On 4/9/2011 2:29, Stephen wrote:
>> I don't know, #3 in particular (find the hiring manager or some way other
>> than going through HR) is something I've actually done....

I don't think I've ever gotten a job talking to HR. But yes, that's why I 
said "most".

> It is all very well saying that but for the ordinary person how easy is it?

I think it depends on the job you're looking for and who you know. I suspect 
very few corporate officers apply through HR. Meet someone big and important 
and impress them.  Or get an advanced degree.

I wonder how hard it is for, say, doctors to find a hospital to practice at 
and such.

> I got my current contract by contacting a previous employer for a reference
> who just happened to be looking for someone. Well done me! But that was just
> luck.

That's not luck. That's how you do it. Keep it up. :-)

> The only one of the hints I would agree with is number 5 but then that
> hasn't stopped Tek from getting a job (evilsuperbrain).

I think all of these hints are only broadly applicable and only to "common" 
jobs. Sure, if you spend six months and can't get a job as a web graphics 
designer, there might be something wrong. Six months unemployed as a 
university professor?

Again, if you're in your 50's and you spent 15 years in school, putting that 
on your resume is probably a good idea. If you have a bachelor's, nobody 
really cares at that point.  If you've been a research doctor or a 
university professor with dozens of publications and world-wide travel and 
speaking arrangements, yeah, a 2-page resume isn't going to cut it. But 
again, those are the people who don't go through HR to start with.

I'd say 5, 9, and 10 are always applicable.


-- 
Darren New, San Diego CA, USA (PST)
   "Coding without comments is like
    driving without turn signals."

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