If you are looking for GIS mapping jobs, adhering to a number of tips will give you an edge over other candidates looking for the same positions. This is especially so in the wake of the economic recession that followed the 2007-2009 financial crisis, which significantly affected certain job sectors where GIS mapping work is found such as real estate and construction. These tips are as follows:
• Have an up to date profile on online social networks - Recruiters are increasingly looking to social networks to find appropriate candidates for GIS mapping vacancies. One of the most popular sites for professional profiles is LinkedIn. You can also become an active member of other social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter by joining or following groups that are targeted towards GIS professionals. If you are an active participant in conversation related to GIS mapping employment and work, you may catch a recruiter's attention and land a job interview.
• Opportunity for part time job or projects - With good GIS mapping jobs often requiring a significant amount of experience, fresh graduates often have difficulty trying to demonstrate some level of experience. Many companies with GIS mapping work recognize this shortcoming among fresh graduates and will thus occasionally offer part time positions for short term projects that require little or no experience. The advantage for the company is that it can save on costs it would otherwise have incurred by hiring an experienced GIS mapping expert.
Internships in GIS
For the new graduate, this freelance work helps them to firm up their resume for a GIS mapping career while at the same time providing a source of income before they get a permanent GIS mapping position. Even though freelance work will sometimes not involve conventional GIS mapping work like digitizing, just working as part of a GIS mapping team will provide a boost to one's resume when looking for an entry level position.
• Internships - Look for internships during the holidays and college breaks. Like freelance work mentioned above, this is an opportunity to gain experience that will help you establish your GIS mapping career. The difference between internship and freelance work is mainly that the internship will have little or no pay. But internships have the advantage of learning much more than fresh graduates working as freelancers on short term projects - companies will be a lot more relaxed to the prying and curiosity of an intern than they will be for a freelancer.
As an intern, put your best foot forward even if you are working with no pay. Consider it your investment in GIS mapping employment. The company where you are doing your internship may notice your hard work and offer you permanent GIS mapping employment. When looking for internship, do not neglect the college you are studying in. You could approach your college professor to find out if you can work with them as teaching assistant. Professors have strong industry networks and could give you a strong recommendation letter that will help you establish your GIS mapping career.
• Persistence - When GIS mapping vacancies appear difficult to find, you should never give up the chase. Continue sending out applications to various companies and government agencies even when they turn you down. It might just be that when the firm does decide to hire, they may opt to use applications that they already have as opposed to advertising the position.
When you are looking for GIS mapping employment, do not neglect internet job boards. Given the low cost and wide reach of the job boards, many recruiters have made this their primary means of sourcing new personnel. The jobs listed range from entry level GIS mapping jobs that require little or no experience, to executive level positions that require more than 10 years experience.
Tips
Do not shy away from applying for jobs where you do not completely fit the bill - as long as you meet a good number of the requirements listed, send in your application. It is not unusual to find a company settling for someone that does not completely meet the advertised requirements but that they still consider fits the job. After about two weeks follow up the companies where one you send your resumes to thank them for the time they spent in reviewing your resume.
For the widest range and most current GIS mapping vacancies, visit GISCrossing.com today. By signing up for a free trail, you will be well on your way to establishing a productive GIS mapping career.
