I started my career in a very oversaturated area right at the economic downturn. During my last 7 years as a professional, I have been able to find jobs. If I lost one due to the economic factors, I was able to promptly find another one. I even found one in an area I didn’t have any experience in. Many have asked me how I managed to find opportunities that they can’t seem to find.
Internet Resources: I am a big fan of http://www.Indeed.com. It is a search engine that searches all the top job sites out there from one search prompt. http://www.Craigslist.org is good for local jobs too, but beware – they posted their job on a free classified site for a reason.
Search for uncommon terms/titles: Think of other ways your dream job may be listed. Graphic Designer might not be listed as “Graphic Designer”. Look up “Graphic Artist” or “Print Designer” or “Web Designer” – anything else that might be related to your profession…
Don’t be intimidated by postings calling for a higher degree than you have. I only have an associates degree and was self taught on most of my web design and programming. If a posting calls for a bachelors or a masters, it might just be protocall. If you have the experience and the talent, they will notice.
Clean up that resume! Make sure you tailor your resume and cover letter (YES!! USE A COVER LETTER!!) to every single posting you apply for. I know, this might seem like a lot of work,but here is the key: Use some of the same words in your resume as they do in the job posting, they will be more eager to call you back.
If you get a call, don’t pick up the phone.
Wha?
I know this seems like a weird thing to tell you, when you have been waiting for a call. The idea here is to get the upper hand. Wait for them to leave a message and call them back the next day if it is after 3pm. Call them in the afternoon if you receive the call in the morning. Call them back the next day using the line “Hello, this is Mimi Lynn, I am returning the call of “”, are they available?” – I don’t know why, but it works.
Answer every interview question positively. They can’t see you over the phone, so your good looks can’t get you this one. If you don’t know what they are asking, or don’t have the experience, don’t say “No Sorry”, Say “I have heard of that before and have always wanted to give it a try!” or “I am learning about that right now”. No doesn’t get you a call back – Yes always does.
And always always remember to be yourself. Humans are pretty good at sniffing out the fakes. Make the awkward jokes that come to your head when you are nervous. Feel free to say “wow, I am really nervous, because I really want this!” Make small talk. Be human. No one wants to hire an interview robot.
After the interview - write a prompt follow up letter/email thanking the interviewer for their time and reminding them of your contact info/portfolio link/linkedIn profile. If anything, they will remember you for your kindness. Or be reminded of you if they had a lot of interviews that day.
So, yes, thats it. That’s all I do. If all else fails: Learn something new. I know there are certain industries out there that are crazy hard to find jobs in… and that might be because they are becoming obselete. Find an upswing in your area – Here it is movie production and technology – and do some research. I don’t have a degree in my current field, but I am able to find positions because of my willingness to learn on my own. Sometimes, that’s all it takes!
Good Luck!!