Searching for a Job in Washington, DC

Networking at the Office

2008-03-12T11:25:00.000-07:00

I am so glad that during my time of "transition" (a fancy way of saying "unemployed"), that I learned how to effectively network. My new company prides itself in networking, and in fact constantly tells its staff to network. Whether you are on an elevator, buying lunch or running into someone in the hall, you are "required" to network.

Networking is a company perogative here.

Watch Out World, Here I Come!!!

2008-02-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

Dear All:

On Monday, I will be starting my new job. However, since I accepted this job I have still received offers for interviews. With this in mind, I am going to offer some advice on job hunting.

Keep On Huntin': Even if you have a job offer, if could fall through just as easily as it was offered. Continue to network and apply to jobs. A job is not secure until you are working.

Interview: Although I did not take this advice, I feel its a very important thing. If a company seeks you out for an interview, you may as well go and see what they have to say. It may be a better job and more in line of what you want. Or, it may be a leveraging chip with the company you accepted a job with. Never rule out any opportunities.

Time Is(n't) On My Side

2008-02-10T07:23:00.000-08:00

Here is another piece of advice: it will take you longer to find a job than you think.

In my case I thought: "I have a number of degrees, awards, been published, and have had wonderful professional opportunities. I'll have no problem finding a job." WRONG!!!! In Washington, you need to be prepared to spend at least 6-8 months in the job hunting mode. And that is even on the low end.

Many people I know who are currently job hunting or have done so in the past, spend up to a year looking.

How can it be that with experience and recognition one still cannot find a job in a short period of time?

I Never Thought This Day Would Come

2008-02-07T11:30:00.000-08:00

Friends and Readers:
I never truly thought this day would come--last week I was offered a job and today I accepted. After one year and almost 2 months, a company that I interviewed with four times, and was very interested in, offered me a position. If you have never been laid-off, had your position eliminated, etc. you do not fully understand the excitement one feels when you are offered a job.

But as always, I am here to offer advice and not to boast about my situation. I want reflect on all I have learned during this 1+year.

Feels Like the End of the World: When you are without a job, you experience every emotion from anger to sadness to helplessness. This is 100 percent normal. As I have written before, Washington is a cruel city because you are labeled as where you work and what you do. In Washington, without a job you do not have an identity. This can easily make you feel even worse.

Also, it is likely that you will feel that nobody knows what you are going through; not friends, not family. During my job hunt, I learned that many people lose their jobs for one reason or other. Nevertheless, you still feel that nobody understands. Advice #1: Seek out a job support group. Just being around others who understand your current situation does wonders for morale, not to mention the potential for some amazing brainstorming.

This is the Best Time in Your Life: Actually they say that about high school or college, but the theory also is true here. When was the last time you had a chance to answer the following questions: Are you happy? What do you really want to be when you grow up? Are you on a path that will take you to your life's goal? What is your life's goal? Being without a job gives you a chance to reevaluate yourself, your goals and priorities.

Here's an idea. Take a piece of paper and answer the following questions:
1. What am I good at?
2. What do I hate doing?
3. If I could have any job in the world, what would it be?
4. If I could work anywhere, where would I work?
5. What are some key competencies (I talked about this word in previous blog entries) that can use to describe myself?
6. When was I happiest personally and professionally?

By answering these questions and more, you will help to map out where you are going in the job hunt.

Lets face it, job hunting is very stressful. However, try to take time for yourself; because once you get a job, you will not have this personal time again.

So Many Job Sites, So Little Time: One thing my career coach and his company advices is to limit your internet job hunting and online computer activity. Advice #2: Utilize all job sites as possible, especially ones geared for your field.

Although many or most jobs as obtained through networking (I will address this later), it is important to look at various websites (Washington Post, Idealist, Indeed, HillZoo, Washington Network Group). If gives you an idea of what types of jobs are out there as well as what language the postings use in order to edit your resume to fit similar job postings. Please keep in mind that you will never hear back from the company, you never know which postings you will get a call back from.

Advice #3: After you send in your resume and cover letter for a position, follow up with a phone call immediately.

If A Tree Falls In the Woods...: You know the old saying, "If a tree falls in the woods...." The same things goes for job hunting. If you don't tell people that you are job hunting, then they can't help you. Advice #4: Let the world know you are job searching. It took me a long time to learn this but job hunting cannot be done in a vacuum. Statistically, the more people know you are looking for new employment the more people will keep their eye out for you. Which leads me to the next piece of advice and the next section. Advice 5: Don't ask your friends, family, neighbors etc. if they know of any jobs. Ask people to recommend other people to speak with in firms, companies or industries you are interested in.

Networking OR the Art of Getting People to Know You: Since many or most jobs come from networking, you need to get used to selling yourself. Advice 6: Prepare a speech about yourself for when you meet people. Talk about your strengths and what you ultimately want to do.

One of the hardest things I and many others had was networking and getting over the fear of talking to strangers. The funny thing is that strangers are more inclined to help you out than people you know. I cannot justify this but many others have found this to be true. If you have a list of companies you are interested in, ask all your contacts if they know someone in that company. Or, use an online networking tool like Linkedin to search out people to speak with. I cannot tell you how many networking meetings, lunches and informational interviews I went out.

Here are some questions to ask people you are networking with:
1. How did you get into this field?
2. From doing some research on the company, I found that....How do you feel about this?
3. What is your background?
4. What advice would you give to someone interested in this field and specifically this company?

Well, dear job hunter, thats all I have for now. I am sure I'll be offering more advice soon.

MSNBC Article

2007-12-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

My friend recommended this MSNBC article. In truth, I did not find it helpful. However, the last part of the article gave some good advice.

Happy New Year

Happy 2008....I think

2007-12-30T16:34:00.001-08:00

Once again, many of my readers have reminded me to update this blog. Please be assured that the reason for infrequent blogging is due to a lack of useful ideas to write about; I never wanted this blog to be an opportunity to write about my frustrations with the job hunting world. As the new year is about to begin, a friend of mine recently said that 2007 was a wash. Unfortunately, I concur and believe things can only get better in 2008.

Previously I wrote that its a pity that DC defines individuals by their profession. By this way of thinking one can conclude that work is more important to DCers than family, hobbies, and overall happiness. What a horrible situation! Existence for the DC residence can be summed up by a simple phrase: "all work and no play."

2007 brought a new way of thinking for me. There is more to me than being pegged by a business card, shmoozing with the necessary dignitaries and politicians, and putting in 50+ hours at the office. In the end, do these things make you happy? If the answer is yes, I believe the individual is filling an emotional void with work. This is not to say that I do not want to be employed--I WANT TO WORK...more than you can imagine. However, putting one's nose to the grindstone should not be the sole reason for existence.

I cannot stress enough, also, the importance of interacting with other job seekers. Such a group brings--as the one I belong to does--is a sense of self and, pardon the expression from Oscars and Hammerstein, "you are not alone" additude. Sure, your friends and family will give you an unending supply of support but they do not understand what it is like to feel unwanted in the professional world. The group setting allows for venting and advice--two things that one needs constantly when one is unemployed.

What Have I Learned In A Year?

2007-12-06T10:42:00.000-08:00

A number of my friends keep reminding me to update this blog. Its not that I have forgotten about it but rather I do not have any advice to give a reader. The purpose of this blog was not to depress the world about the harsh realities of finding a job in Washington, but rather to offer suggestions.

But today's entry will be completely different. Tomorrow is my one year anniversary since having my position eliminated. I want to expand upon a point one of my friends said to me the other night, "You are completely a different person."

I am a much happier individual. Sure, at the beginning of this "state of transition" I was upset. In a city where you are defined by your career and status, I felt like a nobody. However as the year has progressed, I am more relaxed (some of my friends said in all the years they've known me, they have never seen me relaxed), delved into hobbies, and did things I've never done before.
I started losing weight. Usually, when you are depressed you eat too much and lose motivation to leave the sofa. However I did quite the opposite. I reverted back to swimming laps during the summer and started going to the gym 3 times a week. Going to the gym was a nice break during a day of job hunting.
For much of my life I was scared to talk to strangers. This year, I have cold called and cold emailed hundreds of people to network with and seek their advice. I learned that strangers are very willing to assist others in pursuits of jobs.
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, volunteering is a great activity when in a period of transition. Helping others makes you feel useful and needed, it also benefits someone else. I loved helping out with the organization I volunteered for; in fact, I cannot remember one time the entire year that they called me that could not help out in one way or other.
Probably the most important thing I learned was the importance of a strong support network. Without friends, family and a career coach to help me on my way, I would not have made it through. I am lucky to have wonderful cheerleaders in my life. Also, I was so happy to join a job search support team. When others are in the same situation as you, it is refreshing to know you are not alone.

Hopefully, dear reader, I will have good news for you in the near future.

"Hi My Name is Joe and I'm a Job Seeker"

2007-11-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

I have come to support the Alcoholics Anonymous' belief that having a support network of other alcoholics is key to recovery.

Yesterday I participated in Job Search Work Team; its a fancy way of saying a bunch of other unemployed individuals got together to support and suggest various points to each other. Granted, nobody got up and said, "Hi, my name is Joe and I'm a job seeker," but it could have just as well have happened. Although the majority--all but one other--of individuals came from the information technology (IT) world, it still was beneficial to hear that: 1. other people have been out of work as long as me 2. other people have ups-and-downs in their attitude 3. at some point, you will find a job and 4. most importantly, laughter is the key to overcoming obstacles.

I know--the last point is on the border of being very cheesy. But seriously dear reader, one tends to forget that there are others in the same situation as you. And when you get into a room with other people who fully understand your situation, it is easy to laugh about it.

I will continue with this support group until I get a job for the sheer reason that any suggestion can be a good thing and that I need to see that I'm not alone.

Public Policy, International Do-Gooders Can't Find Jobs

2007-11-06T07:19:00.000-08:00

Its official. What I am going through is 100 percent normal being that it has been verified in the Washington Post, " a predicament shared by many young strivers in Washington's public interest field. After years of amassing so many achievements, they struggle to find full-time employment with decent pay and realize they might not get exactly what they set out for."

I compliment Mr. Shapira for finally recognizing this trend.

Random Thoughts of the Day

2007-10-31T13:25:00.000-07:00

After a rather depressing entry two weeks ago, I feel that I need to return to my optimistic, advice-offering posts. Here are some specific tips for us DCers looking for jobs.

Additional Websites: Have you heard of the following job sites?
Hill Zoo--Offers both on and off Capitol Hill jobs.
Foreign Policy Association and Developmentex--Both have job boards featuring both large and small organizations focusing on development, policy and advocacy in the United States and abroad.

Does Everyone Know You Are Job Hunting: This answer should be "YES." Relatives, neighbors, previous coworkers, professional contacts, associations you belong to, etc. As silly as it sounds, find a way to mention that you are looking to network or job hunting as often as possible. You never know who may know something, have a suggestion or a network possibility for you.

Don't Forget the Library: While searching for a book that my career adviser recommended, I stumbled into the Library's reference section. I found a book listing all associations, federations and foundations in the United States. It was a massive directory (3 or 4 volumes in all) with thousands of headers with corresponding organizations listed. I also saw that these directories were accessible on my library's website.

In short, if you searching for various organizations in your industry or interest area, the first place you should look for brainstorming possibilities is your local library. As simple as this advice is, its easy to forget about such a wonderful, publicly supported institution.

Does Your Resume Have Key Words From the Job Post: Make sure to reread the job posting and incorporate the words (in some cases, they may be competencies) into your resume. One, it shows that your fully understand the job description; two, it shows that you have prior experience in completing the said tasks; and three, your resume may make it to the top of the pile because the key words appear the most often.

Hope this helps.

Ten Months and Counting

2007-10-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader:
A number of readers said they missed my regular updates on my blog; they find it helpful and positive. Unfortunately, the old adage "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" applies here. I have hit my 10+ month mark since being laid-off. And I'm sorry to say, dear reader, that my positive additude is no longer as strong as it once was.

I have been very lucky in my networking process; I have used Linkedin, my alumni association, and my professional organizations membership list. I have even had a few interviews. I keep hearing the same thing:

"You are perfect for my company but there aren't any openings right now."
"You are so smart and outgoing. I really like you."
"You are over qualified."
"What do you mean you have been looking for jobs for 10 months and still can't find something?!?!?!"

I have gotten to the point that I have started to take these statements, as well as other such statements, personally. My logic leads me to believe that if so many places have rejected me, then, the problem is me.

Are You "Competent"?

2007-09-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine who is a director of a successful political non-profit recommended a book to me which helps to refocus your resume and cover letter; its called Competency-Based Resumes: How To Bring Your Resume To The Top Of The Pile. In short, this book "helps you to reassess your measurable work habits and the personal skills...to create resumes that emphasizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities that you have and employers need." I found this book one of the best investments during this period of uncertainty.

Ironically, most of my resume was already in this form but I was able to edit it significantly based on everything I learned. In addition, the literature and advice from my career consultant used the same techniques and wording found in this book.

Speaking of my career consultant, in only these few weeks since working with this company, I have learned much from their program. They offer a step-by-step program, online tools, telephone lectures, web programs with lectures, and face-to-face consulting. Because I have been in the job hunt for so long, much of the advice given is not necessary for me. Nevertheless, I have participated in all the basic lectures as well as the more advance ones and also am working through their workbooks, while not skipping one assignment. I fully believe that in order to get the most out of this substantial financial investment, I need to participate fully in all areas of their time proven method.

Where to Go After Being Rejected After 4 Interviews?

2007-09-11T07:56:00.001-07:00

What do you do after being rejected after 4 interviews from a job? What do you do after being out of work for 9 months? That is the state I'm in.

After doing the usual job hunting--online searching and networking--I took the advice of one of my older cousins to hire the career consulting firm that he used years ago. Upon my many initial conversations, the company (I will leave the name blank for the time being) was surprised that I have yet to find employment seeing as I am doing "all the right things" to find a job.

Hmmmm....how is that suppose to make me feel? The fact that I am doing "all the right things" yet still cannot find a job is depressing. But when experts are shocked and then reveal such feels to me, it is pretty upsetting.

Nevertheless, as of yesterday I hired them. I'll be frank, this kind of professional assistance is very expensive and there is no such thing as a guarantee for a job. So what do I get out of meeting with a personal consultant. As far as I can tell, I get 10-12 one-on-one sessions, resume advising, networking advice, etc.

Dear Readers: I will keep you posted of all the developments with this company. Cross your fingers

Staying Positive

2007-09-03T15:19:00.001-07:00

For the most part, I have stayed positive through the entire unemployment experience. Sure I had some crying sessions the first few days, then after month 4, and then a few weeks ago. But I'm torn: how do you maintain a positive attitude through this professional nightmare although you know that being in the down-in-the-dumps state is pretty easy?

Anyways, how to stay positive:

Volunteer: Since being laid-off I have been volunteering at an organization. Sure, the work is labeling, stamping, collating and filing papers. So what?!?!?! It is helping others out. It gets me away from the telephone and computer for a few hours every few days. Find an organization, charity or other place and give of yourself.

Get out of the House: If you are anything like me, the first few months of unemployment was a 24-7 process of computing. It was an unhealthy lifestyle. I started going to the gym for regular exercise (this summer I was swimming 1/2-3/4 mile every day), going to acupuncture to relax, walks/hikes, and going to coffee shops (ok, my computer came with me, but it was a change in environment). Even if you were planning on going on a vacation and now cannot afford it, try to get away somewhere...whether a close beach or something else. Your brain needs a rest.

Exercise: As I just mentioned, going to the gym and getting regular exercise is essential during this period of flux. Not only is exercise good for the heart but its also good for the mind. Just put on your I-Pod and go!

Friends: The old saying "A friend in need is a friend indeed" are words I live by. During my unemployment period, I have truly learned which friends I can rely on. I know which ones will call to check to make sure I'm ok, which ones help me with networking and resumes, and which ones take me out for a drink for no reason whatsoever. Make sure to maintain a good support network.

Why Don't Companies Call Us Back?

2007-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

I don't think Miss Manners ever covered this topic, but she really should--why don't companies get back to applicants? Or, Why do the majority of job listings say "no phone calls"?

Its not that I want the formal world of the 1950s, I just want a little bit of professional respect. Is that too much to ask for? If an applicant takes the time to fill out an application, answer questions that could be as long as 1-2 pages, tailer a resume, and write a cover letter specifically for the job, you would think--actually in this day and age, one would "hope"--a company would be professional and considerate enough to send a rejection letter, email or phone call.

So whats the reason for the lack of communication from the companies?

In an article by Andrew Ines, he argues "So, in many ways, it is poor community relations and negative advertising not to send out rejection letters. If I called a company and left a message inquiring about one of their products, they would certainly call me back promptly to answer my questions. If they didn?t, I would probably look to buy the product from a different company. Every time I apply for a job, and don?t get a rejection letter in the mail, the company is sending me a message telling me they don?t care about me as a prospective employee, or as a consumer."

Tracy Miller argues that companies do not have the time or resources. That is a really bad answer in my mind!

Also, take a look at the response from Fog Creek Software

I would love to hear your opinions on this topic.

Its Easy to Get Depressed

2007-08-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

Although I have been more successful lately with getting informational interviews and networking, it is so easy to get depressed by not having a job. Its awful to think that in the DC world that you are defined by your job; unfortunately that is the reality of this town. In short, if you have no job, you are nobody.

However, like everything else, there should be a silver lining. I am the first person to admit that finding the positive side is almost impossible; and listening to friends and family being positive all the time when they have no idea what its like to be unemployed can drive you nuts too.

This morning I came across this article on DCJobs.com. In short, the article states "Always look on the bright side of life." (Thank you Monty Python for those important words of wisdom)

And the Networking Continues...

2007-08-15T07:03:00.001-07:00

Its official. I am now a convert to the belief that informational interviews are needed. I think it took me forever to get to this point. However, in the last few weeks I have been successful in utilizing online resources and tools to get meetings with people in companies I want to work for.

Again, Linkedin is the best website for professional networking in Washington. It seems that everyone is on it.

I've also utilized Friendster to network, as well as my alumni website. My best suggestion is to use all websites possible, do not limit yourself to just one.

Its All About the Networking

2007-08-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

My friends are very shocked to hear that I am scared out of my mind of networking. Yes, me! I hate going to events or receptions and trying miserably to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger. I can't do it! I get so nervous and self-conscience.

However, as I have found out, FINDING A JOB IN WASHINGTON IS ALL ABOUT NETWORKING (or as I like to call it the "Big N"). The Big N is like the monster under my bed when you are a child--you know its there and you may have to deal with it one way or other.

My friend Grazi introduced me to the greatest website that is all about the Big N. Its called Linkedin.com. Its very similar to MySpace with a professional slant. Its a simple concept: list your friends, professional associates, colleagues on your board. Then once they register, they will register their friends, professional associates, etc. For example say you are interested in working on AIDS prevention; you preform a search for AIDS and it will show you all those who work on this issue. You may find that this person is a friend of your college roommate. You will then email your college roommate who will put you in contact with his colleague. Understand?

Anyways, in two weeks I have gotten 4 informational interviews out of Linkedin. I am their biggest advocate due to the success I know have been having.

What Sucks About Job Hunting?

2007-08-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

I thought that after my initial introduction, I would give some background why job hunting, specifically in Washington, stinks worse than spoiled milk.

Type-Casted: If you start off in one career field, it is very difficult to break out of that mold. People tend to see you in that one milieu and thats it. Trying to switch from one career to another is very difficult seeing that employers do not want to give you the opportunity.

Everyone Has Experience: Now-a-days, everyone has a million degrees, a million published articles, and countless honors. How can you stand out in the crowd? How can you seem more impressive than others? I would love to hear someone give me an answer to these questions.

Young Professional Salary=Salary That May Pay the Rent (or may not): Unless you are a lawyer or a businessman, companies in Washington do not want to pay a young professional. Lets take the non-profit world, an EVP or department head could make in upwards in the $200Ks but they will not be willing to pay a young professional (entry-level or mid-level) a salary over $40K. Why? The only answer I could think of is that by saving money on salaries of young staffers, the bosses could put it into their own pocket.

Mid-Career Is the Worst Place to Be: Unless you happen to be recruited during your current job for a new one, finding a mid-career (or almost mid-career) job is close to impossible. There are two common answers "You are over qualified" or "You don't have enough experience in this field."

Lets analyze the first response. Like me, if you having such difficulty finding a job, you will apply to anything. On the second response, it is a complete Catch-22. Many potential employers repeat this sing-song answer; my response to them would be, "how can I have experience in this field if nobody gives me the chance to gain the experience?"

1000s of Jobs But Nobody Is Hiring: This is another area that I would love for someone to explain to me. Why are there a gazillion jobs listed--many to which I apply--and nobody calls me, emails me, writes me, smoke signals me back? Do companies just post jobs to tease those of us searching for jobs?

Welcome to my blog dedicated to all those unemployed in Washington

2007-08-12T13:43:00.001-07:00

Dear Friendly Reader:

Let me say one thing at the start FINDING A JOB SUCKS. I have started this blog after a good friend recommended that it would be a good place to give job hunting advice and through around job hunting stories with other like-minded, stressed-out Washingtonians.

As background, I was laid-off from my job on December 7 2006 due to "departmental restructuring." For me it was a blessing in disguise because I not longer enjoyed what I was doing, didn't like/support the organization's plan (or lack-there-of) and felt that I was not allowed to spread my wings.

After a number of days of crying my heart-out thinking that it was my fault that I was let go, I started on the quest for a new job. But after 8 months I still am applying for unemployment...although my luck has been getting a bit better lately.

Feel free to pass along this blog site as a means to help others.