, or under qualified because I don't know that industry very well.

If you can suggest recruiters, headhunters, etc I'd be really interested. My experience is in proposals, tenders, technical sales, and project co-ordination within the construction industry if that helps. Would like to stick with it, or even move into Aerospace as that's where my educational background is from.

Hopefully this thread will help out others in a similar situation.

Thanks!
 
Maybe... wait until Spring? Good luck with the search, though. My LinkedIn feed regularly has postings for PMs and Project Coordinators in your field (construction), just keep at it!
 
Having been 'downsized' myself several times I have been told (and have seen) that it can take about a month for every 10K in salary you were making to find another 'equivalent' position in the same field. So, if you were making 60K/yr expect to take about 6 months to find the 'right job'. I have been lucky a few times and have taken much longer than what I considered normal to find something else. While you are looking see if you can find some contract work. This will at least keep you busy (and your mind sharp) and you can make more contacts as well.

Its not easy and its hard to stay positive but keep at it. Something will drop in your lap when you least expect it. Good luck.
 
Have you tried E.S. Fox? They are a construction company I work with. I actually work for an engineering company (nuclear)
There's tons of jobs in the nuclear industry and construction is on the incline. There's Black and Macdonald as well.

Recruiters I suggest are Aerotek, Ian Martin.
 
mcjob.jpg





Just kidding :D


Would help if people knew what field you're in...
 
I would like a job where beautiful women pay me to be their ideal man.

LoL wouldn't we all!?

Thanks guys for the quick responses.

HELLBOY - I wish I was in a position to be without pay for that long, but I would prefer something sooner. Mind you spring is only a few weeks away. But I'll keep plugging

HDSomeday - Thanks for the info. I'll look into some contract work but it's also tough to get into as there's plenty of competition out there

RednBlax - Thanks I haven't heard of them before but I was researching them after I got your message. I've also already applied to Black&Mac but no luck yet. I'll keep trying there as they're a huge company and do interesting work. Nuclear is also an option but I don't have specific skills for that industry, only general that can be transferred.

Paul - LoL If it comes to it then I'll have no choice. Not there yet.

As for the industry. My last role was in technical sales / project co-ordination for a heavy equipment supplier to the construction industry. I love the tunnelling industry, but it's here today and another town or country tomorrow. Which is cool for me.

I'd love to give a shot to the aerospace industry as it's always interested me and will keep applying there as well.

As for jobs, primarily looking for project co-ordinator/manager, technical sales/estimating, or business development for the industry. I like dealing with heavy machinery, and consultive sales is something I've always enjoyed.
 
try looking at the career section of ritchie bros

when i saw heavy machinery and sales that's the first company that came into mind
 
LoL wouldn't we all!?

Thanks guys for the quick responses.

HELLBOY - I wish I was in a position to be without pay for that long, but I would prefer something sooner. Mind you spring is only a few weeks away. But I'll keep plugging

HDSomeday - Thanks for the info. I'll look into some contract work but it's also tough to get into as there's plenty of competition out there

RednBlax - Thanks I haven't heard of them before but I was researching them after I got your message. I've also already applied to Black&Mac but no luck yet. I'll keep trying there as they're a huge company and do interesting work. Nuclear is also an option but I don't have specific skills for that industry, only general that can be transferred.

Paul - LoL If it comes to it then I'll have no choice. Not there yet.

As for the industry. My last role was in technical sales / project co-ordination for a heavy equipment supplier to the construction industry. I love the tunnelling industry, but it's here today and another town or country tomorrow. Which is cool for me.

I'd love to give a shot to the aerospace industry as it's always interested me and will keep applying there as well.

As for jobs, primarily looking for project co-ordinator/manager, technical sales/estimating, or business development for the industry. I like dealing with heavy machinery, and consultive sales is something I've always enjoyed.

You mentioned project management....do you have your PMP?
 
You mentioned project management....do you have your PMP?

No, one course away from finishing PM Certificate course at this stage. Then need the experience.

abktd - thanks never heard of them. Interesting concept as I never knew there was such a market for auctions of heavy equipment.
 
Persistence is key. keep applying and eventually you'll land the gig that's right for you. I don't know much about your industry, but with IT for example, it's roughly 1 interview per 50 applications or so. So play the numbers game, and hopefully you get past the automated screening protocols a lot of these places use for job submission. I've been downsized as well a few times, like was said above, the more you were making, the longer it will take to find a similar role. Good luck.
 
If you are seeking Project Management in construction, make sure you are working on or have your PMP, without it, you might never move past the initial review
 
I was down sized as well. Presently looking at alternatives. Got an email today for my general info & resume
 
I have worked with many (MANY) recruiters and headhunters... I got the interviews, but never, ever got a job through them. Never.
 
Here is the website most Ontario utilities use for job postings. Everything from Customer Service Reps to CEO's. It's a very active and changing industry, with lots of new postings going up regularily. I suggest book-marking this page and checking it weekly.

Goodluck!

https://mearie.talentnest.com/en/jobs
 
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