If You Build It...

After a much needed family vacation in Holden Beach, North Carolina, I am back to the grind and tackling the job search in a necessarily agressive manner. My goal is to transition into that independent/"city chic"/adult lifestyle by this fall. Needless to say, I need to get a move-on!

Over the course of my employment seeking efforts, I have learned a few guidelines to follow. Some are no-brainers advised in all employment resources, others are of personal opinion/gathered insight from others.

:: First and foremost, keep a positive attitude. I need to remember that I graduated in a plummeting economy and thousands of people are in my boat. My industry of interest is also not working to my advantage, as creative service departments are usually (and foolishly) minmized first. Things will eventually fall into place. Patience is a virture!

:: Be picky, but not too picky. A fellow UD Flyer told me she began her post-college employment in an underfunded PR department. She desperately switched to a communications company that created in-store displays for retailers. She ended up unhappy in a job irrelevant to her career interests and a company that only cared about the bottom line. She told me, "don't get into a job you know you won’t like, it will save you pain and trouble down the road." I have heeded this advice and hope to God I end up with a job I enjoy! **However, I do realize that in these times I cannot afford to be too picky. I will not start off in my "dream job," but hopefully one that will build my resume and open connections to other avenues!

:: It really is "all about who you know." Seek out relatives, professors, friends, friends-of-friends, mentors, old managers, organization members/leaders, etc. etc. etc. Anyone who could possibly be directly or indirectly tied to your field is an a position to help you. Now how you go about networking is a different story. **THANK EVERYONE and be overly-appreciative. Maybe, just maybe that person will remember you down the road when an opportunity comes along.

:: Find the HR department contact, and send your resume directly to that person. Don't waste your time with a generic info@___.com. I have heard this advice from multiple people.

:: Apply multiple times, chances are you will stand out. If the firm isn't hiring, still submit your resume. It's always good for a company to have your resume on file. For example, I submitted my resume to a hospital network that wasn't hiring at the time. I was also rejected from a job with an insurance company, but was told to keep applying and my resume would remain on file. My mother works as a receptionist for a chiropractor and told me their therapist was hired after the office manager remembered her resume from a previous submission.

:: Tailor wording in your resume and cover letter (sell yourself and your qualifications!) to the job for which you're applying. It's OK to embellish, just a tad. Constantly tweak your resume to see what works and what doesn't. If you are rejected, kindly ask the hiring manager why you weren't chosen for the job. If anything they will respect you for your self-improvement efforts!

This list is for mutual reader-author benefit. I hope it helps!