Blog #9: Life Update - Job Found! How to Efficiently Job Search
It finally happened! After 7 months I’ve found my work home. Last Monday, I received the long awaited call, I didn’t know it was possible for my heart to swell with pure glee and jump up and down my stomach simultaneously. Words seemed to escape me the moment I got the call, “We’d like to make you an offer.” I have a job where content writing is my role. Putting the puzzle pieces of meshing my voice with a company’s brand is my responsibility. And trekking five times a week to a stellar office in San Francisco surrounded by welcoming go-getters with innovative ideas and talent to match is my new schedule.
Job searching had to be one of the most difficult challenges I’ve undergone. Rewarding, frustrating, anxiety fueling, scary, heartbreaking, wonderful, excellent and ultimately thrilling. I know rollercoaster is an overused analogy to describe the ups and downs of one’s experience but I do believe it most reflects and symbolizes my job searching experience.
Throughout my seven months my partner, family and friends have bestowed several words of wisdom to help strengthen me throughout my journey. Here’s a few I’ve learned from them and myself as I searched for my next milestone. If you’re about to or have been going through this similar experience, I hope something I say resonates with you, or at least can reaffirm some of your thoughts, possibly provide some friendly comfort.
Treat job searching like it’s your full or part-time job
Whether you are working part-time gigs to pay the bills as you look for your next role or can focus on it like it’s your sole job, apply every day. Make LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed and other job search sites your go-to social channels and explore and apply to the jobs that you’re qualified for and of course interested in. If you could only dedicate yourself part-time to search for one, give yourself a daily schedule to apply. The more jobs you have in your funnel, the more likely the right one will be there one of these days.
Be open to new possibilities
Expand and explore different job titles—do some research and see if there are similar roles that fall under your expertise and you find appealing. I have a journalism, program management background where content creation, communications and engagement are components and passions of my career. I drew from my background and applied to various job titles and different companies that intrigued me. By being flexible you’ll be able to locate jobs and work places that’ll make you happy.
Write down what’s most important to you
I guarantee while applying, interviewing by phone, video chat or in-person you’ll find an array of must-haves or wants in a job. Whether it’s work culture, financial, benefits, perks—write down that list in your planner, notes on your phone or a Word DOC that you can constantly refer to. Maybe you won’t be able to find something that encompasses all of these factors, but it’s crucial to know what are some non-negotiable factors.
Keep yourself sane, happy
Like I said earlier, job searching was a rollercoaster for me. I highly suggest to do things to maintain your sanity and internal happiness. You’ll have those moments that annoy, frustrate and anger you. Sometimes you won’t hear back from the dozens of jobs you’ve applied (well nothing more than the automatic thank you for your interest / applying email), a job you really wanted will fall through, and recruiters will come back with disheartening words. Preserve and rejuvenate that spirit of yours. You need it for the long haul. Things will be okay, don’t forget. When one opportunity closes, there will be another one shortly after. Keep that chin up!