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Ask the Patch Pro: Career Experts Answer Job Search Questions

Our panel of experts are waiting in the comments to answer all your questions about searching for the right career and applying for jobs in the latest installment of Ask the Patch Pro.

It's time for another edition of , where each week we tackle a different topic and open up the comments section for questions. Our team of experts stop in to help you out and answer your questions.

This week we're talking about searching for and applying for jobs. What's the proper way to format a resume? How do you write a cover letter? Where is the best place to start your search?

Whether you've just graduated college, are looking to change career paths or are struggling to re-enter the workforce after a layoff, Patch wants to help you get your questions answered. But we needed some help.

We don't have the answers to those (and your) questions, but not to worry. We've compiled a team of experts to help us out. Meet the experts:

  • Christine Jarus: Assistant Director of Lewis and Clark Career Center
  • Dana Wehrli: Lindenwood University Director of Career Development
  • Martha Toebben: St. Charles Community Coordinating Counselor for Career Services 

Got a question for our experts? Ask below!

Tamara Duncan (Editor) August 30, 2012 at 01:05 pm
My daughter was recently searching for a job, and she had a terrible time getting any sort of response when she submitted an application online. She wouldn't get any sort of notification that the application had been received. Only one out of dozens of applications submitted online resulted in an interview. Should a serious job hunter ignore the "apply online" link and just go in and ask for a paper application?
Heidi L. August 30, 2012 at 01:16 pm
My son has just returned from a year long deployment, he has no job and "thinks he may want to go to school in January" (he just returned Saturday, too late for fall classes). Is it a good idea for him to look for full time work when he plans for a full time college schedule in January and may need to quit or work part time then?
Kalen Ponche (Editor) August 30, 2012 at 01:28 pm
What's the average amount of time for people to find a job if they are unemployed? How long is it taking people to find a new job if they already have a job? Is it "quicker" if you are already employed?
Martha Toebben August 30, 2012 at 01:32 pm
Unfortunately, for many companies, they will only accept applications on-line. The best way to find work is through networking. If your daughter knows someone who works for the organization, she may want to contact them and see if they could put in a good word for her with the hiring manager. If not, she could follow-up the application by submitting a nice resume and cover letter by mail. Every company is different as it pertains to accepting paper applications/resumes. However, it cannot hurt if this is where she really wants to work. Tell her good luck and hang in there.
Christine Jarus August 30, 2012 at 01:33 pm
It is important to follow all of the application directions listed for a posting. Therefore, she should definitely continue to submit the applications online, if that is what is requested. However, that doesn't mean that she can't also follow up with a hard copy cover letter and resume. I also suggest to students that they place a call a week or so after their application is submitted to follow up and again express their interest.
Martha Toebben August 30, 2012 at 01:36 pm
Since your son's goal is to attend college in January, I would encourage him to find a part-time job. That way he can continue to work at the same company once he begins school. At St. Charles Community College, we start enrolling for the Spring semester on October 29.
Christine Jarus August 30, 2012 at 01:54 pm
I agree with Martha. Seasonal employment may be his best option if he definitely plans to attend college this January. However your quote that "he may want to go to school" suggests that he isn't sure yet about his career goals. If that is the case, I would recommend he spend some time exploring his career options and seek a job in an area of interest. Most colleges offer evening and part-time options when he is confident about his path and some bigger organizations offer tuition reimbursement for their employees.
Christine Jarus August 30, 2012 at 02:12 pm
Kalen, I've seen a huge range in statistics related to length of job search and honestly that number is going to vary greatly depending on your desired job. Experience definitely helps in the job search, especially in today's economy. With the vast number of applicants, employers are more interested in hiring individuals with experience. Unfortunately, your search will take longer if you don't have any experience in the field.
Kalen Ponche (Editor) August 30, 2012 at 02:17 pm
Thanks Christine. In the communications field, I have a few friends who were laid off and it took them about a year to find a job. On the flip side, I've had other friends switch jobs and the search for the new job seemed to take more like 4 or 5 months. I was just curious if that was similar in other fields.
Christine Jarus August 30, 2012 at 02:37 pm
Communications and the advertising industry are very competitive right now. Job searches in those areas are probably taking a little longer than other industries.
Steve Ridling August 30, 2012 at 03:09 pm
I'm retired but would like to find something part time, maybe 2 days a week. What are my chances?
Martha Toebben August 30, 2012 at 03:25 pm
I think your chances are very good. Many companies have part-time positions available. Folks that are retired are usually a good fit because they are flexible and have a great work ethic.
CareerFuel August 30, 2012 at 06:59 pm
Hi Tamara! I would also that recent grads use their social networks (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook). As Martha states below, its all about networking. One of my co-workers recently shared how she laddered her way to a job after graduation: http://careerfuel.net/2012/06/internet-nav-to-find-your-new-boss/
Dana Wehrli August 30, 2012 at 08:03 pm
The Lindenwood College for Individual Education (LCIE) program was designed specifically for working adults. Courses are scheduled on the quarter system and a student earns nine (9) semester credits during each quarter with a total of thirty-six (36) credits possible during a calendar year. Classes meet thirteen times in twelve weeks generally from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm one night a week. Class enrollment is limited to 12-14 students and writing and oral skills are emphasized. Courses are taught using the Socratic Method emphasizing student interaction; thus, students benefit from the experiences that peers bring to the classroom.
Dana Wehrli August 30, 2012 at 08:36 pm
Ignoring an organization’s online application process by showing up unannounced will certainly distinguish a candidate, but not in the way you might think. Most organizations use an online application process because they simply are not staffed to field phone calls or inquiries made in person. A candidate who attempts to circumvent a company’s application process by showing up unannounced is telling an employer, “Your rules don’t apply to me,” or “I can’t follow directions.”

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Jim Pepper June 3, 2013 at 08:15 am
Joe, any chance they have figured out how to port the past news stories over yet?
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Just a heads up... while browsing on my phone I have to click leave a comment link above instead ofRead More the box which is typical... just an fyi