I Have No References or Work Experience, Now What?

Written by Nick Armstrong on July 22, 2009

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Cara asked: "I have no work experience, and therefore, no professional references. What should I do (other than not say that to a potential employer)?"

A lot of millennials are in the same situation she is, I'd like to share my response publicly.
You might not have any work references, but you most certainly have academic references or people who can speak to your character.

You might have a favorite professor (college) or teacher (high school) whose class you excelled in, consistently performed well, and so on.  To this day, my best references come from my favorite marketing professor.  I graduated in 2007.  Think about teammates on sports teams you might have been a part of or classmates who worked with you on projects, anyone who can speak well of you and isn't directly related to you.

If you are still coming up short – find a mentor, volunteer position, open source project, or something else you can work on for a length of time. Pick something interesting – like habitat for humanity or volunteering at a local Better Business Bureau. Over time you will gain someone who can speak as a reference, whether it's a volunteer co-worker or the coordinator or even the recipient of the volunteer work.

No Work Experience wasn't always this scary, but the economy that we're facing at the moment is rife with peril for new entrants. My advice? Do as much networking as you can – get involved on MeetUp with a professional organization, do an Ignite speech – hell, start up an Ignite group if your town doesn't have one.

Do anything and everything you can – claw for every inch.  Collaborate, connect, and dream – but most importantly, DO SOMETHING.

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Nick Armstrong is the founder of Psychotic Resumes.  Nick is a creative, nerdy mad scientist living in Fort Collins, Colorado. He's a social media nut who loves to bring creative ideas to life. Nick is the voice behind the Psychotic Resumes podcast, which he also produces and promotes. Catch him on Twitter @ImNickArmstrong and his personal website I Am Nick Armstrong, which links to all his other projects including Giant Gnome - an audio production group, The Trek Project, and his upcoming projects like the "No Really Newscast".

Earning $1.30 Per Day From Adsense Is Enough To Lose Unemployment Benefits [Adsense]

Original Post: Earning $1.30 Per Day From Adsense Is Enough To Lose Unemployment Benefits [Adsense]

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$1.30 barely gets vending machine soda, but it's enough to leave an NY lawyer without unemployment benefits. Her total Adsense earning of $238.75 was enough to trigger that response because there aren't proper guidelines in place for such residual earnings.

Karin (she asked Forbes to keep her last name private) was told everything from 'you need to declare that you're working every time you update your blog' to something along the lines of 'uhh...you shouldn't have lost your benefits over the Adsense income.' In the end, none of the misinformation and hassle did much for her and she has taken Adsense off her blog as she struggles to regain her government check. [Forbes via Techdirt via Slashdot]

Photo by trekkyandy

How Do You Interact?

Original Post: How Do You Interact?

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A lot of individuals and companies are getting involved with social media. I have had people express to me that they want to get in on this “social media thing” and automatically rattle off the three most recognized social networking sites—Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. I have absolutely nothing against the aforementioned sites (I participate on all three), but social media consists of more than just these sites. Social media is the ability to interact with people online by sharing valuable content (emphasis added) through a variety of mediums:

Why the fuss? It is because regardless of where you are located, social media allows you the ability and opportunity to form relationships. Although, the primary purpose of both parties is to connect with those who share similar interests, both groups have various objectives that they seek to accomplish. Over 50% of U.S. social network users use social networking sites and other forms of social media (i.e. forums, blogs, etc.) to share information.

Companies are observing their customers habits and are responding by using social media as a means to interact with their prospects and customers by “meeting” with them on their turf. People are more inclined to rave about companies that truly put forth the effort to get to know their customers, which enables you to simultaneously gain new customers and increase your organization’s brand recognition.

Even though I am happy to see that companies are realizing the importance of participating, I often wonder if they realize that they can decrease the time it takes to achieve their objective by using more than one form of social media. For example, if you are a life coach, one of the main points you want to highlight in your marketing campaign is your ability to assist individuals in helping them reach their goals. Again, there is nothing wrong with using social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook, etc., but they should not be the only approach you use to interact with your audience. In addition to using social networking sites, consider incorporating videos, podcasts, teleseminars, etc. because allowing your audience various options to engage with your brand will increase your chances of reaffirming your message.

Do some research in order to determine which form(s) would be more likely to resonate with your audience. This will not only ensure an enjoyable social media experience for your company, but your audience will appreciate the opportunity to see the face behind the brand.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/targetstarsblog/QfsA/~3/ZFdS6RE6kxI/

Knowing Who You Are On The Job Hunt

Knowing Who You Are On The Job Hunt

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Image uploaded on September 10, 2009 by Grisù the Dragon

I continue with the job search, though somewhat reluctantly. After getting several interviews early on in the game and then getting very close to getting a job I really wanted, I've lost a lot of my drive and my optimism. Nonetheless, I'm plugging along, but there are a couple of major challenges I'm facing.

First of all, I've had trouble molding and packaging myself when I send out cover letters. I always try to tailor the whole application package to highlight my experience as it applies to the organization, but I can't help but wince when I send off an application to a job that has nothing to do with Latin America or has no language requirements. It's my niche, plain and simple, and there's no getting around it, and I can't help but wonder what the HR people think when they see my resume: "Why would she want this job?" I also feel slightly guilty when applying to those types of jobs; I have these great strengths--language abilities and knowledge of the region--that I wouldn't be able to put to use at all if I got the job.

Second, I've been frustrated by sending out so many applications into oblivion, especially when I don't receive an automatic reply to say the application was received. Whether or not I get that message, I've followed up with every contact I can at the organization when I haven't heard anything about a week after submitting the application. At places I really want to work, I try to find someone to get in touch with through email, a mutual friend or through social media, but every single time, I've struck out.

Finally, and most importantly, I'm getting a lot of flack from my parents mom for being picky. Truth be told, I have expanded my search significantly from when I first got home, applying for executive assistant jobs and for jobs that do in fact have nothing to do with Latin America but involve at least one skill I'm good at. But I have good reason to be picky.

I've paid my dues already, to a large extent. I started working professionally as an intern when I was 16 and continued right on through until I moved to Brazil. There, I did whatever I could to get by, just to pay the rent and make ends meet. Ironically, one of the reasons I decided to go abroad after college was so that I could escape my first entry level job of being stuck in an office for 40 hours a week, or at least put it off until later. But what I found was that I missed having an office job. I craved a set schedule, camaraderie, and bigger responsibilities; I missed supply closets and AC. I don't regret the time I spent in Brazil at all, but it helped me realize my ambition a bit more. That's not to say I'm qualified for high level positions, but I've promised myself to do something I deserve, and to set my sights higher rather than lower.

I want to get on some sort of career track. I can't do just anything to make money; it's unfair to promise an employer that you'll make a time commitment just to skip out on them, and most employers expect you to commit yourself for at least a year, if not two. Since I have the luxury of not having to worry about rent, I've afforded myself the luxury of not taking any job at all just for the sake of making money. The other issue is that once you get a job, especially an entry level one, it sticks with you, and that becomes your base of knowledge. It's much harder to get into what you really want to do without practical experience in your field, something I've noticed whenever I look at public health jobs. Making connections and getting practical office experience are important, but I feel like I have moved beyond that and really need to invest in something I'm planning on sticking with in the long term.

Lastly, I do think it's important you do what you love, or at least what you like. Being interested in your work is what makes you good at what you do and makes you a valued employee; plus, hating your job will infect the rest of your life. But after I read about focusing on what you are, rather than what you love, I got to thinking about that, and it helped me focus more, even encouraging me to send out applications to places that weren't hiring, just so I could get my foot in the door.

I am a writer. It's not something that I necessarily wanted to be, it just happened, and for the past two years I have written every single day. I am a researcher; I love amassing information and putting it together into a nice, tidy package, be it an article for my blog or a chunk of travel advice. Speaking of which, I'm an adviser. I love giving advice, even if it's unheeded or unsolicited. Maybe it's because from an early age friends always came to me asking for it, since I've always known when assignments are due, lots and lots of travel information, and practical tips. My favorite advice to give, obviously, is about traveling and living abroad. I am a study abroad nerd. Nothing makes me happier than helping others have the same life-changing experiences I had. I am a Latin America expert: I know a little bit about the entire region and a lot about specific parts, and I never stop gathering information and seeking out more knowledge. I am a teacher. I love to share what I know, especially about Latin America, and culture, history, and politics are my favorite topics. I'm a social entrepreneur: I want to find new ways to tackle social problems in the Americas, especially health and education.

So finally, through all of this, I figured out who I am and what I am capable of. Now, I just hope I can find an employer who will, too.

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/typepad/riogringa/my_weblog/~3/94K2YTBuW3U/the-ri...

Job Interview: Topics You Should Avoid

Job Interview: Topics You Should Avoid

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When interviewing for a new job, it is important that you walk the walk (look professional) but also that you talk the talk (ask the right questions and give the right answers). In order to do the latter, avoid topics such as sex, politics, and religion unless they are directly relevant to the position (they almost never are) as well as the following:

* Getting to the interview: The interviewer wants to know if you're the best candidate for the position, not how hard it was for you to get the interview.

* Compensation: Don't talk about compensation unless the interviewer raises the subject. You're far better off waiting for the employer to extend an offer to you before you raise the issue of compensation because at that point the power is in your hands.

* Your Old Boss: You do want to talk about previous experiences which are relevant to this position, but you don't want to talk negatively about previous superiors or employers. The interviewer knows that if you bad mouth another boss, you'll bad mouth the interviewer when you're next interviewing for a position.

* Your Significant Other: It is incredibly rare when your relationship with your significant other, friends, or family are relevant to a position, so leave them and your thoughts about them outside of the interview room.

* Health: Talk about your heath condition only if it is relevant to the position and you want the employer to make some type of reasonable accommodation for you. Otherwise, talk about the condition with your physician, not the interviewer.

* The Latest Joke: If the interviewer starts joking around with you, feel free to joke around with her as well but keep your humor G-rated and turn it off immediately when the interviewer first gives a signal that she wants to get down to business. Usually, it is best not to joke around. The upsides are few and the downsides are great.

* How You Look: Even if you feel like you look horrible on the day of the interview, don't mention it. The interviewer is more concerned about your ability to do the job than in the almost invisible mustard stain on your pants.

what unemployment has taught me

Original Post: what unemployment has taught me

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Uploaded on January 12, 2009 by Mr McSquishyface

This whole unemployment thing sucks as I’ve said many, many times before. But in a way it’s good for me.

And no, I don’t mean in the reading through the Chicago Public Library system in one summer kind of way.

It’s taught me a very important lesson.

I still don’t have it figured all out. I doubt I ever will have it all figured out. But I am learning a lot about myself right now. I’m learning what I want. What I don’t want. And more importantly what I deserve.

Yes, I may have a couple things against me. The lack of degree may be a bright red flag to some employers. And yeah, maybe I don’t have the professional experience that some might require.

But I have so much more to offer. I have first hand experience. I’m a writer. I do outreach. I build community.

And I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know it all. But I want to learn. I want to do it all. I’m not afraid to jump right in to something. And maybe I might fail at first, but the next time around, I know exactly what I’ll do to change. I love a good challenge.

Most importantly, I’ve learned it’s okay to say no.

Being unemployed leaves me with a sense of urgency, sometimes even desperation. Obviously, money is a stressful thing. When you don’t have anything coming in and the bills are piling up, it’s a horrible feeling. Feeling like you’re never going to get ahead again.

For a while I was willing to take anything that came my way. I was ready to do the retail thing or get back with the nanny thing or just take any job. Who cares what, as long as it paid.

I’ve realized that it doesn’t have to be like that. I would much rather hold out a little longer searching for the right thing for me. A job that will push me. A job that has faith in my abilities. A job that has me so excited to get to the office or to my computer. A job where I have a voice. A job where people respect me and appreciate the work I do.

I’ve learned in the past few months that there is nothing wrong with turning down an offer that just isn’t right. And I have, a few times. It’s alright to say “no, thank you”. I know what I’m worth and what I want.

And I’m not planning on settling any time soon.

A Little Perspective on Job-Hunting

Original Post: A Little Perspective on Job-Hunting

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Image by romoehumarang

What better way to get some perspective on finding a job than from someone who is in the job-hunting trenches, too? Today's post is from Prescott Perez-Fox, who runs that awesome blog, twentyhood. Enjoy!

Recently, I met a young man on the train following an industry event. He was just out of school and had only moved to New York that week. He was in search of a job. As someone who is likewise in search of employment, I instantly felt his struggle. I sighed and remarked 'I'm afraid I can't offer you any advice; I'm looking for work as well.' But it soon became clear that I could offer him advice, after all.

I have, in fact, figured a few things out, and come to a few realizations about this alchemy called job-hunting. Here, dear friends, is advice from the front, tips that you won't hear from your college career counselors or your dad's co-workers or even your average 'tips from an HR guy' blog post.

I have observed

• Applying for jobs online is a numbers game. Even if you're a qualified candidate, you'll be up against dozens, if not hundreds, of candidates. Therefore, you may have to apply 100 jobs to get your first interview.

• Many people post job vacancies to Craig's List. However, the signal-to-noise ratio on Craig's List is terrible. Be bold and ignore it. Find other sources, especially relevant to your own industry. They're out there.

• A staggering number of jobs will result in a 'no hire.' It's not that they chose another candidate, but rather the whole position just fizzles into nothingness. This isn't your fault.

• Silence is the new rejection letter. Even after a real-life, in-person interview many folks will simply blank you. Make sure you follow-up by phone, email, and maybe even hand-written (paper) letter, but don't be insulted when you get no reply.

• The worst insult you can receive is when someone calls your portfolio 'Nice' or says 'Oh, cool.' No one gives criticism anymore, they just pass you over and move one. Goes with the previous point.

• Some companies simply will never hire an entry-level applicant. This isn't your fault, it's just their unspoken policy. If you're under 25 or so, to these folks you will be viewed as a rookie, regardless of your skills or qualifications.

• The best way to find a job is through your personal network; the best way to have a network is through co-workers, past and present. A paradox indeed.

• Cold-calling is incredibly taxing emotionally. If you think this is an effective route, I hope you're stronger willed than me.

• Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., are useful communication tools, but none are a silver bullet for finding a job. Persist with a mix of methods.

• Freelancing or doing contract work may eventually lead to a full-time job, but not always. Try to hold it together when your short-term job ends with little fanfare, and without a job offer.

• Most people in your field are reasonable. There are a few divas, but chances are you can meet someone at an industry event and ask him/her for a business card with no problem. Email and ask for an interview, most often he'll say yes, even though that company may not be hiring. What's the worst that happens? You get some extra practice.

I don't want to you be cynical in your job search, but I want you to be prepared. Looking for work, going on interviews, and starting a new job are all incredibly awkward experiences. You're certain to feel the complete range of emotions and come up against some academic paradoxes. This is like applying for colleges, but without the notion of a 'safety school' or a community college to fall back on.

Onwards and upwards, fellow job seekers. If you can survive your first job search, you will have endured one of the hardest life situations there is — and certainly something they don't teach in college.

Prescott Perez-Fox is a graphic designer and blogger in the New York City area, and the author of twentyhood, the blog about life as a twentysomething. He also writes about design and branding on his own site, perez-fox.com, and is the arbiter of Your Business Card Sucks.