How to Get Ahead in the Career Crunch

Starting at the bottom of the corporate ladder isn't always enjoyablescratch that, is never enjoyable. Sure, you got a job right out of school, sure you're able to pay rent, but you're still the departmental go-to kid. You start with the crap tasks; photocopying, printing, lunch orders, annoying excel/word troubleshooting with people older than the moon.

I'm a contractor at a large educational publisher in Toronto, but more specifically I'm an editor, of sorts. Us contractors (a large chunk of the company is on contract) gripe and moan about our lack of benefits, or limited inclusion in "employee" activities and HR emailing lists. We like to be the victims, the underlings, the hard done by...poor souls. But I think I've found the artificial light at the end of this dark, cubicle-lined, sans-benefits tunnel.

One of the huge pros of being a contractor is that you aren't stuck to a rigid time, vacation, or sick day schedule. We can bill for all hours we spend doing work-related junk. We can also find other things to do when we get home from work to supplement our income/pad our resumes. We don't generally feel too secure where we are (well, I don't), so we keep our little eyes and ears open.

I don't know whether I'm trying to give advice or just a bit of guidance to those hordes of graduates and even jobless non-grads who seem to think the only way to get a job is to give your resume in at Futureshop, or worse yetMcDonald's. I want to outline five steps towards getting some experience above and beyond shelf stocking and frying.

One: Work in various fields
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work for many people and companies before I graduated from university. I had experience that ranged from customer care, food services and event planning, to admin support and merchandising. Some of these jobs I got myself, by applying online or in person, some I got through the exploitation of loved ones and friends' connections. That leads me to my next point.

Two: Network your pride away
I can't tell you how many young people and friends I know who seem to think networking and using family/friend connections are, what should I call it, reliant? Dependent? It's as if networking negates your pride. But I do declare, you are wrong! Networking is how the business world works. It's how you get jobs, clients, employees, projects; it is how the little world goes round! If you're hard pressed for a job, talk to you aunts, uncles, parents, neighbours! Someone will know someone who can get your resume into HR by hand. Don't underestimate the power of networking. I implore you.

Three: There are options for the meantime
While you're waiting for your networking and resume dropping to work itself out in the universe, don't be an idle potato. Scan craigslist and kijiji like an old guy alone at the beach in a Speedo. I'd say try actual job posting websites, but I find those so utterly useless, not to mention frustrating and full of spam. Craigslist has a bounty of rubbish and a few gems. You mustn't have much else to do if you're waiting to get a job, so make sure you keep up to date on the postings; you can pick up odd jobs, even contract work, and some other unusual and sordid etceteras. Also, if you're looking for some fairly well paid merchandising and sampling jobs try companies like Mosaic to get yourself into a program. I've done about four, and though the time has passed for me to continue with them, it was a WICKED life line during some tough university summers and I even did a few programs while working full time. By "programs" I mean sampling, marchandising, and customer care contracts where I could do anything from sampling an energy drink to helping new customers at cell phone outlets.

Four: Communication
You must, must, must, stay in communication with potential employers. Did you have your uncle submit your resume to a coworker at Maple Leaf Foods? Well, get the coworker's name and email address (emailing is a much preferred medium for me, but if I'm not getting responses I'll then track down a phone number) and shoot that guy or gal a little email about how much you appreciate their time and look forward to speaking with them soon. Tell them you're available for interviews at any point. Goad them into having to respond. Ask them to respond with their preferred interview slots. You have to be eager, diligent, friendly. If you seem like you really want a job, and an employer gets to know you over an equally matched-on-paper competitor, who do you think they'll think of first? I hope I've made my point.

Five. Appreciate every opportunity.
Whether it's a volunteer position, a short term contract or a one time gig, you need to see the value in it. Each piece of experience you gain from these opportunities is essential for your future job search. Learn how to manipulate these skills on your resume to suit the skill set of that particular job.

As a final note, I'd just like to lecture that when you're 15 it's ok to have a generic resume and cover letter. But when you're 21+ you have to start putting some time into fine tuning your work history. Take pride in all that you do on your hunt for a job or general life experience. Don't forget that a volunteer or intern position can be just as important as a job for experience. If you're hard pressed for cash, do a paid and an unpaid together. Just know there's more to it than a resume you wrote in high school. Just a little note from one youngin' to another.

By Kendel Doyle

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I have read your article and have to say, you are completely right. I have done many jobs such as a volunteer in a geriatric center, or a waitress in a downtown bar. Right now, I am working for a marketing company, www.xclamationmarketing.com , something I've never imagined doing. It is a contractual job until the spring, at which point I might stay with them a bit longer (if they ask), or I might go on my way (if they don't ask). In either case, I have learned important skills, and of course, this is another impressive entry on my resume. So take whatever opportunity presents itself, and make the most of it!

Silvia , October 09, 2010 | url

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