[Samsung Epic 4G Touch] Stryke_the_Orc:
[MENTION=2953465]agat63[/MENTION] I have nothing but respect for you and your struggle to build your life up from nothing over and over. You sir are an inspiration.:beer:

[MENTION=4556539]moparfreak426[/MENTION] They are right, offering up excuses about why you can't will never turn into how you did.

Now for the advice I can give you.

Getting a job is less about your experience and education than it is about networking. 15-20 years ago when most of us "seasoned" members were job hunting, you better believe that without a degree of some kind things were tough. Now, not so much. One of my professors is a perfect example of this. He's only two years older than I am, but had his Masters Degree in English and Sociology in his mid-twenty's. The job he landed right out of college? Starbucks. For six years. He got where he is now because, of all things, his mother does yoga with the Director of Faculty.

On the flip side, I had zero experience in a machine shop, especially precision machining, and had never even taken Trigonometry, let alone used it. I got into where I am because I built up a reputation for being hard working and a fast learner. I had worked for a temp agency for several months off an on for a few years, and the woman there that assigned us our jobs talked the HR guy at my current employer into allowing me to enter the apprenticeship program.

Networking and your Interview skills are all that are an absolute necessity. Everything else is just icing on the cake.

You definitely want to follow your interests, and build your career on those. In your case, cars.

Ok, enough rambling and on to the practical advice.

When networking you want to do the following:

The goal of networking is to help other people, without letting them know you expect anything in return. Honestly, networking is all about manipulating your way into someone's good graces.

You don't need to know a lot of people, just the right people. People with the power to help you get what you want. A buddy that works in the mail-room as a low level carrier at Chrysler HQ, is not going to be able to help you land a job there.

Don't leave networking to chance. Find yourself in the same places as the people you want to work for/with. Many CEO's go to the bar after work for a drink, or resturaunts to have dinner. Don't be a creepy stalker, and you won't find anyone worth working for in a dive bar. Use common sense, start up a conversation.

Offer praise, NEVER ask for help. This doesn't mean be a brown-noser, but instead praise the company, give examples of their accomplishments, show you've got some knowledge of the business.

Keep in contact. Again, don't be a creepy stalker, but also don't email twice a decade. Try to build a natural friendship, or semi-casual/professional relationship with people.

Always be friendly and helpful.

Smile and be engaging, you can't hide in a corner and hope to be noticed.

If there is an oppotunity to volunteer, or do an internship, even for little or no pay, take it. It will get your foot in the door.

DO NOT get deterred. You will hear no. This is ok. Persistance pays off.

Reach out in a different way. If they are not responding to your text messages, don't keep texting them (this goes back to the creepy stalker thing...)

Networking is about LISTENING. Listen to what they are saying, hang on to their every word. You never know when it will pay off.

Interview Questions and what they really mean:

Tell me about yourself. - They want to know about your education and experience, not about how you like to drive your jeep through mud. Do not give any personal information about family, friends, personal hobbies, etc... Give them examples of why you'd be a good fit for the position.

What are your strengths? - They are looking for 3-5 aspects about what you're good at that applies to the position you're interviewing for.

What are your weaknesses? - First off, DO NOT say you have none. That's incredibly foolish. Secondly, if it took you three minutes to come up with three strengths, it damn well better take you at least three minutes to come up with two weaknesses. Never give more examples of weaknesses than strengths.

What do you know about our Organization? - They are looking to see if you've done any research into their company - which leads into their next question. This also helps weed out people seeking a job with them vs those just seeking a job.

Why do you want to work for us? - They are asking why YOU specifically are applying with them, instead of other companies. For example, you have always wanted to work for Chrysler (Maybe not, but you get the idea)

Why do you want this position? - They are looking for your experience specific to the job you're applying for, not "Because it pays good." or anything similar.

Why did you leave your last employer? - This is an important one, DO NOT BASH YOUR OLD EMPLOYER! It is ok to say you're looking to make more money, no one will hold that against you, or to say that your previous employer made some changes that you were uncomfortable with etc...

Tell us about a serious achievement in your life. - Can not stress this enough, they are looking for a professional achievement.

How much are you looking to make? - NEVER, EVER low-ball yourself. They will take advantage of it, trust me. Instead, research the position, find out what the average rate of pay is. If the average salary is 35-50k/yr, shoot for the median and ask for 42. Same applies to hourly rates. Google is wonderful for this.

Do you have any questions for us? - YES, YOU DO! Always ask questions, it shows a healthy interest in the company and the position you're applying for.

Now this information in no way guarantees you will find a job, or that you will meet the right people to network with. That's all on you.

Good luck in your endeavors and I hope it pans out for you, but as stated earlier, you can't achieve what you don't strive for. Reach for it and grab the bull by the horns, because ultimately no one can help you but you.