Hi there. It’s Trey again. So you can switch to a dude voice in your head reading this. My go-to man reading voice in my head is Richard Gere, and not my own, for some reason. Make of that what you will, I guess.
Anyway, job hunting. With it being graduation season, it seemed like an appropriate subject. We talk a lot about starting your own venture here, but let’s face it: There aren’t enough customers out there for every single person to have their own company, so a lot of you might be job shopping. You might be thinking, “Emma’s husband offering job hunting advice? Step 1: Marry a business owner. Step 2: Work there. Great.” Understandable. So I’ll focus on my career hunting pre-ABM, as I’ve done my share and been relatively successful landing some positions I loved.
Graduating college is weird, right? All the movies make it seem like some blissful moment of glory—you know, throw your hat in the air, freeze frame, happily ever after, etc. But for me, all that was overshadowed by this heavy notion of “now what?” I no longer had the option to sign up for my responsibilities. I had to apply and compete for them. It was 2008 (you know, the year the market plummeted). I had a degree with a double major in philosophy and journalism, and sadly, there weren’t a lot of jobs out there for pontificating about split infinitives (most choose to not care). Plus, less than 30% of college graduates actually work in the field they majored in.
I kind of felt like I was holding a blank map. My roommate moved to KC, and the little market research company I worked for was quickly shrinking and had me cut to part time at $9/hr. So I moved back in with my parents and slept on a twin mattress on the floor in their basement. I spent pretty much every spare minute scouring job sites and listings. I started out really picky, and by the end I was throwing my resume at anything with 40 hours and vague enough applicant requirements. This went on for months, and I have to say it was one of the most defeating pockets of my life. It can be hard not to take all the rejection personally. But I didn’t give up, and a local ad agency decided to give me a shot in account service.
And since then, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. That same ad agency that gave me a shot ended up laying off 75% of its staff. And then I was in the same job-hunting situation, only older and feeling even more defeated. I certainly can’t speak for all fields, but here are some things I noticed through it all, now having been on both sides of the hiring process.
1. Identify your strengths, not just interests
First, you need a clear definition of yourself as a worker. Your interests are simply what you like to do, whereas your strengths are what you can offer an employer. A company only cares about your interests insomuch as it improves what you can offer them.
Plus, if you start with your strengths, you open yourself up to positions you might’ve otherwise overlooked. For example, I’m a huge music fan, but so is 95% of humanity. If I narrow my job hunt to my interest in music, I’m just restricting myself to a very competitive (and not very lucrative) job market. And I don’t really have any outstanding strengths in the field that markedly set me above every other guy who was in a medium-low band in college. That said, I have a strength in management and communication. I’m a people person. And thinking from that perspective opened me up to a whole world of positions I’d never considered. I can’t tell you how rewarding it is to work in a field where you excel, rather than blend in. Find what you’re good at, something a company needs, and do that.
2. Keep the resume prioritized and concise
There could easily be a whole post about resumes. But above all else, lead with the most important information, and only make the resume as long as it needs to be. Having watched others review resumes as well as reviewing several myself, I can tell you with confidence a lot of employers skim read. They’re just people after all. Chances are, if they’re hiring, they’re probably busier than usual. So they’re trying to find the useful information in your resume as soon as possible. So if you bury your experience and strengths between a bunch of nice-to-knows vs. need-to-knows, they’ll likely get overlooked.
3. Network, network, network
I’m sure you’ve heard this one before, and it can make the job hunt sound more like luck than anything else. Yes, it’s true that the most talented person does not always get the job. The person with right friends does. And you can choose to write yourself off as an unlucky introvert and curse the unfairness of life, or you can decidedly get your name out there. Where do your friends and family work? Where do your friends’ friends work? Find companies where you might fit and excel. Then, find a connection to someone with hiring power/influence. This is exactly how I got someone to look at my resume at that ad agency, which made it possible to start this leg of my career.
You have to find a way to get your resume to rise above those online forms they make you fill out, and nothing does that better than word of mouth within the company.
4. Informational interviews
Here’s a networking tool. Don’t overlook a company just because they’re not hiring. If you’re able to track down a valuable contact there, see if they’ll set up an informational interview to talk about their company and the kind of employee they’re looking for. This accomplishes a few things. First, it further establishes this person you meet with as a connection within a company you’re interested in. Second, it communicates forward thinking and your passion for the company. And last, chances are someone working for the company is well connected throughout the industry. While this company might not be hiring, they can recommend you to a similar company that is.
5. LinkedIn
Yeah, I know. I know. Another social network where you have to build ANOTHER network base. Shouldn’t Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and whatever Google+ is be enough? You might even already have an account that’s just sitting there. Believe it or not, when it comes to job hunting, LinkedIn is far and away the most useful social network. It prioritizes sorting people by the company they work for. You can find a company you love and then find a person that could connect you to it. I’ve had several job recruiters find me because of it. I’ve landed several interviews through finding connections. Yes, it can feel shameless, but it totally works. It’s how I got my job at an agency in Nashville (a city I really wanted to live in). If you’re only half-heartedly using it, try out its full potential and establish some connections. Think of it as an active tool to find people rather than a passive tool for people to find you.
6. Never overlook internships or any chance at experience
The more experience you have, the easier you make the job hunt. The best way to show you know how to do something is to do it. Again, I can’t speak for all fields, especially the public sector and highly specialized positions (healthcare, accounting, engineering, etc.). But in general business, experience wins over education every single time. I’ve seen college dropouts with ample freelancing/contract experience get the job over people with their masters. And that’s so annoying, because I can control the education I get, but it’s a lot harder to control my experience if a company won’t hire me. It’s this catch-22. I can’t get a job to get the experience to get the job. So if you’re looking to break into a field, consider an internship. Or start freelancing for some of your friends’ small ventures or needs. Offer up free services. Employers aren't going to ask how much you got paid to do it. They just want to see what you’ve done in a real-world situation.
7. Take any opportunity to show you care
Every piece of extra effort is noticed and appreciated. If you’re applying, definitely write a custom email (or cover letter) for each company. We can always tell when it’s copied and pasted generically. Dress up for an interview or meeting. Do your homework on the company. Learn about their values, culture, news, or just anything you can find online about them. Make it really clear you want the job.
8. Think of an interview like a conversation more than an audition
Here’s another topic that could get its own post. Yes, they need someone with the right skills, and the interview will mostly center on that. But more than hiring a functional set of skills, they’re hiring a friend—someone they’re going to have to be around for 40 hours a week. If they like you as a person, that immediately pushes you to the top of the list. Ask a lot of questions about the job. As far as you’re concerned, they’re experts about the company. Make them feel like that, and be sure to show your interest in what they’re saying. Follow the rabbit trail down any tangents they want to go on. Make them laugh. I promise if they enjoy the conversation, they’ll remember you.
Above all, be comfortable. The best thing my dad ever taught me about interviewing was that the interviewers want to hire you. They want to be done with the search. And they want you to be the one. They’re hiring because they need help immediately. If you’re the right person, that means they’re relieved of some stress.
9. Follow up
This is an easy one. Again, you’re dealing with busy people. It’s very possible they didn’t get your email with your resume. Or if you’ve already interviewed, and it’s been a couple weeks, check in and see where they are in the decision-making process. Anything you can do to elevate your name a little helps.
10. Be patient and try not to get your heart set on one job
When I first started my job hunt after college, I found this position online that had me obsessed: Music Editor Assistant at Amazon. If I recall, the job pretty much entailed helping choose featured albums for the music page and the short write-up descriptor copy. It had vague enough requirements for me to qualify, and I felt like a perfect fit for it. Part journalism, part music. I could do that! I completely customized my resume for it and wrote an overlong, embarrassingly passionate cover letter. After I submitted my resume to their automated job recruitment system, I was so excited I told my dad about it. He just kind of smirked and started rapid-firing questions at me: “Seattle? Who do you know up there? Why would they hire someone in Missouri? Do you know anyone who works for there? How are you going to get your resume looked at?” I wanted to think my dad just didn’t understand how the Internet worked and that he was totally wrong. But sadly, nope. Never even got a response.
You will find several jobs that you think are the one, the kind that get you daydreaming. Most of them won’t be. You will not get the vast majority of the jobs you apply for. And don’t be discouraged by that. It’s just a game of numbers. Keep applying. Keep trying. I’ve applied for hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs in my life. It can take months, a year, or in some cases, years. You might have to take a lesser job while you continue to hunt. The only way you can guarantee you won’t get a job you love is to stop trying.
None of these tips are the magic bullet. Unfortunately, that doesn’t exist in job hunting. It’s a combination and a lot of trial and error. The whole process can be wildly discouraging, but I can't recommend enough to push through. It will get better. -Trey
Credits // Author: Trey George. Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with Bowie and Stella from the Signature Collection.
Very true! Very relatable! Very good information…thanks for helping me to remember to not get discouraged and not to give up!
Really amazing tips!!
http://justsem.wordpress.com
This post was really really helpful, Thankyou, I’m just off to update my linkedin now!! 🙂
I am hoping the facts that you were in Missouri job-hunting and got a degree in journalism means you’re a fellow Tiger! I also double-majored at MU (journalism & history) and am not using either of my degrees now, but I hope I will one day. 🙂 Thanks for the tips!
This post was great!
Thanks for this post, Trey!
I just completed my Masters and have been job-hunting for about a month now. It is SO defeating, yes! I’m to the point where I’m applying to anything that seems even remotely interesting. Now, maybe we can follow this up with a “dealing with the defeating pocket in your life called job hunting” post! It’s hard to stay positive and not feel like a complete failure during this process. Sigh.
Anyway, thank you so much!
-http://www.strippedchic.com
it took the pressure away and I went to the interview and walked in with a big smile on my face! It was my first real interview and for an internship. Keep my fingers crossed 😉
Nice article! Best, Luu
Well done! I hope you do follow up with specific posts on resumes and Linkedin (which I still just don’t “get”…should I be asking clients to leave reviews/endorsements there?)
I’m reentrring the job market after 10 years of free-lancing while my boys were small…and worry that my resume is very 2001.
Thanks for this post Trey, I graduated in 2008 too but instead of remaining confident and considering all my strenths, I definitley focussed on the negatives and the rejections got me discouraged!
I would say I’m only just getting over that stage in my life (6 years later!!) Now I’m trying to be confident in myself and am thinking of better career opportunities. This post has definitely given me a boost! 🙂
Nikki
How much I needed this!
Exactly what I needed to read today to help reinvigorate my efforts to “make it all happen”!
I first got LinkedIn while in college, it was part of a class that I took that we learned about it. I have to admit, I still don’t know anything about that site, besides that my profile looks good. I’m definitely not good at connecting on there. Putting that on my to-do list.
Here’s where I find myself: I’m looking to move to a new city this fall and have been focusing my job search in that area. I’ve applied to places and sent out e-mails, with only about one reply back (rejection at that). Is it better to mail in resumes or do it all online? Should I send follow-up e-mails to these places? How long is too long or too quick to send those out.
Job-hunting is just frustrated in many areas and can be discouraging. But, your tips definitely gave me some things to think about and ways to up my job-searching game. Thanks for writing these!
What a great post! I spent a couple of years out of work (turns out that quitting television production makes getting a ‘real’ job rather difficult), could have used some of these tips then! Sadly, you hit the nail on the head when you say it’s one of the most defeating times of your life, I all but gave up. Your tips will definitely help others, and I’d like to mention how useful temping can be. Not sure how it works in the US, but in the UK I got my break at a new job because I temped through an agency with them first. Temping may not offer full time work, but it offers the opportunity to work and gain experience in the short term until something more long term is found.
this is super helpful. trey, do you think sending a little note after you applied but before you get an interview is a good thing to do? i’m considering stopping by the local store i recently applied to and dropping off a ‘thanks for reading my application’ note. also, to show my face so they recognize that when they read my application/resume again.
Thanks for this! It can be terribly discouraging. Good advice.
GREAT INFORMATION and ADVICE! I work in HR as part of a recruitment team for a large company. I review 100’s of resumes, speak to 20 candidates a day and spend many hours on LinkedIN.
-Make sure your resumes talk about your accomplishments (use %,#’s, facts), list awards/special achievements (Dean’s List, college athlete, completed triathlon, military, Pres of sorority, etc)
-do NOT just list your responsibilities (ie, most people know what a waitress does… but how did YOU make a difference).
-Use spell check.. but then read, reread and have someone else read your resume.
-Send thank you emails immediately after an interview.
-Make sure you relay what you have to offer to the company -don’t just ask what’s in it for you.
So many tips I wish I could share but these are basic good ones!!
Great post!
I can definitely relate to what you are saying. College graduation for me was a big “What next?” moment… Turned out i had a good job offered at my university, did a master in parallel and when i thought we have it all figured out- my boyfriend got an amazing job offer in another country…
So we packed up, moved to Czech Republic… and job hunting started all over again.
What I can recommend from my very long job hunt- find something- even if you are overqualified for the job. I did just that, and it turned out to be a very good learning experience. In the meantime you can continue searching for jobs- don’t be afraid to apply to jobs you think you’re not qualified for- might be a long shot, but you never know.
I think it’s better to explain why you want to to have a step-change in your career, than to try to come up with a reasonable explanation why you haven’t worked the X years since graduating.
Once again, great post! More like this to come:) ( and the dude voice in my head is Morgan Freeman for some reason:) )
I’ve forever felt many of us ignore the immense potential an internship can carry. I can totally vouch that it also tends to work at any age or time period, when we are trying to change fields!
thanks for sharing!
Upasna at Someplace Else
Thanks so much for this post. I’m a year out of school and am still looking for a full-time position. This was a great encouragement and motivating read for me! Love the tip about LinkedIn; will definitely give it a go.
Great tips! I signed on with a temp agency out of college since my job search was kind of a bust and I just needed some kind of income. The first job they had for me they said would last 4-6 weeks with no chance to hire. I took it and I ended up filling a need they didn’t know they had. I landed a permanent position and I’m still here 3 years later. Sometimes it is the most random opportunities that can get you the job (I got my college job by playing on a flag football team and meeting a hiring boss at the University gym)