Phone Interview

I don't know how often these happen anymore, but phone interviews can be tricky. Some companies use phone interviews as their first (preliminary) interview to see if they are interested in taking the time to sit down and meet with you. I did, however, get my internship after a phone interview.

For me, the key is to be prepared. I kept my resume in front of me during as well as a note pad to jot down notes and key points of the interview. It’s harder to read people's emotions through the phone, since something like 85% of our communication is nonverbal. Its important to pay attention to the tone in your interviewer's voice and that can give you a decent read. It is important to speak clearly and at a decent pace, my main problem is when I get nervous I tend to talk too fast and stumble over my words or jumble them together. It is important to feel comfortable and confident even if they can't see it they can sense it in your voice.

It is usually best to conduct phone interviews from a landline, so you don't have to worry about dropped calls and static. I would also say to try and do it in a quiet area to ensure you have the best chance not to miss anything. As in any interview you always want to say what you mean and mean what you say. Also choose your words wisely, it can be difficult to move away from the way you normally speak (the use of slang and the word like) but it is important to sound professional, especially since they cannot see you.

All and all along with the professional side shining through you should always remember to let a little bit of your personality show, making it a little personal will help the interviewer get to know the real you and help them see if you are the addition they are looking for.

-K

Do Your Research... On Yourself!

I'm sure you all do some research when it comes to applying to jobs, well at least I hope you do. Have you considered doing research on you?

Every once and again I think its a good idea to Google yourself (or use yahoo, Bing, etc...) to see what other people see when they look you up. Whether it be some embarrassing photos or an award you forgot about it is a good idea to know what's floating around the Internet about you.

Maybe its time to "clean up your digital dirt." If you are serious about looking for a job, some employers take the time to do the research and they may stumble upon those crazy frat party photos you have posted on Facebook or those not so pleasant tweets. It is possible that things like this can turn an employer away from hiring you.

Its important to make sure your Internet identity represents you in the best light and will help you get hired. I have gone through Facebook and deleted photos and comments that may not make me seem too appealing to potential employers should they search for me. Although they have privacy settings on these social networking sites I feel its always better just to not have it there, people can hack almost everything, its better to be safe than sorry.

You should always be careful with what you do and post online, you never know who's watching.

-K

One Way to Keep Yourself Busy - Look For Simple Side Jobs

Hey sorry it's been a while, things have gotten a bit crazy around here. 


Quick update: Alex finally got a job and starts next week.... YAY! He will be writing in soon to talk about the experience. Also I have talked with a couple of friends that are in different working situations, and some have agreed to write in with any pointers they may have or stories they want to share, so stay tuned. (I also promise to start writing in more regularly since everything is calming down) So here we go on one of the things that Alex and I tried to do while we were still unemployed (some we are still involved in).

If you are still looking for work or you need a little something extra, take your talents and put them to good use.

Before we moved to NYC, Alex used to (and still does over the phone) help his friends with computer, Internet, and electronics problems. They didn’t normally pay him much, and a lot of the time it wasn’t with money, but it kept him busy and it would bring him something.

I wish I could say I used to do something like babysit on the side, but I was not blessed with the “motherly” gene. Instead while I was in college (already working two jobs and taking a full course load) I used to tutor for extra money. Some kids really needed it (mostly those party animals) and it worked out where I could help them in between classes.

Since being out of school and in the working world, I’ve more recently thought about getting a certificate to be a wedding/event planner. Ever since working at my dad’s flower shop when I was a teenager I’ve been fascinated with it. I helped my brother and my sister-in-law plan their wedding; it was a lot of work, but a lot of fun (for me hehe). I’m very organized and I like to negotiate. I honestly feel it could be a good side business to start (especially in NYC).

Side jobs should be skills you already have (I guess unlike my idea), but it can make life more interesting to branch out and see what you can do.

I read an article in Time Out New York about earning extra money where it listed a bunch of different ways to make some extra cash (TONY). You should check it out.

Anther thing to do is to start a blog and write about what you know, or post pictures and or music you like. Like Alex said before, it is important to stay sane while job hunting and its always nice go earn some extra cash while you’re waiting for you big break.


-K

Event Marketing Job Postings

If you are interested in marketing, and you search for jobs online you will most likely see postings for “Event Marketing.” I would be very cautious when approaching these.

“Why?” You may ask, well I’ll tell you… right after college I was determined that I wasn’t going to live with my parents for long, so I started applying to many different kinds of jobs, not just in the music industry. I figured using marketing as a keyword could find me an enjoyable job seeing as I minored in marketing. I saw a few postings for “Event Marketing Management Training” and just “Event Marketing.” I was naïve and thought what have I got to lose? I am not going to lie I thought it was like a planning company that other companies outsourced to help them plan marketing campaigns that would eventually lead up to an event. I have always been interested in event planning so it could be a good fit. I applied to 4 or 5 of these ads, and the next day they all called me to come in for interviews the next week. So I made a schedule and a game plan – printed out directions to and from each of them (I did schedule 2 in the same day as to save me money with gas since they were all at least 2 hours away from where I was living). I was most definitely prepared for these interviews.

I showed up to the first interview, they explained how the process worked: you are an Associate for a few months (I believe it was three), then you move up to Junior Manager for another three or four months or until the partners believe you are ready and you move up to Manager and you are able to run your own campaigns and events. Now it sounded interesting especially when they asked me for a second interview, which was “in the field observing.” Every company asked me to go on a second interview; however I only went to one – believe me I couldn’t take much more than that to know it wasn’t for me. The person I “shadowed” was setting up an event for Bobby Brown cosmetics outside under a pop up tent in front of a DSW in Glensdale, NY (Long Island). I was meant to observe and absorb everything they were showing me, but I was not allowed to do “selling.” After which they “quizzed” me about what I observed and then I was called back to the office for the third and final interview, where I was offered the job on the spot. It was solely commission base on how well you “marketed” the product, which really meant how annoying you could be like the kiosk people at the mall trying to sell you useless junk that doesn’t work anyway. I told the woman I would need a few days and after I got home that day I called her and the other three or four companies back and told them I was not interested.

It just seemed off to me. And after a lot of thought I realized it had to be some sort of a scam, the job postings didn’t really give a good description of the job and you had to guarantee them like three years of your service. For me this didn’t seem to be a legit option especially since I wanted to be taken seriously when it comes to my work.

This is a case where I did research on the companies, but nothing of was how the jobs and companies really were. Unless you want to be one of the annoying kiosk people you see in the malls or on the sidewalks, this is not a good opportunity.


-k

Patience

I know there is a saying – “good things happen to those who wait,” but it’s hard to just sit and wait. I am the sanest when I have a ton of things to do, and sitting around waiting for a call back about a job or an interview makes me NUTS>

I have tried to find thing to occupy my time (i.e. starting this blog) but my mind continues to circle around the call or email I am waiting for. I am constantly checking my blackberry for service, emails, and any indication that something is going to happen for me.

Patience is a Virtue

A virtue I haven’t had in my possession until I started teaching myself yoga. I know it may sound like cliché but I really think it has been helping me relax a little and take a step back to realize again it’s only a matter of time before something good happens.

If you don’t believe that, then what is the point of life? I honestly think that everyone needs something to look forward to or needs goals to fulfill in life to keep moving and growing.

I keep thinking of Dory singing “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming” from Finding Nemo when I think of patience, because you need to keep moving forward and to keep pushing along until you reach that goal.

My patience has paid off however, since accepting the job at the law firm I have been offered two interviews within the music industry. Even though these jobs are not guaranteed I am just super excited to get the interviews in my field. That is the best relief I have felt in a long time. So just keep focused and everything will work out for you in the end.

-K

Cover Letters – Please Help

Writing an effective cover letter can be tricky. For me I have trouble not rewriting my resume in letter format. I also have a little problem making it pop when someone reads it, I feel like it just drones on and on. I know you really need to make it sell yourself; I have always had a hard time writing about myself.

A year or so ago, I asked a friend to help make a more generic one that I could just customize for each job I applied for. This has worked but now I feel like it sounds more like a robot wrote it rather than me. It just doesn’t have a pulse and definitely has no personality. I really want to learn how to take it to the top and make a “kick-ass” cover letter.

If anyone has any ideas or tips please let me know!! Leave your comments below and share them with the world. Cover letters are definitely my downfall and it is the area I need the most help when it comes to job searching.


-K

Portfolios - Online or Physical?

I'm sorry its been so long since I last posted, but as Alex said, I did get a job and I'm still trying to get used to my schedule. Now down to business... 

I know everyone has Facebook or twitter accounts, but what about Linkedin or building your own website devoted to you and your work?

I got the idea to build a portfolio from my Linkedin profile. Sometimes you have letters of recommendation, projects you're proud of, or awards you deserved and you want to show them off (possibly with your resume to future employers).

Originally I only had a "hard copy" of my portfolio - where I had my resume, a list of professional and personal references, letters of recommendation from previous employers and professors, awards and certificates. I have it all neatly together in a black leather binder with page protectors to keep everything up to par. I must say that I am very proud of it, well that is until I started going to interviews and no one ever asked to look at it or anything like that.

Then it hit me: if they wanted to really see all this information about me, they are more likely to Google me, rather than ask for my book. So I decided to create a website dedicated to be my online portfolio. Although it isn't completely finished, it is up for the viewing at ( My Portfolio ). This portfolio has snippets from my cover letters, a little blurb about my interests and me. But it mostly is about my work, my resume is available to view or for download, I have the letters of recommendation scanned in, and a few samples of my work. It is definitely a working progress but as I add to my portfolio it gives me more experience in than I wouldn't normally have.

There are plenty of options for free website builders out there. Some are super simple - just pick a layout and go. The only thing I really suggest is that you keep your really personal info at a minimum (i.e. Don't put your address or phone number and if on letters of recommendation they put their contact info, you should blur it out). Make the employer come to you for that.

I really think this is a good way to market yourself without it being too cheesy.


-K

Stay busy while being unemployed! (part one)

Hi everyone I'm Alex, the other half of halfwaythere. So while Kirsten is adjusting to her job situation (she did land a job) I'll try to post in between and keep our followers following!


So I suppose a lot of our (monthly) readers are our friends, but then there are the few out there, the far in between (.01% of our fanbase) that actually do not have jobs. You are the proud, the few (reading our blog), the unemployed. Well while I do want to express my condolences to your working life at the same time I would like to congratulate you for finding our blog!! You have sifted through the vast sands on the internet to find one piece of work worth reading! Good for you!


While you enjoy your temporary (hopefully) stay at this path in life whether your living it up or cramming your nose in a book or going insane, Your most likely trying to stay busy. The most important ideas I could suggest anyone who is currently not employed are three things:


1. Find a (legal) way to obtain money
2. Continue to search for a job while your obtaining money
3. Stay busy while your not searching for a job




Why do I say that? Well otherwise you'll go nuts! I personally feel if you don't stay busy you'll get depressed and lose hope. If you occupy yourself with silly (and not so silly) tasks and chores you'll pass the time between not having a job and eventually land a job. My luck has always been one month. You will apply for 80+ jobs and borderline giving up and then BAM 3 interviews in a week! So while it is important to stay searching this post is more about what you can do while you search for your "dream job":


Stay in Shape
Read a book
Reevaluate your budget
Reevaluate your savings
Do household repairs
Consider a career change
Find a new hobby
Go back to college
Learn a skill or trade
Search for cheaper insurance, phone service, etc...
Stay current with news
Meditate
Blog!
sell useless possessions
Go outside
Go on a vacation
Meet some new friends (Or reconnect with old ones)
Get involved with your local government
Ask yourself what you really want for life
Cut out coupons
Find free stuff online : http://www.samplestuff.com/
Conquer a fear
Learn the local public transit system
Limit TV use


Is there any you could think of or anything you did? Please feel free to comment or email and stay following for our next post!!


- A

I Need... A Job

The crazy thing about life and careers is that:


"You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience."


It really is a catch 22. It stinks I know, but that is why I thought that getting work through a temp agency would be a way to gain some experience-even if its not long term. As you know I want to work in the music/entertainment industry, and one of the best ways to get in is to be an assistant, and working thru a temp agency will give me some office experience I wouldn't be able to get on my own (trust me I've tried).


Another crazy idea I had to add to my experience was starting this blog. It's helping me with my research and writing skills and helped me just getting out there to be noticed. I really needed an outlet to get my creative juices flowing and that could allow me to get out there and make my presence known. I'm sure it doesn't work out for everyone (my fate rests in your hands), but you would think trying is the first step to succeeding. If you want to get out of your current job and move on, but you're afraid you don't have the experience (but you have the knowledge) write about what you know. Maybe there is someone out there thinking about the same things.


You could try interning or temping to help you move on to a different field. Who is going to say no to free labor? Even if you have to work two jobs, it will be worth it in the end when you've found your "dream career." You need to be hungry for that job and strive to succeed to really make it in any field. It helps to think outside of the box to get new ideas and market yourself.


-K

JobFox.com

Even before I moved to the city, I have been looking for jobs here. Even before I graduated I was on careerbuilder.com and manhattanjobs.com (as well as a few mores).


Once I moved here a friend suggested that I try jobfox.com. I figured it was similar to the other job boards, so I filled out the profile, posted my resume, and started my search.


I turned out to be very disappointed. My resume has over 10 years of work experience in mostly retail I would search jobs for admin/clerical or music, I would only get postings for minimum wage retail jobs even if I was looking for retail jobs, with the amount of experience I have I should be able to get something a little higher up than minimum wage. This was dissatisfying; especially since I would search for certain types of posts and the site felt I was only capable of working in retail.


A few days after my search, I received an email from jobfox about how horribly written my resume was and that I would never find a job until I paid a professional to re-do it. In the email they gave specific phrases I used that needed to be changed so it made me think a computer didn't just generate the ad for their resume writers. They even quoted me a price from their “professionals” and other places to look for professional resume writers. After I read this email I was completely turned off of ever using jobfox again. Yes, I'm sure my resume could use some help, but to approach a jobseeker like that is harsh and uncalled for. I'm sorry, I understand they are trying to market a product, but maybe use a little tact when approaching potential customers. Customers do not typically purchase items or services based on the fear a company bestows upon them.


I have since deleted my profile and unsubscribed to any and everything jobfox, yet I continue to receive emails from them.


I understand its very competitive to find a job, not only in NYC but everywhere especially with this economy. I take other peoples critiques very seriously and almost always consider them, but I do not like it when a website claims things so boldly. I honestly don't think its good business and I wouldn't ever recommend to anyone to use jobfox in their job hunt. There are many better sites out there.


-K

Temp Agencies

Be careful when using careerbuilder or Monster when looking for Admin work. I have been looking to be an administrative assistant or personal assistant and when I entered those keywords in the search bar, a lot of job postings show up saying "AA needed immediately w/ job specifics" but when you apply it goes to a temp agency. The temp agency will then call you in for an "interview". Even though it didn’t really feel like an interview more than meeting with a job placement manager. You then take standard computerized tests (i.e. word typing, excel, etc.) and after you talk about what you’re looking for.

I actually had interviews at 4 temp agencies - where I also filled out all the tax paperwork, thinking it wouldn't be long before I was working, that was over a month ago. It wasn't until last Friday I got the call that I would be placed as a receptionist at a law firm. I am very grateful for the opportunity to actually get to work, however, I just wish my temp agencies didn't get my hopes up that it would've been more instantaneous. But it was a good lesson in patience for me.

Patience is the number one thing you need when you are working through a temp agency (also when you are looking for a job in general). For anyone who really knows me, patience is not one of my strong suits. I like things in their place when and where they are supposed to be but I am working on lightening up and not letting it all get to me. I suggest taking a step back and taking your time when looking to join a temp agency, Do your research on the firm and pick the one that will work best to your advantage.

I know the work I get from a temp agency isn't going to be glamorous or "life fulfilling" but it will help pay the bills (and give me some more experience) until that dream job comes around. Just because I found work doesn't mean I am going to stop looking for that potential career. "When you do something you love it's a career and it doesn't seem like work" (all the time).

The thing about temp/recruiting agencies is you need to stay on top of them, call them at least once a week so they know you are still looking for work. When the agency offers you temp work, you should most likely take it right away when it’s offered, as you are never really sure as to when the opportunity will arise again.

-K

Dress to Impress

For any interview, no matter the kind of job, it is always a good idea to dress to impress your potential employer. You are marketing the most important product you will ever encounter, yourself.  First impressions can make or break you in an interview.

I remember while working in a retail-clothing store during college, the managers were conducting interviews for a few open positions. Only one out of four applicants were dressed for success, meaning in business/casual attire, the other three applicants were wearing dirty jeans and rip shirts. They were not hired based on the impression they gave by their attire on the day of their interview.

Dressing for success doesn’t always mean suit and tie, but making sure that you know the environment you are entering is a good start. If you were interviewing for a job in a corporate setting, then a suit would definitely be the most appropriate. If you are interviewing for a more casual job, a retail store for example, a pair of dress pants and fashionable yet appropriate top would work best.

As for hair and makeup: Less is more. It has been my impression that yes you would need to look presentable, but too much makeup can make it look like you are trying too hard. You definitely want to look fresh and clean. I always try to make my eyes pop, so I actually use those eye color specific shadows that CoverGirl and Almay sell, but that is just me, other people may like to go the natural route. Hair doesn’t have to be an updo done by a professional, but it should be nice and neat.

When you get the call to schedule an interview, your qualifications got you in, but you land the job based on that impression you give during your interview.  


Good Luck!


-K

Internships: Useful or Not?

As you saw in my previous post, I participated in a summer internship program, University of Dreams (now called Dream Careers). This program is an eight week program where you pick a city and use their staff to help you find that dream internship. When I was a sophomore in college, I noticed that in order to complete my major, I needed to compete two “internship courses” which could be considered like a co-op while still taking other courses. I started researching internships and came across University of Dreams (I’ll abbreviate to UofD), where they guaranteed an internship, room and board, and an assortment of activities for your weekends.


Being the city girl that I am, and knowing that New York would be the best place to find work in the music industry, I picked the NYC2008 UofD program. I had a great career coach (as I would call it), whose name was Cody. He sent me emails to help build my resume, updates on where he had sent my resume, and tips for performing the phone interview. UofD is an expensive program; I believe it was around $8,000 for the entire package (plus spending money of course). Being that UofD is affiliated with an accredited college, they were able to help defer the costs with student loans. At first I really had to think about this, should I take out another loan so that I can work for free or should I just get a summer job at home that will actually pay.  I knew that in the music industry it is definitely more of who you know, rather than what you know, so I decided to take a chance and sign up.


Personally, I’m glad I did, I will always remember that summer and the people I met along the way. My internship started off in the publicity department, then by chance I met the assistant to the GM of the label (who was also an aspiring A&R) and she was looking for a replacement for her current intern while he was working in another department at the label.  Actually our first conversation was her telling me I was another one of the useless publicity interns, and my response was “Oh, well that’s nice” and I just walked away. She liked that I wasn’t afraid to show that her opinion didn’t matter to me (I honestly didn’t realize who she was at the time) and she offered me the job the next day.


My point about my unpaid internship is that I know it shows the company that you are willing to do the work for free because it is something that you really want, and that shows real passion. If you are in college, I highly suggest participating in an internship whether it is required or not (whether its paid or not) because it is the best way to network and to show off what you are willing to do for something you want. And networking is what it is all about in landing that dream job.


“Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” – Confucius


-K

Take My Hand and We'll Make it I Swear

Alex and I just recently moved to NYC and while our job hunt has been a bit frustrating, I decided to start this blog to not only fill up my time, but to help others in the same boat. I knew moving out here on a whim was not going to be easy, but I had high hopes. I am normally a fairly practical thinking person, however the apartment was available and I had saved up some money. Everything just added up and I knew I had to take a chance. This is the city where “dreams are made” and I firmly believe I will make it. I am just realizing that it may take a little longer to achieve my dreams than I initially anticipated.

A little background information on me:

I graduated from the University of New Haven in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Industry with a minor in Marketing. I also participated in a summer internship program through the then-called University of Dreams (now called Dream Careers). Internship programs like this can be a bit pricey, but I definitely feel that if you can get financial aid, it is definitely worth it. I had the best summer of my life! I lived in the NYU dorms in Union Square and worked at UniversalMotown. This was a dream come true. (Get it University of Dreams? Haha) I am still in touch with my boss from the internship, in fact we have become really good friends and she has helped me more than she realizes in my search for myself and my future career.

After college, I returned home and started searching for my dream job. I was unemployed for 2 months, and then I actually went to Bartending School hoping to earn some money while I looked for my dream job. After several weeks of no response in my NYC job search, I decided I needed some stability and needed to start saving so I could just pick up and move whenever the opportunity was to arise. So I was 22 years old living at home (like most of my college friends), working odd jobs in retail, and also a few bartending jobs. Two years went by and this opportunity to just move to the city came along. After some number crunching and some serious thought I convinced my friend to move with me and here we are.

This blog is not only to share my findings and understandings of the different job-hunting tools out there, but also to serve as a forum of success stories and to help give hope to everyone job-hunting out there.

I hope most people find this site useful and interesting. Please feel free to comment telling us your story, make suggestions for reviews, or for the site, or ask questions!


-K