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When it comes to finding a job, there are no magic tricks or secrets. It’s a competitive world out there that demands hard work and creativity. Every individual’s story is unique, resulting in different approaches and processes.
Often, people invest in career counseling, advanced degrees, or professional certificates, accumulating more debt, all because they overlook the fundamentals. While these endeavors are admirable and well-intentioned, we tend to overlook the simplicity. Similar to achieving good health through proper diet and exercise, the answer to career success lies in basic principles—sometimes difficult and tedious, yet undeniably effective.
Regardless of what methods or secrets anyone claims to have uncovered for finding a job, the truth of the matter is it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there. There’s no secret behind finding that dream job of yours, it just takes hard work and a little creativityClick To TweetAfter graduation, I confronted the same challenges as countless college graduates across America: a lack of job opportunities. Or so I believed. The reality is that merely obtaining a degree and applying for jobs won’t suffice for fields like Architecture and English. These steps serve as guidelines for those destined to face job market difficulties due to their chosen fields of study. Maintain a positive mindset, believing in your abilities. You dedicated four years to becoming a professional in your field, and that holds tremendous value.
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10. Start with family
The number one person who cares the most about your well-being and success is you. Second, on that list are your loved ones. This could be your father, mother, brothers, cousins, uncles, spouse, or a very close friend. Make sure you have a good talk with all those who you consider family and ask them for advice. Swallow your pride and let them know you’re in a difficult situation and are on the job hunt. They’ll be glad to help you in any way they can and will be able to offer you a different point of view. The important thing is to remember that you don’t have to do this alone.
9. Let everyone know what you do and what you’re looking for
Go beyond the scope of your family and close friends. Don’t discuss the detailed personal matters of your situation, but just make sure everyone in your social circles knows what you’re about and what you love. Tweet about how your favorite architecture firms or art galleries. Always share your goals and dreams. When someone asks you want you’ve been up to, share that you’re looking for a job in your field. Keep it friendly and casual. This is basic networking.
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8. Visit your local library
Seek professional career counseling and help. There are answers your friends and family just don’t have. But don’t make the mistake of paying for these services. Public libraries offer countless resources on career counseling and job hunting. There are dedicated professional staff that offer free advice and scheduled appointments to help you in any way they can. Their service is usually far better than university career counseling because they don’t deal with 2,000 students every day. In fact, most people are unaware of these services. There are also hundreds of books on resume writing, interview tips, and just about anything. Don’t let this free resource go to waste.
7. Learn the skills that complement your major
As an internet writer, it was very important that I learned SEO, basic HTML, Photoshop, and social media skills. Look at additional skills mentioned in job postings for your field. These skills are not learned through your coursework at the university, and they are rarely mentioned by professors or guidance counselors.
The bottom line, there should be nothing on a required skills list for a job posting in your field that you are completely unfamiliar with. Go to the library and borrow some books on the subjects. You don’t have to become a pro but you should have a general idea for each of these secondary skills. Many times this is the make-or-break factor between two job candidates. Don’t be the one caught unprepared!
6. Know your city
If you majored in history, do know all of your local museums? If you majored in political science, do you know all of your district’s representatives and congressmen? If you majored in art, do you know your city’s art district? Does it have an art district? You should ask yourself where are the most ideal places that you’d like job placement at, and start your search there. Don’t send an email. Show your face and introduce yourself.
After looking at the big businesses, go through the small ones. There are many places that are just starting out that don’t have websites up yet. Local acting theatres and independent research labs rarely list themselves broadly over the internet. Try getting off the computer and doing it the old-fashioned way.
5. Create a website
There are plenty of free sites like WordPress and Blogger where you can create a free website. In the digital age, it’s important to have your own little space you can call home and invite others to visit. This shows that you’re keeping up with modern times and actively working on marketing yourself. Add professional details about your skills, background, and goals, but also make it personal and fun. If you are on a tight budget and don’t have a computer or internet from home then go to the library and use the computers there.
4. Use Social Media
Join Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and various other blogs and social media sites to create a digital picture of yourself and your interests. Employers conduct digital background checks on their potential candidates. This is an excellent opportunity to show them how you’re actively involved and interested in your field of study. Keep it professional and clean, but also be you. You’re a nice guy deep inside I promise!
3. Volunteer
Volunteer your skills to family, friends, and employers. Use what you have to offer and hone your job skills. It’s ok to mention any type of volunteering you do in
2. Make a portfolio
Have samples of your work. If you’re a photographer, have a ton of professional photos. If you’re a writer, have blog entries, essays, and articles written. The key is that your portfolio is never finished. You have to keep adding and adding your most recent work to it. And yes, there should always be recent work!
Employers want to see that you’re constantly active and involved in producing content relevant to your field. It shows dedication and responsibility. But most of all, it helps you sharpen your skills. If a runner stops stretching outside of competition seasons, they’ll lose flexibility. Likewise, it’s extremely important to keep practicing what you love so when the opportunity comes, you’ll be ready.
1. Repeat
Keep trying. Keep going. Don’t give up. It sounds like a Disney sports movie, right? But it works. You’re not going to succeed by trying once. Keep applying to new positions at the firm you really see yourself at. Continue networking your passions with everyone your meet. Stay up to date on developments in your field and stay on the lookout for new companies coming to town. Consider looking outside of your town. Keep updating your portfolio and resume constantly. Keep scheduling appointments with a career counselor. Do not stop until you’ve reached your goal. It may seem impossible, but if you keep at it and try your best, then something good will come out of it.
Are you spending all your time applying to posted job openings—postings that draw hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of applications? No matter how perfect you are for the job, there is always someone else who’s a little more qualified, more experienced.
