The hardest part of finding a job is getting your foot in the door. It’s difficult to get that first interview. What will set you apart from the pile of resumes on a recruiters desk?
Temp: You need to work while you look for work. Why not sign up with a temp agency? You will be able to work with a variety of companies, meet a variety of people and make connections inside a company.
Intern: Yes, most of the time it’s unpaid. Yes, interns are generally college students. But more and more unemployed professionals are submitting their resume for internship positions. Why would they be willing to take such a pay cut or accept no pay at all? The experience and connections may be worth more. When the company that you are interning with needs to fill an opening, they will look to their current employees and interns before they start looking through the submissions from CareerBuilder and Monster.
Volunteer: If you are seeking to break into an industry in which you have limited professional experience and you have applied for internships, consider volunteering with a non-profit. A non-profit is often understaffed for the projects that they would like to accomplish and the workload that they have. You may be able to gain practical professional experience and help a good cause.
Reach In: Look to the people in your network. Make some phone calls. Send an email. Let them know the company you would like to work for or what industry you would like to be in. Ask them if there is anyone to whom they can introduce you. They may know someone. Or they may know someone who knows someone. You won’t know until you ask.
Reach Out: Is there someone you admire? Is there someone who has the type of job or career that you would love to pursue? Research them, find their contact information and send them an email or letter expressing your interest and shared passion. You may just create a connection with an industry leader.
The most important thing you can do to get your foot in the door is to network with intention. By networking intentionally, you will take active steps towards meeting the people who can help you achieve your goal.
Good Luck!
