My new approach to job searching cont..

Another week of searching continues! Even though I really don't like sitting at the computer job searching, I feel compelled to because I don't want to miss out on any great opportunities. But instead of logging onto a website and searching for hours, sign-up to have emails sent to you based on the type of jobs you're looking for. I signed-up on Idealist for jobs that are categorized under "youth, event planning, social media, public relations", and everyday I get an email with jobs that match my key words. It saves me a lot of time and narrows my search down to 13 - 15 jobs a day that align with my interests and strengths. I also don't waste my time applying to every job that's emailed to me; I focus on the 2 or 3 that are good match and where I can make significant contributes to the company. Don't get discouraged in your search!

My new approach to job searching cont..

Yes, another week of searching has come upon me. I've been reading a lot of articles about landing that dream job and most of the advice falls into one category; be bold! If you really want a position at a company,boldly let me them know. Start a "Hire Me" blog, if you don't like writing then make a Youtube video explaining why they should hire you, call HR and ask to speak to the hiring manager, write a Facebook Note explaining why you're a perfect fit for the position, and I even read in Glamour this month that a woman screen printed her resume on her t-shirt. I like it; do what you have to do to get noticed. But a word of caution, don't slid from the realm of driven to annoying. Show them you're passionate, but don't call the CEO everyday leaving messages. Don't get discouraged in your search!

My new approach to job searching cont...

I'm still on the hunt for a new career path and thinking of more ways to step-up my job search. This week, I'm thinking of ways to use alumni connections. Do you pay a membership fee for your college alumni service? If you do, then make the most use of your resources during your job search. If you find a position you're really interested in, search your alumni directory to see if an alum works at the company you're interested in. Email the person before you apply for the job and ask them about the organization's culture and the type of employees they look for. I'm sure they'll be more than willing to talk to you, especially if you went to a school with lots of pride like my alma mater UNC. They might even be able to give you the hiring manager's contact information or forward your resume to the right person. Don't get discouraged in your search!

My new approach to job searching cont...

Another week of job searching began today and this week I'm thinking about more ways to put myself out there. You know, let the world know that I'm looking for a new career. One good way to showcase your talents is through freelancing. Our very own Beautylicious is a phenomenal beauty maven and makeup artist. She has done freelance work for a music video, a few MTV programs, and a wedding. She earns (side hustle) money for her work, gains exposure, and meets more people to add to her network. Not everyone has to be a stellar makeup guru to freelance, do something you do better than most people. You can try event planning, writing, wardrobe styling, or even cooking for a busy family. And promoting yourself has never been easier; between Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Craigslist someone is bond to find you. The most important thing to do is document your work! Take tons of pictures and save all your sample and those doors will open soon. Don't get discouraged!

My new approach to job searching cont...

Yes, the search for employment continues! Another week, another round of hustling, web searching, emailing, and applying. Remember how I said I was trying to meet with people in person, even if they don't have a job opening posted? Well, the best thing I've learned about this is not to get discouraged if the person says they don't have any openings now, because they could have openings later. And if they say "send me you resume and keep me posted on your progress", then send them your resume no later 2 days after you meet them and a short email every 2 to 3 weeks letting them know how things are going. Building relationships is essential when job searching because sometimes its not what you know, but who you know. When employers do have openings later, you'll be one of the first people to find out.

My new approach to job searching

I may have only graduated last year, but I'm looking to start a new career path. Its better to search for the perfect job that aligns with my strengths now than later. I'm deep into my job search but, I really don't like sitting at my computer and looking for opportunities on the internet. However, I am torn between this love/hate battle of internet searching. The reason why I don't like applying to opportunities on the internet is because I feel like everyone is doing this now and my resume just gets lost in the shuffle and various databases. But, there's a part of me that pushes myself to search because I don't want to miss out on any amazing opportunities.

Since I'm the type of person that doesn't like staying in the house, I knew I would loose my mind sitting inside looking for jobs all day. So, I've decided to volunteer (one of my favorite things to do!) to meet new people and gain experience. I also try to set up "informational" meetings with at least one new person a week. If you're looking for a new job, I suggest finding a new approach that works for you. Maybe you're really social and like going to events and happy hours. Go out and network until you can't network anymore! Or maybe you like to share your feelings with the world on Facebook. Write notes about why people should hire you and maybe people with openings at their jobs will contact you. I'll keep you posted on how my new approach works and definitely share your ideas with us.

Fab idea: Better organize your job search

I know a lot of people that on the prowl and searching their hearts out for a job. Some of my friends have literally applied to so many jobs and they can't even keep track anymore. But I think this is where people falter in their job search, we focus so much on applying to as many jobs as possible, that we forget which ones we applied to and forget about the follow-up. Here's a really simple idea: keep track of the jobs you've applied to in an excel sheet. Create headers like 'Employer", "Position", "Contact", "Date Applied", "Did I follow-up?", and so on. Even if you don't hear back from an employer, send an email a week later to see if the position has been filled and tell them you are still interested in the position. Happy hunting, and don't get discouraged!

Fab Idea: Job Journal

I've been trying to update my resume, but I was having a difficult time reflecting on all my work experience and actually remembering my accomplishments. Then I thought, this would be really easy if I had a job journal. Not a portfolio or collection of your work, but a journal where you keep track of your accomplishments. We get caught up in the day-to-day mundane tasks and we sometimes forget the great things and meaningful change we bring to our jobs. Keep post-its near you at all times so you can quickly write accomplishments down and save congratulatory emails. In fact, print the emails out (as long as they don't contain confidential information) and keep them folded in your journal.

So, the next time you want to update your resume, you'll have a great go-to place that houses all the wonderful things you've done during work experiences. And get creative with your journal, decorate the cover with inspirational people and pictures of your goals (like that house in the Hamptons you're going to buy once you make it!)

Awkward moments of networking

I went to yet another young black professionals networking event and there were a lot of people in attendance, but I don't know too many people that like networking. There's just something strange about going to an event where you have a set agenda to exchange business cards and make small talk about topics you don't find that interesting. Oh yea, with people you don't know. Here are a few of my most awkward moments at social networking events and how to use them to work in my favor:

You're standing next to someone and you have no clue how or who should initiate the conversation: Turn to the person and talk about a recent current event that almost everyone knows about, like the AIG bonuses or American Idol; tailor the conversation to the type of event you are attending. If it's a music event talk about the best new song you are playing over and over again on Youtube and if its a medical event talk about the last article you read from a medical journal. Another really easy thing to do is complement the person on an article of clothing they're wearing and ask them where they got it from.

You've met the person before, but can't remember their name: Don't fake it, just tell them you're horrible at remembering their names and ask them, " Could you please tell me your name again; I'm good with faces, but horrible with names."

It's time for the small talk to end and you don't know how to end the conversation: Wait for that awkward moment of silence (you know the one I'm talking about) and say "It was really great talking to you (insert person's name while you reach for a business card and if you don't have one just smile), do you have a business card?" Then say something like I have to find my friend that I came with and haven't seen for the last hour or excuse yourself to the restroom or to get something to drink.

The person clearly isn't listening to you: Just say, "It was nice talking you, here's my business card." Or ask for their card and walk away. Don't waste your time on rude people

That's all I can think of for now, but if you have any moments you'd like to share then comment away!