I call my parents once a day for two reasons: because they enjoy hearing about what is going on in my life, and to reassure them that I’m alive on the West Coast. In the beginning months of my LA adventure, the daily conversations were about fun things, like the celebrities I had spotted or the things I had done while interning at E! Yet, now that the semester is coming to a close, the conversations have taken a turn toward the “real world.” My parents incessantly ask, “What are you going to do after graduation, Jillian? Have you been looking for jobs, Jillian? Are you going to live on the East Coast or West Coast, Jillian?”
In order to make their questioning stop, I decided to put a plan of action into order, which I’ve decided to share with all of you. Here are five things you can do to make your job hunt less stressful.
#1: Network in a fun way
I know this may sound silly, but I’m suggesting you go to bars and parties. I have met numerous industry professionals just by walking up to them at a bar and striking up conversation. You could start by saying something as simple as, “These drinks are weak.” In a matter of minutes, that ice breaker could lead to a discussion about work, your goals, and there could be a business card exchange. Insta-connection! People are willing to help, if you take the time to ask for it. Just be sure to maintain those contacts, because that business card might come in handy when you least expect it.
#2: Check out job websites constantly
Here’s a confession: Whenever I have free time at my internship, I check job postings on a copious amount of websites. My favorite sites to use are mediabistro.com and entertainmentcareers.net, which are both user friendly, free, and incredibly simple. Once I find a job I am interested in, I post directly to the listing, and then try to find a contact within the company to push my resumé further, which is the most important step. Instead of having your resumé sit in a pile with a slew of others, network to make connections with people who work at the company or are in the industry and can get your resumé on the top of the stack.
#3: Go directly to the source
If there’s a particular company you want to work for, apply directly to their website, and cut out the middle man. The majority of the time, you can find a Human Resources contact to follow up with somewhere on the site. Once you apply, always call after two days to make sure they have received your application.
#4: Set up an informational meeting with Human Resources
I never thought this was a possibility until I spoke with some of my friends in LA who go on informational interviews all the time. Some companies will meet with future applicants to discuss opportunities that they might have available post internship, while others will agree to meet with you even if they are not hiring. I have set up informational interviews and am so excited to find out what opportunities could arise.
#5: Show your resumé to everyone
It is crucial to get multiple opinions on what your resumé should look like. Everyone has a different idea of what it should be, or what it should say, but it is beneficial to get ideas from others. I have shown my resumé to at least twenty people in the industry. I feel confident enough to say it’s finally done.
Each of these tips have, so far, helped me stress less. I am still freaking out, however. I think I will always freak out over jobs until I have actually landed one. My plan is to continue to network, search the Internet for openings, and constantly keep applying.
But, you want to know a secret? I applied for a really exciting opportunity in LA this week. Wish me luck!
Photo Credit: Hope Kauffman