“Are people still getting jobs anymore?”
Do the “old ways” of getting those jobs still work? No.We know by now that the American career-landscape has truly changed. We live in an economic climate dramatically different from the way things a decade ago, and I’m willing to bet, remarkably different than they’ve ever been. So, if we accept that we do exist in this tension – why do we keep applying the same job-search techniques used a decade ago?Going to college used to mean relatively promising things, career-wise. A degree distinguished it’s owner from the applicant pool, making those student loan promissory notes a little easier to sign. But our baby-booming parents worked hard, got their way, and we all went to college…
So, now what?
1) Ask your friends’ parents- this could be the best resource for your next job. I think most of us instinctively reach out to our peers for career advice and opportunity. And, most of us probably grow frustrated wondering why it rarely helps.
Your friends are (hopefully) strong, hard workers, but there’s a good chance that they haven’t been at it very long. Most of us are relatively new to our careers, and might not have the workplace-weight to make anything happen. Also, there’s a better-than-good chance that you don’t actually want to work with your friends – even with your closest of friends, especially with your closest friends.
Take account of your longest friendships, who grew up in happy homes? Whose parents were successful? Whose parents were at the soccer games? At a certain age, these people stop being just “my buddy’s mom”, and part of our peer group, and if we’re smart, a powerful resource for our hustle.
2) Network when you don’t need to. – I’d read this on some career blog a few years ago, I literally followed its advice the next day, and within 6 months, I was in a new position in a new company.
In addition to your friends parents, reach out to your tribe, and do it now. Who’s making moves? Who’s happy? Stay loyal to your current boss today, and strike up a conversation with your next one tomorrow. Understand that need diminishes power. If you’re unemployed or in desperate need of a new job, you may not have the luxury of passing on a second-rate opportunity. So, start looking while you’re still in the position to (politely) say “No.”
3) Build your own opportunity – The internet has made it possible for anyone with a reliable connection to build their own business. Right. We know that.If you stay up late enough at night, you’ll see at least twelve infomercials promising to make you a stay-at-home-millionaire. And, honeslty, I actually believe that that’s POSSIBLE, I know people who do it. But not all of us have the discipline, drive or desire to build an e-commerce empire or otherwise monetize ourselves online. And, that’s fine – and that’s not what I mean.
The internet has given us unprecedented opportunity to do what makes us happy, right now.You want to be an accountant? Learn, now – online – then, offer your services for free to your family and friends. Post your progress online. You want to be a writer? Start a blog. Petition your community to critique your writing and build a kind of generous readership. Again, do this publicly.
Truthfully, it is tough to get a job and It’s easier than ever to get caught up in the hyper-hysteria surrounding these challenging times. And, it’s even easier to start making excuses.
One of my college professors said, “Every job I have ever had, I got through networking.” At the time I thought it was a little weird – then I realized that it was the same for me. It’s astounding how important networking when you don’t need a job is. Leaving a great impression at your current job, can help you to get the next. I am living proof of that one.