Importance of Networking

After getting turned down for yet another lab tech job, I realized something has changed in the job-seeking world. It used to be that if you were close to fulfilling the position, but missing something, you could still apply and maybe you'd still have a chance at that job. If a job requires a bachelor's degree, but you only have an associate's degree, maybe your other resume attributes will make up for that, and you still have a shot at that job.

I think this was true ten or twenty years ago. Once upon a time, you could even drop off resumes in person. The resume was a hard copy, so the formatting and the type of paper also said something about you. You were more than just check-boxes.

I may be wrong, but I get the feeling that so much of a job search today is impersonal. You go onto the website, you don't even know the name of the person in HR who is handling that position, you spend hours filling out an application, and they judge your resume based only off of the criteria.

It's easy to toss a resume that doesn't fit all the parameters. And let's face it, today we have an abundance of applicants that fit the parameters, so why look at one who maybe has a different kind of experience. Bachelor's degree? Check. 5 years experience? Check. MS Excel? Check. Experience working as a buyer? Check. Experience working as a buyer with silicon chips? No? Reject.

Unless you completely fit the parameters, it doesn't make sense to apply for a job in today's marketplace. With one exception: Networking!

Clearly, networking is the way to get an anonymous HR person to not toss that resume into the recycle bin just because it isn't a perfect fit at first viewing. If you know someone who knows someone who knows that HR person, you can at least be assured to be reviewed as more than just numbers and parameters, but as a talent who can adapt and learn and fulfill that position and add to that company's expertise. Networking is the way to get that chance.

I clearly suck at networking. I need to figure out how to do it better. I'm at a loss on how to do so, though.

I'd love to hear feedback from anyone on this. Am I totally off base? Or is networking the only way to get through today if you aren't a perfect fit?

Ch-Ch-Changes

So now I'm in the midst of Human Anatomy, Abnormal Psychology, and Biomedical Ethics classes while expanding my role at Dinah's Poolside Restaurant to include Waitress.  LOVE IT!

Personal life's a bit topsy turvey at the moment, but hoping that'll settle down soon as well. It didn't slow me down, and I still got my A's on my human anatomy tests last week. Yay!

But I am looking forward to December when I can have a whole day off! :)

Apps and MCATs!

Crazy times.  Filling out expensive secondary apps and studying for the MCAT in addition to working and taking classes.  I took the MCAT yesterday, and I don't think I did as well as I'd hoped.  I just hope I did well enough that I don't feel I have to retake it!

In the meantime, I'm continuing the secondary apps and classes and looking for either that third job or one of my other jobs to be extended... need to start paying for those applications!  Another adventure awaits...

And I think this is a very cool idea:
http://news.yahoo.com/no-practicing-patients-docs-boot-camp-051024717.html

MCAT changes and Finals approach

So it's been a crazy month, sorry I didn't get to posting sooner!

I had to move my MCAT date from May 31 to July 12.  I just wasn't going to have the physics down in time, especially with finals approaching. 

I unfortunately have to claim bankruptcy.  I tried to get work so I could pay my bills, but the jobs I had just didn't amount to even half of what unemployment paid me, so it was time I took control and did the deed.  Not happy about it as it will mean I have to find a cosigner for student loans, and so far that's not looking so great.  But I have a year to worry about that, so I can focus on finals and MCAT right now.

I have finals starting tomorrow (well, a final test in O Chem on the last three chapters that worth more than the official final on Thursday).  I'll be glad when Organic Chemistry is over!!

Then I focus on Kaplan and MCAT studying until the 12th.

Meanwhile, I have a new job.  I'm working as hostess at Dinah's Poolside Restaurant in Palo Alto on weekends.  It's a beautiful restaurant and a fun job.  I also tutor chemistry and biology at my college's tutoring center.  Starting in summer it will be for twelve hours a week.  I just need one more job of twelve to eighteen hours that I can work in the morning during the week (and then switch to evenings in fall).  Then I should be able to make a survivable wage after my bankruptcy.  I really can't wait until I'm a doctor and can actually SAVE some money! :)

So I'm very busy this next month and a half but will try to get in some updates...even if they're small but quick!

Putting out the word...

So I've been slowly messaging my Facebook contacts, then my email and Linkedin contacts, regarding my gofundme page and if they have any other ideas for me.  So far I've had a couple great ideas come in.  Some I can look into, others aren't as practical, but at least they're ideas!  Sometimes they spawn other ideas, too!

I've been reading some very dry material on amino acids so I can finish my presentation for Organic Chemistry class.  And still reading to catch up on my Kaplan class.

In the meantime, thanks to my mom for letting me use her card to get my hair done.  It was in need of refreshing!  Whew!

About Six Weeks To MCAT

Yikes!  So my last in-day class of Kaplan was last night.  Still behind. Trying to catch up this week.  Now I need to gear up and start doing at least one full practice test a week. Preferably two!

Today I work on my O Chem presentation on amino acids and finish up my second lab.  And take my online Kaplan last O Chem Class.  Busy, Busy, Busy!!

I leave you today with a random cat picture:

Interfolio is Handy!

I got out two requests for letters of recommendation yesterday through Interfolio.  As I send out my requests and the letter writers begin to upload them to Interfolio by the end of May, I can then forward them all to my AMCAS application for medical schools.  This way I don't have to wait until the actual AMCAS application is open to request the letters.  So two requests are off, and just three to five more to go!

Also completed an O Chem lab and some bio reading for Kaplan tonight.

Stopped by Kaiser this afternoon and met up with my fellow volunteers.  I haven't seen them for two months, so it was nice to chat for a little bit.  I'll be back with them in June.

I have applied to Starbucks, but I'm not sure how long before they'll get back to me.  I hope they don't consider me over-qualified!  I just need a job that gives me enough hours and is flexible around school...just until I check in to medical school in Fall of 2015 (I hope!).

Now I need to start working on my powerpoint presentation on amino acids!  Ta ta!