Navigating the Current Job Market
Dear Job Artist,
I’m graduating in May, and while my senior year has already been ruined by COVID-19, I’m in full panic. I’ve applied to every job imaginable, and most places have put a hold on hiring until the crisis subsides.
Do you have any tips and tricks during this unsettling time? I know you post jobs daily, but I’m hoping to stay close to home. Also, if you don’t have much advice to give on that topic, do you have any advice for freelance work until the industry gets back to normal?
Sincerely,
Terrified College Senior
Dear Terrified,
First, let me start by saying you are not alone through this crisis and in everything you have expressed here. I hope above all else you are safe and healthy during this time.
I know right now this may not be much of a consolation, but let me share with you why all is not lost. When I graduated back in 2009, I was told by my Professors that it was the worst year to be graduating and finding a job after the crash in 2008. In fact, the perception was that no one would likely get work, and that we should prepare ourselves for that. During my many interviews, I had several sarcastic, borderline heartbreaking comments directed at me and had to make a choice; believe it or press forward.
It sounds cliche, but you must believe in the skills you have built upon and not let anything or anyone discourage you. It us up to you to put ALL of your energy into the unending belief in yourself.
We are in an unprecedented time without question, but you will come out on the other side. Remind yourself that you have the skills, put in the time, and worked so hard to get to where you are right now. The skills you have garnered throughout your undergrad are not going anywhere; they are valuable! And this is just the beginning! These skills and your applications will come together in the form of a job and you have nothing else but to believe that.
Since you have said you have applied to everything, I would say maybe take a step back and focus in on what you truly want. Since you want to stay close to home, I would start putting in some research of all of the companies in your area that you think you might want to work with and rank them. Give yourself a goal of identifying the number one place you would want to work with and put it on paper. Once you have this broad list in place start thinking outside the box a bit. What other companies are not on your list but might have the need for your type of expertise? And better yet, are there any connections you already have? Like have you worked with a friend who is trying to start a business and provide them with a logo or other work? Can you reach out to a company that does not have a job posted currently but is on your list? (YES YOU CAN).
I would also hone in on the presentation of your work. Here are a few questions to consider:
1. Do you currently have a portfolio you love?
2. Does your resume show a future employer everything that is excellent about you? If you have any question on that, continue to improve it. Emphasize your strengths.
3. Does a project need to be presented differently to work better with the rest of your portfolio? If so, modify it.
4. Would you feel prepared to go into an interview tomorrow? If not do some mock interviews and think of your answers to questions that could likely come up.
5. Do you feel connected with the industry you are trying to be a part of? Meaning if you are more of an illustrator, do you follow and connect with other illustrators in the field?
Before you go back out and apply, make sure you are ready and organized to battle. Get that confidence back up! You are not only a great candidate for the next position you apply for, but you are the candidate that THEY should be looking for! Once you feel ready, you need to get your work out there. Present your work online, whether its a personal website or a community portfolio site. Once you have posted, share your work and join communities that celebrate your common interests (again those speciality groups). These connections and interactions can help lead you to future freelance work and the types of work you enjoy.
Focus on your craft! But remember: make sure you are driving towards what truly interests you, not where you think all of the jobs are or molding yourself to fit the look of a designer that you are not. Just become more of you and lean into that. That is where you will find your passion and what will continue to energize you towards your next job. And it is okay if that first position you get is not the one that you ultimately want to stay with forever, but do find something that will be a good stepping stone to get you where you want to be. This is why it is so important to think about deeply where you see yourself going so you know what exactly you are working towards.
Wow – I may have gotten more long-winded than I intended but honestly this question truly energizes me because I can empathize with where you are right now. Just remember: this is just right now, but it does not determine your entire future so please stick with YOU. It is okay to take a break; it allows you to regroup, refocus and reenergize. Give it a week or two and new jobs will come cycling through again allowing you to think deeper about what you want and how to make your applications the best they can possibly be. Focus on you and it will pay off, the first step is just believing it.