The Most Unusual Thing I've Done to Get a Job

Years ago, I was trying to get a job in Public Relations. I was fresh out of college with a degree in Journalism and an emphasis in Advertising/Public Relations. The university had no job placement in my field. I had served a summer internship with an advertising firm but, other than that, was short on experience.

There were very few opportunities in my small home town. I was getting pretty discouraged after sending out countless resumes within a 100 mile radius of my home. It seemed like every company wanted someone with more experience than I could offer and interviews were few and far between.

How could I get experience when no one would take a chance on hiring me? I needed to find a way to acquire more skills. I started looking for volunteer opportunities but could find nothing local that would offer me the necessary experience to get hired.

I started a business, writing copy for local startup businesses and helping them with Public Relations and promotional campaigns. After two years, it was still a part-time enterprise and I needed a job to supplement my income.

I felt I needed to do something unusual to get a perspective employer's attention. I sent out resumes and cover letters offering to work free for a month. "Try me before you buy me." I figured I had nothing to lose except a possible month's worth of pay. Maybe somebody would hire me permanently. At least, I would gain some experience.

Nobody bit. I didn't even get a call. That didn't work for me but it might work for you. Do try to get experience as a volunteer, if you can find something related to your career goals. Today, even if you can't find something local, there may be opportunities online.

Eventually, I did get a job the more traditional way. Meanwhile, my business kept growing as I added more services and as the Internet offered me a much larger pool of start up businesses.