I’m kinda really good at job hunting. I wasn’t always so smooth with finessing my way through the interview process. I used to return home crying to my ex when I first entered the real world. I had such thin skin that he had to tell me to man-up (frequently). So here I am, many years later, using one job offer to leverage the other and scrutinizing over the better career path because these choices really do decide my future.
I was only unemployed approximately 3 weeks, however I accepted a job offer sometime in the middle of that. Technically my ass was only in limbo for a week, but who’s really counting? I am. Please note my methods work well for me as a designer, when you have a portfolio instead of just a resume the job search is probably a bit easier (as long as you have a good portfolio) because your work is tangible.
Disclaimer: I can’t help you if you’re weak.
Contact an independent recruiter
I’ve worked with mine for yearrrrsssss, I’m talking post-grad early. Often times companies partner with recruiters to weed out candidates. Sometimes they try to sell you shitty or extra boring jobs, just refuse those. They’re out there job hunting for you when you’re not, they get paid when they’re able to sell you. You are a commodity to them, might as well benefit from it if you can. Also some companies work exclusively with recruiters, thus leaving job listings unavailable to the public (Sephora corporate works this way).
Holler at your network
Contact any previous recruiters that may have gotten in touch with you in the past, no harm in sending quick messages. Check LinkedIn for any leads with former coworkers. Trade recco’s with coworkers who can sell you better than your own description. I have no shame in asking for these.
Apply for jobs only a couple of times a week
Apply for just about any job you’re interested in during one long sitting. Make a detailed list of all the positions you applied for, include the original link for the job description in case you have to revisit it for an interview later. Relax for a day or two or three, then repeat the process. You’re not going to miss out on any job listings by waiting a couple of days, searching on a daily basis is stressful as fuck. THEN… forget every single position you applied for, it only matters if they get back to you for an interview. Don’t get attached to any of these. Next step: wait (super) patiently.
Apply for jobs you are slightly over or under qualified for
If you’re applying to big companies it’s likely that they have positions that are constantly becoming filled or are opening. A good internal recruiter will look at your resume/skills and will recommend another position available if they have the need for you. Your job is to get your ass seen, so apply. I did this for two companies and my method worked, no fail.
Don’t settle
I got this single piece of advice the most during my job search. If you have the luxury to avoid a shitty commute then avoid it while you’re still in search mode OR negotiate the possibilities of WFH. Push for the top of the salary range. Seek out exactly what you want for the next steps in your career. I’m not saying you’ll get everything you ask for, but you might as well focus on what you really want before you step foot in the next thing.
Be ready to be “on” at any given moment
“Now” is always a good time to talk. Be prepared to have impromptu calls or interviews. I turn on my professional voice/personality like a light switch. Stay ready, if you’re not… practice makes (near) perfect. You’ll be amazed how well you start to sound after so much repetition.
When it comes to the interview…
- Do your homework. Research the company. Research the people interviewing you. HAVE QUESTIONS TO ASK (this is more important than you think)
- I have always believed in a good walk-up song. Do you know what a walk-up song is? It’s the song that plays when the batter leaves the on-deck circle and comes up to bat. I have a dozen of these, no joke. Hype yourself up with a good walk-up song, you know—like this one. Yes. I do this shit. I do this shit all the time.
- Get there early. I’m a firm believer in punctuality, even when it comes to casual plans. Get to an interview EARLY. Go get coffee nearby, go wait in the lobby, IDGAF—just sit there. Personally I am always lightweight sweaty when it comes to interviews. I am a victim of stress sweat, even when I am just on my way, so I like to get there early to cool down.
- HAVE A GOOD HANDSHAKE (with strong eye contact). I hate a weak handshake.
- If you prep yourself enough to feel confident you can usually kill it. So kill it.
Good luck out there.