Calgary - Where are all the GOOD entry level jobs?

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

The best way to do it is follow Firefly's example. Forget applying on the internet, that rarely works unless it's with the government or something. Go up to the companies you want to work for, explain your qualities to the HR manager, and DEMAND a position from them. In Calgary's job market, I've seen friends do it all the time, and it works.

Best to meet them face-to-face.

I was told by a head hunting company that a majority of the job market is hidden. You need to find companies that you would like to work for and apply in person. Keep your ear to the ground. Make contacts. Getting to know the right people is very important. (You don't need to know the CEO or anything, just somebody that can give you a heads up when a position is available or the company is hiring)

Be patient as well. Gaining experience is extremely valuable. I know that when I used to hire people in the past. I would get a stack of resumes (150 - 200) at 1pm and be told to have them narrowed down for my boss to a dozen by 4pm. At first I would try to read the entire resume. Then when I got pressed for time I went straight to the work experience. Those with experience got interviews. Those with out got thrown in the trash.

[mykalberta]

There are lots of oilfield sales jobs. Not sure if they require experience or if you can mentor under someone though.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by mykalberta

There are lots of oilfield sales jobs. Not sure if they require experience or if you can mentor under someone though.

I worked for a mud and drilling services company for 3 years before I started my new job this summer, and the salesmen there were getting paid insane amounts of cash for what they did (or lack thereof). To be honest, they were some of the dumbest, most uneducated people I've met, and yet because they barely needed to sell anything because the product was in such high demand, they were making low six-figure incomes by sitting on their duffs all day and looking up porn and playing solitaire.

These boys had at least 10 years of experience though, so you can't just walk into the job. You have to have friends / contacts.

[LIP MAN]

Ha ha M1 Synergy. I had an interview with them, checked their website...and it was sketchy. So when they called me when I was late for the interview, I stupidly answered and realized what I did. So I just hung up. Good times.

[Jayems]

haha, this was the best:

I was inbetween jobs (quite a few years ago) and looked at the paper. So I called this one ad that said something like great pay, great hours etc.

A girl picks up and says, before I've said a word, come down for an interview. I said hold on a minute, what the hell is it you actually do? She replied that I need to come down to see all the great things... I again said no thanks, but tell me what you do and I'll think about it...

At this time, believe it or not, she became enraged and began yelling at me about how I'm never going to make any money, I'm passing up the opportunity of a life time, my life will suffer... just went on a tirade for a couple minutes, and I just wanted to know what kind job I was applying for.

I couldn't believe it.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Jayems

haha, this was the best:

I was inbetween jobs (quite a few years ago) and looked at the paper. So I called this one ad that said something like great pay, great hours etc.

A girl picks up and says, before I've said a word, come down for an interview. I said hold on a minute, what the hell is it you actually do? She replied that I need to come down to see all the great things... I again said no thanks, but tell me what you do and I'll think about it...

At this time, believe it or not, she became enraged and began yelling at me about how I'm never going to make any money, I'm passing up the opportunity of a life time, my life will suffer... just went on a tirade for a couple minutes, and I just wanted to know what kind job I was applying for.

I couldn't believe it.

Chances are if she told you and anyone else who called, no one would show up for an interview. I'm willing to bet it's one of the home based businesses like Amyway.

[alltherage]

Yup, I did the M1 Synergy thing. I asked about the job and it sounded legit.. they work for Direct Energy, doing info fairs blah blah blah, creating a product identity and differentiation, all jargon this stuff I learned in school... then I went for a ride along, and ended up on the bus with some kid who was interviewing me along the way.. and i was just like, fug, man I gotta get outta here. I toughed it out though, and ended up going door to door scamming people out of their enmax contracts and in to Direct Energy. The guy who was "training" me was basically telling people they had to choose between regulated and fluctuating plans, and either way the cutomer chose, he would tell them to fill our the Direct Energy plan.

[OilersBaby]

do u want to work in sales or marketing? there is a huge difference between the two. there's also a difference between those 2 and PR. I work as a Marketing Coordinator for a company here in San Jose, and we are looking for an Outside Sales Rep who will start at 50 K, plus get 60% comission on all sales over target amount.

there are a boatload of sales/marketing jobs in the San Jose Area...when I was looking for something marketing related, I first narrowed down the industry I wanted to work in. As a marketing professional, you can work in pretty much any industry (ie oil, real estate, financial, software, etc). I'm drawn to the Health and Wellness area so I work at a therapeutic facility

[alltherage]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

do u want to work in sales or marketing? there is a huge difference between the two. there's also a difference between those 2 and PR. I work as a Marketing Coordinator for a company here in San Jose, and we are looking for an Outside Sales Rep who will start at 50 K, plus get 60% comission on all sales over target amount. there are a boatload of sales/marketing jobs in the San Jose Area...when I was looking for something marketing related, I first narrowed down the industry I wanted to work in. As a marketing professional, you can work in pretty much any industry (ie oil, real estate, financial, software, etc). I'm drawn to the Health and Wellness area so I work at a therapeutic facility

You know what? I would LOVE a marketing job but there just doesn't seem to be much in Calgary. I know the differences, haha I was a Marketing Major, trust me! But I like the sales side of it as a kind of second preference.

[halibut]

I work in a downtown office and in the same building is Xerox's marketing group... I have to say I don't know what they pay but the girls in there are quite attractive.


What are you wanting to market? Did you want to do marketing for a company or marketing for a marketing company? PM me and I can give you a couple names of individuals if you would be interested in marketing IT services.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by alltherage

You know what? I would LOVE a marketing job but there just doesn't seem to be much in Calgary. I know the differences, haha I was a Marketing Major, trust me! But I like the sales side of it as a kind of second preference.

Aw, that sucks there aren't a lot of real marketing jobs in Calgary It's opposite here..too many jobs and not enough qualified people.

I have no idea what the market is like in terms of sales positions. My parents and brother live in Calgary and it sounds as though real estate is doing well there? Would selling real estate be an option?