Pressing On... and On and On and On

There, I admitted it. To myself, to the universe, to all of you. Getting a job is a really difficult endeavor, especially when you live in an area where your field is so impacted. We've all heard horror stories about employers receiving 200+ applications for one open position. If you're anything like me, you've pored over post after post about how to set yourself apart. This activity can be incredibly disheartening, because you're literally examining yourself, your experience, your education, your skills, your personality... all things you were probably quite proud of before you started picking them apart to see how you can be better. While it is certainly necessary at times to take that long, hard look at yourself, how do you go beyond identifying your shortcomings? What, exactly, is the point of seeing how you stack up against the competition when you then do nothing but wallow about how you don't have those five years of experience (only three!), can't speak a second language (but are learning Mandarin!), or don't have a Masters degree (but graduated with honors, and took small, specialized upper level courses in your field!)?

More importantly, what do you do once you've found your calling... and just can't seem to make it happen?

By that I mean that it can be extremely emotionally and mentally draining when you know exactly what you want to do with your life but can't seem to make it happen. I understand exactly what it can feel like when you've finally found your calling, but are having trouble taking that first leap. Sometimes that first foray into your dream field can seem impossible. 

I understand because I'm in that place right now. I have my highs and lows, my good days and bad days. Working a job just to pay the bills while you pursue your dream is exhausting and, at times, heartbreaking. However, I know that the payoff will be incredible. Someday (soon, I hope!) all of my hard work will be worth it, and I will be able to look back on this formative time in my life with gratitude at the many lessons it has taught me.

In the meantime, I am doing whatever I can to improve not only my marketability (and "hireability"), but my life in general. I am finding little ways to work on my craft and cultivate my passion while I wait for my next opportunity in my field. Doing so reminds me why I'm pressing on, and gives me those little moments of bliss to hold onto.

So what do I suggest doing?

At this point in my journey that new skill is budgeting. I've been on a couple job interviews where, on the job post, budgeting was very briefly listed somewhere near the end of the "desired qualifications", yet it came up in the interview and I had to stumble my way around the question. Other than a semester-long law and finance course, I have no experience budgeting for higher education. I've taken it upon myself to reach out to an old contact who works in administration at a nearby community college. She is helping me learn how to budget at the college level, and in return I'm assisting her on a few projects. It's really a win-win for me; not only am I learning a new skill, but I'm gaining experience for my resume and anecdotes for future interviews.

What skill can you stand to learn? I firmly believe that there is always something new to be learned. Survey your field and take stock of your level, education, goals, and current skills. Peruse job posts in your field, even if you're not currently looking for a new position, and look over the required and desired qualifications. Can you find any spots where you're lacking? Start there.

Reach out to a mentor, talk to your current supervisor or someone in leadership that you trust and get on well with, or look into free community classes. There are so many opportunities for learning and development, and once you figure out what you want to improve in, you'll be able to find a way to conquer it. Before you know it you'll have a brand new skill to be proud of.

Society is becoming increasingly more globalized. In just about any field in the U.S., sensitivity to diversity and skills in multiculturalism are becoming more and more coveted by employers. Along with this comes the necessity to reach potential customers/clients/students who may not speak English. Speaking two or more languages will definitely set you apart from the rest of the pack. Depending on your field and specific location, you can determine which language will be most useful. Spanish? German? American Sign Language? Mandarin? Take a look at trends in your field, company culture, and target demographic. Ask your supervisor if they can speak any other languages, and what they see as being most needed in your sector. 

You don't need to rush out and drop $500 on Rosetta Stone to learn a new language, either. Google free videos and lessons, peruse Youtube, join a Meetup group, look into free classes in your community or at your local junior college. Check out community bulletin boards at local cafes. Take to social media and see if anyone in your circle can help you out, and ask friends and family. Learning a new language can -and should- be fun!

I just finished reading Pamela Slim's fabulous book Body of Work (which I highly, highly recommend), and I feel so inspired to create ways to do the work I want, even while searching, waiting, and working for that perfect "official" position. Find a way to do the work you want to do, which may sound impossible and confusing at first. "But I want to be a physicist", you may be thinking. ​"What the heck does a physics side hustle look like?" Find a lab to volunteer in. Join a group of grad students working on an experiment. Create a blog. Tutor high school students in physics. Judge science fairs. Lead kid-appropriate experiments at after school programs. Advise students who may be interested in the field. Advocate for women in STEM. Brainstorm ideas, determine if they are even possible in your area, and then make a plan. Reach out to people, make contacts, and make it happen!

So often when we hear "side hustle" we think of things like selling baked goods or homemade jewelry, working on cars on the weekends, or tutoring your neighbor's kids. All of these are great, and if they suit you, dive in! But when you're working toward a goal, and are trying to break into a specific field, it is important to add to your repertoire whenever you can. You can find a side hustle, or a side project (you may not actually be making extra money) that enhances your resume and makes you more hirable.

For me, that looks like dabbling in the world of educational consulting. I'm beginning to do a little freelance college advising for young people about to start university, as well as mentoring people who want to break into higher education. I've also presented to junior high and high school students on the benefits of study abroad, so they are better prepared to scope out opportunities once they get into college!

Don't let your resume grow stagnant. Something important I've learned in the past few months of job searching is that even when I feel stuck, like I'm not moving toward my goal, in reality I am. I'm definitely still working toward my goal regardless of my official job title at work. I make a point to look over my resume weekly and update it, even in small ways. Last week I literally just reworded a few phrases, but I came away with a resume that feels much more polished.

The same goes for cover letters. I used to be one of those people who had one template letter for every type of job that I was applying to. Now that my focus is clearer, I make sure to create a new cover letter for each job. Don't get me wrong, I still tend to use a template, but I think critically about how I can tailor the letter to the specific job. Talk about your skills that relate directly to the job you are applying for, don't speak only on your skills in general. Explicitly and clearly explain how you will use your skills to accomplish parts of the job- match your skills to the job description and explain to your potential employers exactly how you will use those skills to accomplish those tasks.

Use your resume and cover letter to tell your story, even when you feel like your story is on pause!

Networking can be exhausting and it can feel extremely superficial. To be quite honest, I hate "networking"... but I love cultivating relationships with people in my field! Attending low-pressure events can be a great place to start. Follow your alma mater's alumni social media pages, and check their websites for information on regional networking events. These are often much more laid back and friendly. I've attended one at a bar and one at a taco shop! Another low-pressure way to connect with people is through LinkedIn. Make sure your profile is professional and up-to-date (more on that later), and reach out to people you know from the real world. Professors in your field whose classes you did well in, old coworkers, people you've met at real life events, and friends-of-friends are easy people to reach out to, because you already have a connection to build off.

Attending conferences is another great way to meet people in your field. Last fall I attended the NAFSA Region VII conference in Palm Springs. I had a great time, and I made some really good connections with people in the field I am trying to break into. I had my resume reviewed by a retired dean, and I met a woman who I will be working on a project with this spring. Conferences can be overwhelming, but they definitely provide valuable opportunities to not only connect with people in your field, but to work and share your goals with them.

Above all else, when it comes to networking, do what feels most comfortable for you. As an introvert, I hate talking to people I don't know. I feel awkward and uncomfortable, and I always feel like I'm bothering them. What I keep in mind, though, is that people like talking about the accomplishments they are proud of, and people like talking about themselves. Be respectful of their time, be prepared with some questions, and, if possible, be prepared with a way you can help them in return. Networking connections should be mutually beneficial. Start by reconnecting with those people from your past or professional acquaintances you want to get to know better, and go from there. Networking can be difficult and uncomfortable, but it can be so incredibly enriching.

This is actually what I'm doing right now by adding this blog to my website. I also recently joined Twitter with a strictly professional account I use to share articles and interact with leaders in my field. Again, when it comes to social media, do what feels right for you and your field. Some people choose to maintain two Facebook accounts, a private personal account and a public professional account that acts as an online resume and portfolio of work. Some people keep a personal website. Some people only use LinkedIn. Whatever you choose, follow these tips to help keep your online presence in tip top shape:

1. Google yourself to see what pops up, and then handle the situation accordingly. This is usually the first suggestion in any list like this, because it's really the best place to start. Some have a squeaky clean online image, while others Google themselves and see nothing but photos of them partying in undergrad. While, in any other situation, these would be completely innocuous, when job searching you really want to create the best online image possible. If your search results are less than ideal, simply clean up your personal profiles and create some public, professional ones to come up in the search instead. If needed, you can also remove tags from photos, have photos removed, and delete the older, undesirable stuff. 
2. Make every single personal account you have PRIVATE. As in, use the strictest privacy settings possible. This tip should go for life in general, actually. 
3. ​Update and fully fill out your LinkedIn account. Because LinkedIn is specifically for professionals, use it! Fill out your profile, share some articles, follow some people. Even if you don't check it daily like you do Facebook, having a professional account will help future employers find you and will help maintain your online presence. 
4. Volunteer to write articles and posts for blogs and websites in your field. I connected with the operator of Study Abroad Careers and before I knew it I was producing content for them. Since then, leaders in the field I am breaking into have read my work, and my posts have allowed me to network even more. Do what you can to get your work out there! Publishing online looks great on your resume, can connect you with people in your field, and is an awesome confidence boost when you feel like your career dreams aren't coming true fast enough. Also, this is just another way to hone your craft while you aren't working in your field (and can be part of your side hustle/side project!). 
5. Create a blog or website. I use my website as kind of an online portfolio, and I plan on using this blog to share aspects of my professional life, job search, side projects, and more. Find a free platform and start creating! It doesn't have to be perfect, but make it undeniably you- have fun with it! Hit publish and share with your parents, grandparents, friends, professors, coworkers, bosses, and anyone else who will be so proud they'll just have to pass it along. :)
6. Don't take it too seriously. Yes, social media is a huge part of our lives today, and yes, employers will search for you. Use social media to your advantage and have fun with it! Don't think of creating your image as a huge undertaking meant to control how people see you online. Create your public presences with the goal of sharing your experiences and giving potential employers a glimpse into your working life. Create a presence that shows off the projects and experiences you're proud of!

I'll say it again: getting a job is hard. Finding your purpose and trying to make that leap into a career you are passionate about is emotionally exhausting when it feels like it is taking too long to happen. The most important thing you can do while you wait is have faith. It will happen, and by following these steps you might make it happen faster- but you'll definitely feel better about your process on the way.