DeeDee writes:
I am writing to ask you about a common problem I seem to be having upon graduation with my bachelor’s and master’s degree. Most of the companies want you to have 5-10 years of experience before you can even apply for a position. I worked full-time while in school, but not always within my field. I worked in my field about 2 years, and now I don’t know what to do. I am a 26-year-old female who is ready to start working ASAP. I have subscribed to National Business Employment Weekly, read the Sunday newspapers from all over the world, looked over career and job websites, and these things continue to astonish me. Please help; I am becoming frustrated and haven’t put out but 3 resumes yet.
The Career Doctor responds:
Well, first of all, take a moment. You need to take a step back and do a better job in examining your job search strategy. I’m most concerned that you have only sent out three resumes since you finished your master’s degree.
So, my first suggestion is for you to spend some time devising a job-hunting strategy. Specifically, you need to decide the best approach for you to find a job. There are several channels you can use, and I suggest using as many of these as possible: (1), networking with friends, family, coworkers, former colleagues; (2), work with the placement office from the school you where you received your master’s degree; (3), develop a relationship with a professional organization in your field — and network there; (4), develop a list of companies you would like to work for and send out a targeted mail (cover letter and resume) campaign; (5), visit various Websites — employment, recruiting, and company — and target those that have the best opportunities; (6), contact some professional recruiters in your field; and (7), continue to review classified ads and job postings (though don’t expect many results from these).
Then, I suggest you experiment with developing a functional resume rather than a traditional chronological resume. By using a functional resume, you can stress some of the transferable skills you have developed and honed in all your work and school experience.
Where can you get help on your resume and transferable skills? Lucky you. Check out the Quintessential Careers Resume Tutorial, which includes both a detailed resume tutorial for people who need a lot of help with their resume and a “light” version for people who just need to do some fine-tuning. I highly suggest you spend some time there.
