Will work for work

Lately, I’ve come to the realization that looking for work is quite reminiscent of dating. You show your interest (by submitting your resume), and then you wait, hoping for the phone to ring. Sure, there might be times when you follow up with the potential employer – a call or quick email to show how interested you are in the job – but there are times when it comes down to the cold hard facts: to get to the next step, you have to wait for them to reciprocate.

However, like dating, the job search of the 21st century has become unconventional. No longer do we look towards the tried and true methods of job searches past. We change jobs more often, and for the most part, competition is fierce. Not only are older job seekers competing against one another, but there is the younger generation heading into the workforce. Sitting back and waiting for would-be-suitors to come to you is now a thing of the past.

With all those people and all those resumes stacked up against you, how do you stand above the crowd? How do you get noticed and get that interview? When education and work experience isn’t enough in today’s workforce and your volunteering skill set doesn’t relate to the job at hand, what do you do?

Be creative, because outside-the-box-thinking, paired with a polished resume and reliable references, are, I believe, the only way to get that job.

Social networking sites like Twitter and LinkedIn are becoming favourite avenues for networking and informing people of your desire for employment. Blog sites and websites give you the chance to showcase your talents. The question is, how do you attract the right employer?

I have been on the job search campaign for over two months. I’ve let my intentions be known through Twitter and word of mouth, and I have created a website dedicated to my talents. With over 90 applications sent out and only three interviews under my belt, I’ve had to ask myself, “Am I missing something? Am I doing something wrong? Why can’t I snag that first date or interview?”

I read somewhere not to judge the success of your search by the number of resumes you have submitted, but by the number of interviews you have had. In that case, my job search technique is in need of some serious CPR.

At the end of my ropes and a millisecond away from putting up a table outside the Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, I have decided to re-focus my intentions with another barrage of social networking hype. The first being this article stating that unconventional methods of job searching are passé: http://hirethisgirl.webs.com/.

Those of you who are looking for work can relate to this. The hours spent emailing and job searching from home are not producing results, and pounding the pavement is putting a dent in your pocket book (i.e. gas, parking and resume printing). So, what is the next step? Take job hunting to the next level. Be creative, because outside-the-box-thinking, paired with a polished resume and reliable references, are, I believe, the only way to get that job.

Stop waiting and start networking!

Michelle Murray is an experienced event coordinator and executive assistant, who has returned to Sudbury after living in Pemberton/Whistler BC, and is currently seeking employment.

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