Dream Job vs Settling? Rd. 1

Apparently, Stafford’s column about unemployed college grads was picked up by a few news wire services, and you can find it on multiple sites across the World Wide Web. Now, it appears I am becoming the national poster child for unemployed grads. At any rate, Janese Heavin, from the Columbia Daily Tribune contacted me today to discuss my current “situation.”

As I was talking to Heavin I realized something about the evolution of my current job search:

I have now come to terms with the fact that right out of college, no matter how hard I worked in undergrad, I am not going to land my dream job. At the same time though, I am also not going to settle for a job in which I have no interest. I know that if I don’t care about what I am doing, I will hate my life. I also think that in a cover letter and subsequent interview, no matter how much you sweet talk a future employer, if you don’t care, it will come across.

Although I get the impression that some of my peers share a similar viewpoint on their job search, I do recognize that I am idealistic and many people don’t have the ability to wait a few months to find a job they are interested in. Perhaps though, the current job search is just one more indicator of generational differences. For my parents, not having a job by graduation was not an option. Moving home with mom and dad was out of the question. For my peers (not necessarily me) moving home and continuing the job search after graduation is not only acceptable, but often suggested.

Regardless of how I got here I know that for now (or at least the next few months), I don’t want to settle. Even if I don’t find a job I am initially enthused about, I know that with time I will be able to develop and harness a passion for my job, no matter what it is.

Location, Location, Location

I have known for a long time that I didn't want to move back to Kansas City after graduation. Even though I have only been back at my parents’ home for 2 ½ days, I am even more sure this is true. Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and loved growing up in Kansas City, but I know that I need to try something on my own. If I don’t take a risk now, it’s possible I never will.

I am quickly discovering though, that relocation during a recession is not that easy. It seems like employers just aren’t looking outside their companies or cities. Through discussions with many of my friends, we have come to the conclusion that many employers don’t have the resources to fly in applicants or relocate them if hired.

I recently applied for a job with an organization in another city. I felt I was a great fit for the job because I had been involved with the organization as chair of the student executive board and also had extensive experience relevant to the position on my college campus. But, the organization conducted an internal search and ultimately hired someone internally. While I don’t know all the details of their search, it seems that when resources are tight and a company has two comparable applicants, it doesn’t make sense to spend the money to fly in one of the applicants.

So the obvious conclusion here is that you put yourself in the city you want be hired in. My problem is I don’t know what city that is. My next step to is research cities I am interested in and research their job markets. Then, once I narrow it down I will set up shop for a few days, visiting potential employers. Any tips on great cities with (any) job opportunities? I am thinking east of Missouri.

I never realized...

Two quick things I never realized about searching for a job...until now:

1. This is a LONG process
2. Sometimes employers are not that great at getting back to you

People always told me you have to work hard to get work, but I will openly admit that I haven't put THAT much time into applying for a job (see April 29 post). I am quickly realizing, though, a lot of time is required. For each job I have applied for I have spent hours crafting the perfect cover letter and tailoring my resume to the specific position.

But, the one thing no one told me is that potential employers aren't always great about getting back to you in a timely manner. As a member of the immediate gratification generation, that is sometimes hard to understand. We are used to having exam grades posted hours after we complete a test, and now we are waiting weeks to hear back about a job. With each application I submitted, I expected a response with days, hours, maybe even minutes. Now, I know better. While I was at first frustrated, I understand the process now and have come to accept it. I may not hear back for a few weeks, and that is ok.

So, my latest piece of advice for those just beginning the job search: Don't expect immediate response (or gratification).

Surprises in the Job Search

On a college campus in May, discussing graduation with a senior is like discussing weather with a senior citizen.Even though I feel my conversations these past few months are like a song on repeat, I can't be mad. Last year, I was asking the graduating seniors the same thing. Plus, when I see an acquaintance on campus, I fall back to these go-to conversation topics as well.

As the days until graduation quickly approach, there are two questions that I am asked repeatedly throughout a given day:

1. So...are you ready for graduation?
2. What are your plans?

The first question is usually asked expectantly, with a subtle smile sweeping across the inquisitor's face. The latter is often more hesitant, as if my questioner is somewhat nervous to ask. While my response to each question usually varies, depending on my audience, my stress level and my mood, it can be boiled down to some basic statements.

When asked if I am ready for graduation my response is simple: yes and no. Yes, I am excited about all the opportunities that lie ahead of me. There is something thrilling and at the same time nerve-wracking about not knowing where you will be in one month. Despite the economy, I know my options are limitless, and am confident that I will find a great job. It just may not be tomorrow. No, I am not excited at all about saying goodbye to my friends and college life in general. We have it great here and I will miss the unique community of a college town. Where else can you walk into a bar and know 60% of the people there?

And as for my plans...I usually shrug my shoulders, grin slyly and explain...I have no idea. Applying for a job is a full time job, and right now I can't make that type of commitment. School is my full time job. Plus I have extracurricular commitments that I can't leave hanging. I took a vow a while ago not to be the senior that skeets out on everything her final semester. Right now, I have a few job applications out there, and once I wrap up school, I am going to hit the ground running. Watch out employers, because in two and a half weeks I will be knocking down your door.

Sure there are lots of graduating seniors that have jobs, but a lot don't. I'm gonna go out there on a limb and say that many of those without jobs feel the same way I do. Give us time. Let us wrap one thing up so we can fully dedicate ourselves to the hunt.

Now if you see me or other graduating seniors on campus, you don't need to ask us about May. Lets talk about something different, like the latest good book you read.

Sprinting a Marathon

I often find myself using the phrase, "It's not a sprint, it's a marathon," to describe school work, college and life in general. But, for the next two weeks, that phrase doesn't really capture school work, college or my life in general.

I have a marathon ahead of me, but not enough time to run it the proper way: strong and steady. Basically, I have to sprint a marathon. The problem with sprinting is that it means I will hurt my body (think less than 5 hours of sleep for 2 weeks straight) and probably not run my best (think less-than-stellar work and bad grades).

Although I do admit, I only have myself to blame for this sprint. Living in the moment is great, but because I didn't plan ahead, everything is landing on my plate at once. For now, the job search has to be pushed to the back burner as I try pass my classes and make it to graduation.

I'm pretty sure everyone has sprinted a few marathons in their day. Have you?