Activity

Ryan, thanks for your encouraging words. I’m curious about the ‘showing up’ method though. Can you elaborate somewhat on how that worked for you? Did you show up unannounced to random firms? Did you know anyone in those offices? How was your unannounced arrival received? How many places did you visit in this fashion before someone showed a genuine…[Read more]

Hey Charlie, any advice as to where one would get started in looking at jobs in Australia? Did they require you to have your papers in order prior to applying?

Good Points Aceto.

Nrschmid, I don’t know about my reputation being soured that way. In this economy I’m sure its fairly common for multiple firms in the same town to receive materials from the same applicant. There’s nothing unusual about that.

I will agree with you that I’d probably have a better chance at finding a position through networking, but like I said…[Read more]

I hate any type of plastic weed barrier. Soil builds up on top, so the weeds grow anyway. People seem to think it will last forever, but it usually ends up disintegrating. Then when someone has to dig up the planting bed again, they end up with lots of tiny bits of plastic. I like using cardboard or newspaper instead. Both break down, but at least…[Read more]

I’ve heard of that guy before. It’s pretty amazing.
Here’s an article from Mother Earth News with good tips for people who are unintentionally living without money (people who are unemployed): http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/2007-10-01/Live-on-Less.aspx

Hey Jay,
I definitely understand your struggles. I have less experience, and have had to fight to get the two jobs I’ve had since graduating. The only real opportunities I’ve had came from personally banging doors down. I was sending out portfolios and applications like crazy and getting mild responses or feedback at best. When I finally showed up…[Read more]

If that drainage pattern is correctly depicted by your arrows, it is not legal and should be flagged by the site inspector prior to issuing a C.O. on the building.You cannot dump all your water into street. It this located somewhere where it never rains, so they don’t relaly care?

Hey Nick !!

For what its worth ….One word PERSISTANCE!! i honestly think that the individuals who are gettin the jobs are not necessarily the most talented …but the most persistent …which is shame in one sence !!! I graduated in aug 08 …and within weeks …promising interviews..even job offers ..Turned to nothing!!! …So i broadened my s…[Read more]

I actually applied to a few government jobs which I was way underqualified for just to see what they were looking for and found, as you mentioned, very specific requirements. Not to mention those apps only take about an hour to complete.

I don’t see how one could possibly do this right now unless you’re appplying all over the globe. There just aren’t that many positions advertised unless you’re canvassing in some form. I like to think I have a pretty good handle on where to look for jobs and who to watch and I just don’t see anything out there right now. The positions I’m seeing…[Read more]

So basically everywhere.

Hey Nick,

You’re right, its tough. What I have found is that more firms want licensure right now. (Something I do not have. The best I can do is assure them I am working towards it). Many firms also want 3-D modeling experience. (Something else I don’t have. I’m trying to teach myself as much as I can online, but I just don’t have the experience…[Read more]

I hear what you’re saying. But the only downside to spending that much time tailoring one’s application to a specific company is that you are not making contact with as many firms. I think both methods ‘increase the odds’ of getting a call back, but it’s hard to say which way is more worthwhile. A couple of years ago, I would occassionally test…[Read more]

Nick-

Besides the interviews, have you had any serious nibbles? Were they prospective employers in your region or elsewhere?

It’s not in the landscaping section but more so in the painting and home sections. It’s 6-mil black poly plastic that is made for painting, vapor barriers, covering equiptment, etc. Here is it also used by a lot of companies for a weed barrier. I hate the stuff. Here is the best picture I could find of this stuff. http://www.rd.com/how-to-choose-a-…[Read more]

Jay,

I’ve seen at least a handful of positions open up and advertised in other regions of the US and abroad for more experienced professionals. Most, if not all of them have been advertising a need from someone with more than five years experience and licensure, so I havent even bothered applying. I’ve seen a *few* entry level positions pop up…[Read more]

plastic? I’m not sre I’ve seent that stuff…Is it like the black fabris you get at home depot in the landscraping dept?

It looks like they’re trying to completely isolate planet earth. Did a landscape architect have anything to do with this?

Maybe the bubblers justify the need for a swale.