[Note: "Jems" is a play on the word gem, and the fact that the college I graduated from, Journalism and Electronic Media, was abbreviated JEM...]
I’ve applied to many, many jobs. As in, probably around 100 (I’ve counted, and it really is around that number). Through it all I’ve learned some lessons that I feel I should pass on…if I think of any more, or learn any more, I’ll add them. And feel free to leave your own in the comment section.
1. It’s going to take longer than you think. Most everyone is sure that they’re different, that they’re the exception. That even though it takes most people quite some time to find a job in this economy, they’re going to be different. They’ll use their connections and get a perfect job. Or they’re going to blow someone away with their cover letter….or show them skills on a resume this world has never seen before. Embrace reality. Most likely. this isn’t going to happen. I’m going to revert to the timeless teachings of chick flicks….if you’ve ever seen the movie He’s Just Not That Into You, you know that the main lesson is, “You’re not the exception, you’re the rule.” Meaning, yes, there are tales of people applying to one job and getting it, people landing their first job at a major corporation, or people landing their “dream job” straight-off. But these are the exceptions, and you’re the rule.
2. Save money. This probably seems like a no-brainer, but it’s one of the biggest things I wish I’d thought about. If you currently have a part-time job, internship, etc. and know that you’ll soon be out in “the real world” soon, save up! Even if you’re living at your parents’ house while you look. First, you’ll want money to be able to live normally, and second, if you get a job that requires you to move, you’re going to need money to put a deposit on an apartment, move your stuff, etc. There are a lot of expenses “grown-ups” pay that you don’t think about until you’re smacked in the face with reality. (Side note: Or, line up a job that’s part-time temporary that isn’t stressful, where you can earn money while you apply for real jobs.)
3. Create Search Agents. If you don’t know what a search agent is, you should. Most major corporations, job boards, etc. give you the option to create a search agent. Basically, you go online to their career site, search for the job criteria you want, enter your email address and *voila!*, they will send you email updates daily. Not only do you stay on top of the jobs, some of which aren’t posted very long, but you don’t waste time searching websites every day.
4. When you see a job opening, apply right away. Many private companies, such as Scripps and Time Warner don’t tell you on their website when the job announcement closes, thus you need to strike while you’ve got the opportunity. One job I applied for closed within three days, and had I not a) had a search agent and b) applied quickly, I would have missed it.
5. Expect to wait a long time. Don’t worry if you don’t hear something right away. Like I said, most places won’t tell you how long they’re going to publicize their jobs, so it could be months before applications are even reviewed.
6. Try not to compare yourself to your friends. This might be the hardest one, especially if you have friends in your major also job searching. But usually you’re going after different goals, and it’s important not to compare. For instance, I have friends who already have jobs, but aren’t looking at the same kinds of jobs I am. And I have a friend who immediately hears back from potential employers, because she’s in a different industry. Try to keep perspective, because comparing will inevitably bring you down.
7. Find a job buddy. It makes it a lot easier when you have someone to commiserate with. Without my friends who are also going through this, I would feel like an unemployed pariah.
8. Use all resources. Networking is one of those terms everyone uses. When I tell people I’m unemployed, the response is almost always, “Oh, well make sure you’re networking!” Or, “Oh, have you tried networking? I hear that’s useful!” First, this is easier said than done. Your ability to network depends largely on where you are, what field, etc. Second, YES, I KNOW WHAT NETWORKING IS. Third, how annoying is that word? I think the better way to say it is, remain friendly with old acquaintances. If you’ve worked with people who don’t hate you, chances are they’re willing to help. Never straight up ask someone for a job when you haven’t been in touch, but send them an email telling them what you’re looking for and asking for suggestions/contacts/names/etc. Sometimes (most of the time) they don’t have anything, but keep in touch and they might think of you when they do. Another example, recently I applied for a position and knew the person’s name that was reviewing resumes. After not hearing anything back, I emailed people I thought might know this person to ask for advice. They emailed the person for me, and a few days later an interview was set up. “Networking” is not a replacement for a good resume, it’s an addition to it!
9. Always be prepared. You never know when someone’s going to call you for an interview or details about the job. Try to a) keep your phone near you, b)bring a pen and paper with you when you go out. I learned this the hard way. You don’t want someone to give you interview/job details and not have something to write it down with.
10. Kick ass….oh, and take names. When you speak to someone, ASK FOR NAMES. Ask for their name, and, if they’re setting up an interview, that person’s name. Many people will just tell you their first name, but ask for the last name also. That way, you can look the person up and send them either a hand written thank you note or an email.
11. Write a good Cover Letter. Cover letters suck. They are my least favorite thing. And I know how tempting it is to either a) skip over it or b) put in a generic letter. And sometimes I do that…but I usually don’t hear back. Put in stuff about the company you’re applying to, duties mentioned in the job description, etc. It will show you’re interested and paid attention.
12. Give yourself a break. Don’t beat yourself up. It will take a while, and it’s kind of a depressing process for most. But if you have a college education, you WILL eventually get a job. Think about it as real estate. Every house is eventually sold, but some are on the market longer than others. You WILL get a job, you just might be on the market longer.
