Job Tips

I've talked to three of my friends this weekend who have asked my secrets for how I get all these job interviews. There really is no 'secret' but I'll share with you what I did to launch my job search. My situation is pretty unique because I am looking for two part-time jobs instead of a full-time job. This is a decision I made because it is very important to me that I spend time each day at home with my son and also that I have enough time to give to my writing. Plus the idea of being anywhere for 8+ hours just doesn't work for me at this juncture in my life, I'll wait until I've completed law school before I settle into a full-time career. Working two jobs with part-time will also be beneficial when I start law school within the next few years.

I am currently writing for a magazine in Memphis, working for a newspaper, contributing to two internet sites [Examiner & Associated Content], and I'm about to start submitting things to other newspapers and magazines. And that's just the stuff that gives me a little extra money in my pocket. I'm also working on 234023942304230 projects of my own.

I've been to quite a few interviews, have even more scheduled, and turned down a position that was not quite right for me.

One thing I will share with you is a major frustration. As I've looked for jobs it seems like there are very few decent careers for people with Bachelor's degrees, whatever the subject. It's like you can either work at Taco Bell....or you need to have a PhD in quantum physics to move to the next step. This is a slight exaggeration but I have found this very frustrating.

Tips:

1) Make A Resume.
I know this sounds really primitive, but you'd be surprised how many people I've spoken to that don't have a current resume. Even if you don't necessarily have any work experience or a long academic record, putting yourself down on paper shows that you are organized and take the job search seriously. The most important things to include are highest level of education completed, any special certifications you have, past job experiences, personal qualifications that make you a good employee, and references. I've been told I have a very nice resume so if you would like me to share it with you or help you with yours, let me know.

2) Get on the web.
Go to Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com and make profiles. I have had successful interviews and a job offer from both of these websites. Though I've never directly been hired as a result of them, I know people who have, and I think this is a good place to start your search. Virtually everyday I get at least one interview request-- oftentimes more-- and that's always refreshing. Even if you don't take the interview it's nice to know that people actually viewed your resume and were interested in taking you to the next step of the employment process.

3) Craigslist.
This is really a hit or miss. I include it in a separate category from any other type of career sites or classifieds because I really do think it's in a class of it's own. Because Craigslist has less regulation than the other sites, you can't guarantee that everything on it is legit. If it sounds sketchy then it probably is. I had one guy who sent me an email that sounded like the perfect opportunity....then he asked if he could see a photo of me and what kind of car I drove. Next! I found out about Examiner from Craigslist, applied for two secretarial positions yesterday, and have an interview scheduled Tuesday to be the Research Assistant at a local museum.

4) Check newspaper classifieds.
Luckily, most of these can be found online. I would suggest investing in a Sunday paper from whatever publication in your area is the most prominent and has the greatest circulation. Find anything that looks like you would be qualified and/or interested in and apply.

5) Apply even if you don't qualify.
This can be tricky. Obviously I'm not going to waste my time or anybody else's applying for a position that requires me to have an advanced degree or an extensive background in finance. But if the position requires A, B, and C and you only have A and B, give it a try! With this museum job I mentioned earlier, I didn't have one of the required degrees....but I was very much interested in the position, had experience with some of the tasks required of me, and had taken college level courses in the subjects for most of the required degrees. And sure enough I got an interview. You have nothing to lose by trying.

6) Shamelessly promote yourself.
Tell everyone you know that you're looking for a job. Ask people about what they do and see if it interests you. Also ask your friends and family what they see you being good at, they might give you some ideas you didn't expect. Your friends might know of opportunities in their company that aren't necessarily being advertised to the public. Even if you meet a stranger on the street tell them that you are looking to get employed. You never know when you might make a connection.

7) Contact organizations of interest.
Google the websites of organizations that interest you and find a contact person. Many sites have an 'employment' category, but if they don't, look for a manager or a contact in your specific category. Be creative about your organizations too, don't just think along the lines of your ultimate career. For example, in high school I was very involved with the Boys & Girls Club, so I found the section where they advertised jobs on their Memphis site. Then I searched for 'Memphis charitable organizations' and so on and so forth.

8) Always keep resumes in your vehicle.
I always have at least a dozen resumes in my car. If I happen to drive by a place that looks interesting or one with a 'Help Wanted' sign then I'm prepared. Even if somebody isn't hiring, give them a copy of your resume and ask them to keep you in mind for future opportunities.

9) Don't be afraid to try something new.
My majors are in political science and English. I saw an ad in the classifieds for a disabled woman who needed an extra adult in the house so her son wouldn't be alone with her in case of emergency nor would he be responsible for giving her medications or tending to any of her needs. After I spoke with her on the phone, she and her husband called me in for an interview that went very well. While this isn't in my areas of expertise, it is something I could do, and would enjoy knowing that I am making a difference in their family. Furthermore, I'd be allowed to bring my writing over there and work...so I'd basically be getting paid while I'm getting paid. I can work with that!

10) Capitalize on your talents.
I'm good at writing and tutoring, so I spread the word about my skills, and now I can get paid for my assistance. This is a great thing to do if you are between jobs or want a little something extra to supplement your income. If you can play guitar, teach guitar lessons to a younger kid at school. If you like being around kids, run a day camp one Saturday for neighborhood children. If you can draw, offer to make artwork for people's bedrooms. You get the idea.

11) Be selective but realistic.
Honestly, I believe you should enjoy your job. Very few people are ever completely thrilled to be at work, but if you absolutely despise your position, it shows. Your employers are having to deal with the consequences of somebody who is unenthusiastic and lackluster-- and probably isn't doing an amazing job-- and you're getting the life sucked out of you by a job you hate. Don't do this. If you know you'd be miserable then don't accept the position. At the same time...don't refuse any opportunity because you are holding out for something that is $20 an hour, with astounding benefits, and is for one of two companies. That's setting yourself up for disappointment.

I hope you found some of these helpful. Feel free to contact me with any question, resume help, or anything else I can do for you.