Devin writes:
Hey, I was just wondering what I can do to get a job. My problem is that I’m flat-out not getting accepted anywhere, and by now, it’s taxing my patience. Part of the problem is that although I’m smarter than pretty much every single one of my friends who has a job (which by now is all of them) I don’t have some sort of “in” — no friend of a friend or anything like that to help me out. On top of that, I’m very personable, usually at the center of any conversation I take part in; however, I don’t look very good on paper, since none of my accomplishments are things they give awards for.
I realize my questions are a little muddled and disorderly but any help you can provide after you piece together everything I’ve said would be great.
The Career Doctor responds:
It’s important to have confidence when job-hunting, but being over-confident is a killer.
The first thing you need is a reality check. You would think that seeing all your friends get jobs would be a humbling experience for you, but instead you blame circumstances beyond your control, a common complaint made of twenty-somethings — where you blame others rather than face the fact that you might be to blame — or at least share in it.
The next thing is to take stock of your current network of contacts. Everyone has a network. Your network consists of your family, friends, neighbors, professors, and anyone else you know. So, sit down and make a list. I am confident it will be much bigger than you imagined. And guess what? You can add to it everyday by simply meeting new people.
As for not looking good on paper… that’s also a copout. Anyone can maximize their education, experience, and accomplishments and develop a resume that is attractive to prospective employers. Ask for help from your college’s career services office.
Finally, if you say you are as personable as you say you are, the keys for you will be networking — where you can use your charm to obtain job leads — and then interviewing, where you can sell your skills and potential to prospective employers.
Just remember… tone it down.
