u/Inevitable_Jump_9270

I’m about to accept an offer for a position, it’s gonna be my first ever job working as a CST, I’m fresh out of school.

I know I’ll have a lot to learn and make some rookie mistakes, but I want to come in teachable, dependable, willing to help, and good to work with. Basically, I want people to think, “Yeah, she’s new, but she’s solid.” I don’t wanna be the new kid that makes a bad reputation for myself.

Experienced CSTs: what are the rookie mistakes, bad habits, or little things that new techs do that nobody really warns you about? And on the flip side, what makes you think, “Okay, this new tech is gonna be good”?

I recently finished my program in late July, passed the CST exam…now just trying to find a job. I applied in late June to one of the hospitals from my clinical experience, they said it was close but in the end I didn’t get it. I’ve applied for several positions at other hospitals, I had an interview for one, didn’t get it. Just had an another interview the other day, still waiting to hear back, I’m really hoping I get it.

I’m coming on here for tips and advice because it’s discouraging not knowing why you don’t get the job. I get most of the time it’s not really me as an individual, it’s just they choose someone who could be better or more qualified…but I feel like I’m trying so hard to make good impressions. I think I got a great resume and CV, I don’t struggle in interviews, I answer questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. I’m always thanking whoever is interviewing, maintaining respect and eye contact, shaking their hands etc. I even like to call days after the interview just to thank them again for the consideration and the interview and let them know I’m interested in working for them.

What more can I do? Am I doing anything wrong? Dang this is so much harder than I thought it was going to be.

I live at home with my parents, I’m 24. I’m hoping to get hired at a hospital which is an hour away from me but I have to meet their 30 minute on call time, point is…I gotta make plans to potentially move out if I’m hired. I thought about renting an apartment but it seems more wise to just get a house in this economy since rent is nearly the price of paying a mortgage now.

I really liked some floor plans from cavco and champion homes but as I did my research, I learned it might not be worth it because of poor construction, I don’t want to worry about moisture under the house and numerous other things that would cost me more in the long run. I was wondering what if I find a local builder, one that is reputable, that could build me a stick built home, I could give them one of the floor plans from cavco or champion that I like, and maybe do a construction to permanent loan. I don’t want my total project cost to go above $210k-$213k.

Ideally, I wanted to do a land/home package so I don’t have to worry about buying land. But I’ve heard a lot of construction companies have relationships with developers or landowner and are willing to help you find land so you will ultimately have them build a house.

Honestly, does this plan seem realistic or even attainable? I live in the upstate of South Carolina by the way for context.