Exactly four years ago, yesterday around noon, I was graduating from The Pennsylvania State University with degrees in Journalism, Spanish and International Studies.
I was full of hope and optimism even though I still hadn’t found a job. I just knew that I would find something. I mean, I had three degrees for crying out loud. If I didn’t find something in Journalism, hopefully, I could find something that would enable me to use my Spanish degree. I had no idea how the International Studies degree would help me, but obtaining multiple degrees is sure to make me look like a hard worker. That was my mind frame in 2009.
Weeks passed, then months and then years and I was no closer to obtaining a full-time job in any of my fields. I was extremely depressed and insecure about my lack of security. Everyone around me seemed to be happier than I was, more accomplished, and all-around more grown up. I felt defeated on several occasions especially when I had applied and interviewed for jobs that I thought would be perfect for me. Some people didn’t understand because they were already in their respective fields. To them, I was being lazy and wasn’t doing enough to get a job and that hurt. A lot.
While I am writing in the past, the challenge to get in my field is still an on-going battle. I am grateful to be working, but there is nothing more that I would like to do than do what I love every single day. And getting properly compensated for it and on-time would be great.
So when a friend text me the information from an HR manager in my industry, I was stoked. I could get some inside scoop on the dos and donts of job search because I must be doing something wrong. Bet. I was also nervous because I had no idea what I was supposed to say to her. What if she said it was me?
It’s not me.
In fact, she informed me that a lot of the people that work for her company are part-time workers. They are tasked with relying on multiple sources of income because of both the economy and the industry. And besides that small detail, she was extremely helpful, optimistic and encouraging. The main lesson I learned from her was actually something she said: ‘It’s all about brainstorming nuances.”
I’d like to share some of her suggestions with you. K?
— Network, Network, Network: I know this sounds like a given because we’ve all heard it before, but how many of us actually do it? I know I don’t. In addition to constantly informing people about the positions I am looking for, she informed me to head to clubs, groups or organizations related to my field.
“Think about people in your life that maybe know somebody that knows somebody. You have to think about those second-tier relationships,” she said.
— Appreciate Every Experience: This is a hard one because it’s very easy to only focus on what you want and not what you have. Trust me, I know this all too well, but I am learning that every experience presents a new opportunity. You may not want to do the type of work you are doing, but through it, you are learning about that industry and that can help you in the long run.
“You work in pharmaceuticals, think about story just to have in your package. Also go to pharmaceutical companies’ website because they might be looking for industry writers,” she said.
— Do What You Want On Your Own And Make It Work In Your Favor: It took me a loooong time to figure this one out, but I finally got it together. I began seeking out freelance opportunities and when I learned that those opportunities wouldn’t become full-time position, I started this blog and I couldn’t be happier. I like the idea that I am working toward something for me and not some organization. Everything I write for it is mine.
“Do video blogs on your own and post and send them to stations you would like to work as a video package,” she said.
Did these suggestions help you? What tips do you have for other job seekers?
Happy Friday!!!!
