New York City Guide to Surviving Unemployment
Many people have been wondering what I've been up to since my position was eliminated. They've wondered why I've been so busy. So I tell them that job searching is a full time gig and the most effective ways to get leads is to network. The last time I was unemployed, I wasted so much time blindly sending off resumes only to finally get a full time job from a random connection. Attending networking events is not only more effective but keeps my spirits up. On top of that, many of us are capable of paving our own way and providing skills that we already have on a freelance basis. I can't tell you how many casual bloggers turned "pros" I've met that now work or run their own sites. Or marketers with only a few years of experience now consulting in how to effectively integrate social media.. or PR gurus who are in demand..
In this economy, you'll be ahead of the game doing all these things while employed, giving you the opportunity to stay on top of industry trends, meet new people and potential hires (hello recruiting bonus!) and.. learn something new!
Join an industry organization. But don't just join it - attend the events, get involved, and join a committee within the organization.
- I joined AWNY last December, was invited into their Marketing Committee and became a mentor of social media, new technology, etc. for one of their well respected members. I also have a mentor and am co-chairing an event tonight! So I've made quality connections and because I've made myself visible, people will hopefully put a face to my name.
Not all networking takes place at Happy Hour.
- For the past two years, I somehow found myself on the mailing list for likemind. I vowed to attend one of the 8am coffee hours but once the date rolled around and the clock struck 6am, I rolled back to sleep. Last Friday, I finally ignored my "resistance" and took the faithful F train all the way down to West 4th Street where I met an incredibly interesting group. There were photographers, social media experts, an art director/pattern maker turned website editor, model turned writer turned product developer and the list continues. In fact, one of the attendees was someone I had seen ask Seth Godin a question during his Linchpin book signing last winter. She declared she wanted to be an Account Planner (of all professions!) but didn't know where to start. He advised to her gather a team and work over the weekends, to which me and my neighbor promptly raised our hands. Hmmm.
Go to an event/party by yourself.
- Yes, meeting strangers can be exhausting, but you're more likely to make connections if you're forced to.
Anytime you're invited to a party, book signing, gallery opening, talk, etc. GO.
- You can always go to the gym another time cause you're never going to lose those 5 pounds anyway. The worst that can happen is that it sucks and you leave. The best that can happen is that you meet your future employer, lover, best friend or great idea.
Be open minded.
- So you happen to have an MBA, are working but not satisfied in your job. Go to the next NY Tech Meetup and you'll surely meet startups looking for financial advice. You have your JD but can't find a job without experience - go to an entrepreneurial Meetup. And the world is your oyster.
The nitty gritty.
- Get your elevator speech down pat. Can you describe what you currently do and what you want to do in one punchy, positive, clear statement?
- Read, read, read. I have a (rational) fear of awkward silences. Fortunately, I read the NY Times most popular stories, various websites on technology, marketing, advertising, etc. so I can shoot the shit on basically any current topic. Thus, I am able to make connections, keep up with the conversation or lead it into an interesting place if things go stale. When all else fails, politely shake their hand, get their card (if interested) and head to the bar for another drink.
Any other tips? Please add comments!
Online Professional Persona 101
Last night, I went to a fantastic AWNY event lead by a wonderful, intelligent and informative recruiter Regina Angeles, that was about building your professional reputation online in addition to networking and professional development. It's obviously always good to network even when you have a job. Gone are the days where if one was loyal to a corporation, the corporation would reward them. I constantly see people working incredibly long hours with no real reward in sight who often burn out and quit. Then there are others who achieve the same amount of prestige, salary and position while working perfectly reasonable hours. And they're usually the men! So as Regina recommends, it's important to expand your connections beyond your company and even specific job title. Learn about what others do, what other company cultures are like, etc. etc. She even suggests going to a networking event once a week. Eesh.
So... for those of you who asked me "Molly, how does one network?" here's what Regina suggests. I believe she's going to post her official presentation so check back on her blog or follow her on Twitter.
The basics: Make sure your Facebook profile is work friendly. No obviously inappropriate photos. If you have drunken, idiotic friends, block tagged photos from the public.
LinkedIn, LinkedIn, LinkedIn. As Regina says, if you don't have a LinkedIn profile, you either don't exist or are doing something illegal. Recent statistics reveal that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to source new candidates. So highlight and quantify your accomplishments but don't lie! You'll get called out in a New York Minute. Start with your friends, colleagues, former colleagues, college classmates, etc. and build your network from there but don't forget to use the same social graces you would if networking in person. Be polite and don't add people you have no real connection to. I get requests from photographers and photo agencies I've never met, all the time and it's just annoying. And by all means, look for jobs using LinkedIn. Spend minimal time responding to craigslist, monster, etc.
And Twitter. Twitter is a great way to connect with people you've never met. Follow companies you want to work for. For clients, future clients, brands you're interested in working with, etc. Post links to your blog if you have one. Create informative posts about your industry and have an opinion. Develop a short elevator pitch for your online profiles using key words especially if you have a common name.
More advice to come. Happy Friday!