The Catch-22 of “Experience”

Hey guys! After wrapping up my internship at EA and taking a few weeks off, my search for the elusive “grown-up job” continues.  Here’s some thoughts on the bumps in the road so far.

One of the most frustrating things about job searching is not having the “experience” the employer wants.  I’m sure many of you have been rejected on this count, or not considered at all.  I know I have.

The worst thing is when you apply for jobs  specifically listed as entry level positions, and still get told you don’t have enough experience.  I’m sorry, do people know what “entry level” means? I should know–it is right there in the title of my blog–so let me spell it out for you:

Entry level means that you’ve NEVER HAD a job like this before and probably DON’T have all kinds of good experience.  Just a degree, a wish and a prayer.

(This is where the “angst” part of my blog title comes in.)

So…it can seem like a paradox of hopelessness and despair.  But, good news! there are several things you can do in this situation.

1) Post-grad internships. (Especially paid ones!) Best case scenario: it turns into an awesome, permanent job. If not, at least you’ve added to your resume and list of references.  Even though I wasn’t able to stay at EA after mine, I got a lot out of it…and probably wouldn’t have landed my next interviews otherwise!

2) Freelancing. At least for some industries, this is the recession-proof way to find work. Even if they can’t budget for a new permanent hire, a lot of employers still have projects that need done by someone.  I’ve never tried it myself but I have stumbled on some freelancing sites, including: Media Bistro’s Freelance Marketplace, Elance, People Per Hour, even Craigslist‘s “Gigs” section.

My advice is to look at online reviews  of the site from other users, and if you see something on there that looks good, go for it!

3) Temping. With this option you’ll get to be less choosy about the work you end up doing, but you’re more likely to keep earning steady paychecks.  There are also temp agencies specifically geared towards certain industries.  For example, Politemps is an agency for political and PR professionals in the DC area.

Like internships, this can sometimes turn into a permanent position–just look how well it turned out for Ryan Howard from The Office!

4) Take related classes.  Not necessarily grad school–although that is always an option if you feel it’ll help, and if you have the time and money.  Otherwise, you can help build your skills simply by enrolling in evening or online classes.  Oftentimes, completing a course to gain a certain skill can substitute for related work experience.

5) Flip burgers or fold t-shirts.  Guys, there is no shame in this: you’ve got to earn money somehow.  If other options don’t work out, at least you’re still getting experience dealing with customers, coworkers, and management–this is key for any job.

Also, your future employer won’t like huge gaps in your employment history.  In other words, they’d prefer that you’ve done something with your time besides sitting on the couch, eating Doritos and crying.

CAUTION: be sure to leave time and energy for continuing the “real” job search.  Maybe just work weekends and evenings, for example, so you don’t miss out on opportunities to apply and interview for your dream job.

6) Find a sugar daddy/momma. Okay, maybe not the kind of “experience” employers are usually looking for.  But at least you won’t have to worry about job hunting anymore!!

That’s all we have time for today, folks. It’s time for me to ditch the empty chip bags, dry my tears, and get back to my own job search.

PS. I’d love any feedback you guys have–especially on the tips and advice I’ve given!

Officially Chic: Dressing for Impressing

I really wanted to write about what to wear at work…but soon realized that I am hardly qualified.  After all, I live for Casual Friday, and hate wearing grown-up shoes. Luckily, however, I know people who DO know what they’re talking about! Here’s a guest blog from my friends over at The Longwood Look , Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer.

So, you graduated from college and snagged that job in an office. Whether you love it or hate it, what you wear to work is really important. If you were that girl who wore pajamas to class every day, well, whatever. We gave you a hard time and were grateful that we weren’t you, but it didn’t matter in the long run because we weren’t signing your paychecks. It probably shouldn’t, but people judging you suddenly matters when money is involved. No pressure or anything. So what are you going to wear?

Here’s the first problem: you don’t have any money. Okay, you have some money, but please, don’t spend your rent and grocery money on shoes or skirts. Unless you can budget a specific amount of money to invest in your wardrobe and stick with it (not us), don’t worry about spending a fortune all at once to score a closet full of new big girl outfits (us). We’re all about adding to your collection slowly, over a period of time. A new watch now, a new pair of shoes later. Cute necklace, new shirt, you get the idea. Our wardrobes are still growing, one piece at a time.

So, now that we’ve got the first problem figured out, let’s talk about your first course of action: look in your closet. We’ll bet you have plenty of things to wear to work hidden in there somewhere. Let’s talk about our favorite—dresses. Megan has a slew of sundresses that seem frivolous and too girly to be taken seriously in the office, but you can add to it and have a perfect career-girl look in no time. Just remember to do the hemline limbo – not too far above or below your knee. What’s our secret to success? Good accessories. So, say you have a high-waisted flowery skirt, and you have a little black tee both just lying around. You can wear these to work. Tuck your shirt into your skirt, add a necklace and some non-hoochie heels and you’re ready to go. The right jewelry and shoes can pretty much make any outfit work on the job.

Obviously, there are rules that must be applied to the use of heels at work. First of all, can you walk in them without looking like a cavewoman? Great. If you’re about to fall over, stick to flats or some cute metallic or beaded sandals. Jenni prefers pointy-toe flats: the best of both worlds. If you can pull off heels for eight hours, then remember that they don’t need to be crazy high or crazy loud. Colors are oftentimes acceptable, but for the most part you might just want to stick with black, brown, or Megan’s current favorite, nude/tan peep-toes, pumps or t-straps. Make sure you check the dress code policy at your office/retail/Outback Steakhouse.

Now let’s talk about jeans. Obviously, everyone’s job is different, so if you’re working somewhere casual or super-artsy, jeans might be allowed. If they are, stay away from anything with holes in it, and while you’re at it keep away from faded or acid-wash jeans, too. Basically, wear dark jeans to work. Trouser cut jeans are awesome but a nice boot-cut might be just fine.

So, let’s review.

• Don’t spend a ton of money if you don’t have it.
• Add to your wardrobe a few pieces at a time, and while you’re at it always look for sales. New York & Company is your friend.
• Recycle what you already have by adding nice accessories to it—an interesting necklace or a simple black cardigan or fitted jacket can work wonders.
• Your office is not Project Runway — no need for seven inch heels. Especially if you can’t even walk in them. And leave your leopard/tiger/baby seal print at home.
• Be careful with jeans. Make sure you’re allowed to wear them at work. And if you are, stick with dark wash. Dark wash. Dark wash dark wash dark wash.

Mostly, you want to be comfortable and presentable. Let your boss know that you thought about what you put on before you came to work. If you do that, they’ll know that you care about your job and representing them well. That raise will be yours in no time. You’re welcome.

 Megan Flynn and Jenni Schweitzer are definitely people persons.

Job Interview Dos and Don’ts

Hey kids!

Just taking some time out of my glamorous entry-level lifestyle to share some fun examples of job interview strategies–good and bad.

First, a lovely Second City vid that I’m sure you will find really educational. (Did I say educational? I meant ridiculous.)

Second, for you artsy/craftsy types, an awesomely creative thank you note, as seen on craftstylish.com. As blogger Jeff puts it, “these days, sending any thank-you note will get you noticed, but sending this thank you note may very well get you hired!”

I’m thinking you’ve figured out which of the two falls into the “do” category and which is a “don’t.” If not, you’re probably way beyond help–so you may as well head out to Yosemite and enjoy a double rainbow.

More updates as soon as I find a) inspiration, and/or b) more fun Internet things to share.

Cubicle Dance Party, or Goodbye Blue Monday

Yes, I know it’s not Monday, but I was too busy being a zombie yesterday to complete this post. Tough.

Some of you may recognize the title as a reference to Kurt Vonnegut’s Breakfast of Champions. Fun fact: the novel was also made into an incredibly bizarre movie starring Bruce Willis and Omar Epps. Vonnegut + dead guy from Sixth Sense + Dr Foreman from House: could I make this up??

Spoiler alert: no one in Breakfast of Champions manages to embrace happiness. But I’ll take a more positive approach than KV (you’re welcome) and throw you some tips for beating the Monday blues. This could also apply any other day of the week, of course–and even if you’re not in an office setting.

1. Exercise. Don’t go too nuts, since you still have to function for the rest of the day, but getting the blood flowing will help you feel like a human being first thing in the morning. Hopefully it’ll also make you feel marginally less guilty about all the empty calories you consumed over the weekend.

2. Youtube. If you’re having a hard time keeping your work flow, and need to jump start your brain, take a quick break to watch some cute baby animals, a music video, or people accidentally injuring themselves. Some of my fave Youtube videos are on the Second City channel.

3. “Work 7 days a week.”  Thanks, blackzedd.com! Note: I’ve tested this for about the past month. No dice.

4. Speaking of stealing other people’s content on this topic, here is a Motivational Quote to Cure Monday Blues: “Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly–Robert F. Kennedy.” Thank you, RFK, for telling us not even to try and, on the offchance we stumble accidentally onto the right path, just to go ahead and embrace being hapless losers. Guess this pretty much justifies my advice to watch Youtube videos at work…

5. Cubicle dance party (CDP). Tested this out yesterday and found it to be a great success. Much like the goofy Youtube videos, upbeat, danceable music can really help your sanity. So plug in your headphones and jam–this time, baby, you’ll be bulletproof.

Any other tips from the peanut gallery? I’m all ears.

99 Problems (but a job ain’t one)

I’m about halfway through my EA internship and it’s about time to start thinking about what to do next. I find this completely terrifying, and I’m sure many of you can relate! If you are an entry-level-er, and aren’t anxious, please let me know what self-medication you are using.

Just kidding, kids: don’t do drugs.

Anyway…well, even though I don’t have any answers for you, I do have a story that we all might be able to get something out of.

A few weeks back, my good friend “K” asked me to help her choose between two job offers. So we did what K always does in a sticky situation: got out a bottle of cheap vino and a notepad and created a Pro/Con list, with me as Consulting Friend. Granted, we traditionally apply this method to guy situations. But it worked really well for this predicament as well–more evidence for my theory of career/relationship parallels.

Now, personally, I have a much different instinctive approach to such dilemmas. First, I spend a lot of time alternating between reflecting on the actual problem and doing random things to distract me from obsessing. Ultimately, I just go with my gut. However, I see a lot of value in K’s more methodical approach. So I’d like to share with all of you the things we took into account.

1. Pay/cost of living: Would you make enough to live comfortably while still covering expenses like food, clothes, rent, utilities, transportation, and student loan payments? Keep in mind that each city/town has slight cost differences.
2. Benefits: Do you get health and/or dental insurance, vacay time, retirement accounts, etc.?
3. Geographic location: Do you like the area? Is it as close to (or far from) your friends and family as you’d like?
4. Living quarters: Living at home? Living in an apartment or house? Roommates? How far will you live from work?
5. Commute: Will you get there by foot, car, bus, subway, train, or some other means? How much time and money will you spend on this transportation? Is it an overly stressful amount?
6. Social life: How much free time will you have? Is there fun stuff to do in the area? Will you already have friends nearby? Will it be easy to find new people to hang with?
7. Dating life: If you are with someone, will they be around? If single, how easy would it be to meet new guys/girls? (This category might sound trivial, but I know for a lot of you this will have a big impact on your first-job experience, especially if you are moving to a new place.)
8. Type of work: Will you mostly work alone, in groups, or personally with clients? Will there be a lot of meetings or out-of-office tasks? Are you comfortable with the level of technology?
9. Workplace ambience Shared or single workspace? Relaxed, chatty atmosphere, or quiet and focused? Are people similar in age, personality and interests to you?

In K’s case, the pros in the “Job One” column were really flying onto the page with very little prompting from me. Even after our Pro/Con list was as complete as possible, there were a lot more pros for Job One than anything else. When I pointed this out, K replied that the higher pay was really the only reason she was considering “Job Two” at all. After a quick financial analysis–highly professional, I assure you–we determined that she could keep making regular payments on her student loans and still have enough to live quite comfortably. (See: category 1.)

Sure, there were a lot of practical reasons to choose Job Two. Besides being able to earn more money at work, K could save money by living at home with the ‘rents. (The other job was several states away.) However, in my capacity as Consulting Friend, I picked up on K’s obvious enthusiasm for Job One and distaste for Job Two.

Here’s what it pretty much came down to: the girl loves schmoozing and negotiating and pitching the sale. Not so much sitting in a car for an hour and a half at the crack of dawn, then sitting in a quiet room divided by drab cubicles, becoming BFFs with your computer screen. And after an equally long commute back home, repeating the whole process every day. So, as much sense as it might make to stay local and save up–and as much as I’d hate to see her go—Job One just seemed the obvious choice.

Well I hope that this comes in handy, whether you have the wonderful dilemma of multiple job offers, or you’re still working on the first one. I say just work through all the considerations, all the pros and cons…and then go with whatever really speaks to you. Weighing all the facts is important as a starting point, but ultimately both sides will have their merits, and you will have to miss out on the pros for one or the other. I think the best way to avoid a regrettable decision is to follow your instincts. Whether you’re a woman or not, you’ve got intuition–and if our ancestors didn’t use theirs to avoid death by mammoth-stomping or tiger-mauling or whatever, we wouldn’t be here today.

On that note, I’m signing off. More words of wisdom ASAP.

Things are looking up, oh finally

(Note: title shamelessly stolen from Paramore’s “Brand New Eyes,” an album I highly recommend.)

Feeling a lot perkier and more cheerful today than I did the last two days. It’s not as though I’ve done anything particularly different, such as catching up on my sleep. (Haha, what a fun thing to imagine!) No matter your situation, everyone has days where they feel bored, drowsy, overwhelmed…basically like stealing a convertible and running away to Florida. But I just decided I wasn’t gonna let myself feel that way. I told myself that it was going to be a good day, and it’s working pretty well for me so far!

Could also be the change in the heat index. Is anyone else as sensitive to the weather as I am? Seemed like the best thing that happened to me all day was stepping outside to eat lunch and feeling a cool breeze. I am somehow on the email list for Yelp Washington DC, and as they put it, “summer in DC can be hotter than two jalapeño peppers dressed in Bill Cosby sweaters making out on Mars after a few shots of Patrón.” I can’t think of a better way to describe the latest weather patterns. Except to drive the amorous peppers through a hurricane and back for a few minutes each day.

Oh, met with HR about the EA job. The Associate Editor position probably won’t work out, but it seemed hopeful that some other attractive things might come down the pipeline. Just goes to show that it never hurts to ask a question, because even if you don’t get your ideal answer, you still find out something.

Yeah, so I don’t have anything particularly useful to share with you today. But here’s something I Stumbled Upon that I hope makes you giggle quietly to yourself as much as I did: I Want to Be Your Cat. It’s almost related to the job search, even! Except…not.

On a personal note, there might be cat-related news on the horizon, so stay tuned!

Pros and Cons

Wore heels to work yesterday and…oh man. It made me glad to be tall enough to avoid wearing them as much as possible.

Now, usually I roll my eyes at feminist high heel-bashing. As in, who cares if they permit shallow guys to objectify women–why shouldn’t a girl wear pretty heels if she wants?

But when I put them on, I feel like they’re not worth foot pain, loss of balance, etc. Then I start to see their point. Heels might improve women’s posture, legs, and rear; but for the creepier of male perspectives, they also make it harder for us to run away. Also, the noise would alert them to our presence for their oogling pleasure. Ew, right? I like flats, and am wearing them today.

In more serious news, the hunt for a permanent job continues. In the last week, I’ve learned two things, and in the following order:

1. EA is not hiring (except for temporary positions) for the next year. Yikes! I wanted to stay!

2. EA is hiring for three jobs: two management, one for Associate Editor in the Publishing department.

Should I apply for that latter one?

On the one hand, I don’t exactly have the kind of experience they are looking for: “4 years in a publishing job that involved editing or proofreading.” Unless they count high school newspaper. Which I really think they won’t.

On the other hand, I do have a couple “internships in publishing” and a year of “work on university publications” which “may qualify as experience.” And I think I could do the work: working with freelancers, editing manuscripts and publicity copy, author babysitting, writing cover blurbs and author Q and As. It’s exactly the kind of job I want.

What do you guys think? Should I not risk looking arrogant by applying for a job intended for an older person, or go for it because I have nothing to lose?

PS. For you fellow DC interns: the Young Nonprofit Professionals (YNPNdc) is hosting an event called “Getting the most out of your internship.” It’ll take place on July 8th from 6:30-7:30pm, at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement (1666 K St, NW, Suite 440). And according to a very reliable source–the lady running it–it is FREE.

Level One Complete

I’ve officially survived and thrived during my first week at EA.

Friday was particularly fun because I got to wear jeans–and had lunch with a bunch of the other interns.  As a highly motivated and proactive individual (I started this entry at work), I planned the lunch.  This pretty much involved stalking the others on Outlook and sending one of those obnoxious emails that’s like “hi guys! let’s get together! 12:00–be there or be square!”

Anyway, it was fun to unwind.  It seems that, typically, we are sorta just walled into our cubes, attending meetings that are above our heads, or running random errands for bosses.  (Not so much me on the last one: my boss is cool, and besides, I have my own project!)

The other day, I was at lunch with the intern on the other side of my little wall, and a lady from Marketing came up to us and suggested the intern lunch. She mentioned that she’s been catching her intern eating lunch by himself and asked us to invite him. Cute, huh? I’ll do you one better, lady: creepily email everybody!!

And let me tell you, that kid showed right up after a quick trip across the street to Subway. As did most everybody else. I’m hoping it becomes a regular thing!

In college, it could be better to eat lunch by yourself: maybe you had a paper, or a short break between classes. Or enjoyed eavesdropping on the more entertaining conversations around you. Greeks gossiping after a long “weekend” of partying (Wed-Sun). People swapping crazy stories about walking around with traffic cones on your head.  Arrogant nerds bragging that they know more about British political history than their professor, but really making themselves look ridiculous. (Oh wait, that last category might have been just MY school.)

However, at work, eating lunch by yourself can be pretty lame.  The usual scenario is that you’re stuffing your face while still at your desk, swamped with whatever. But it could also be that you just couldn’t find anyone to eat with.  Personally, I’d rather not eat alone at work, because I’ve already spent several hours largely by myself.  At that point, I’d prefer social interaction to reading out-of-date magazines or old-lady crime novels that people have donated to the breakroom.

Of course, if you’re unemployed, lunch is debating spending your last three bucks on Taco Bell oh wait you don’t have gas in the car (or a car in general) and it’s too far to walk so guess it’s time to scrounge around at the back of the pantry.

And now for something completely different: are you guys on Linked In? Cause if so, you should totally add me. No, I just mean that it is more than just Facebook for Dummies/Actual Grownups, in the sense that I bet it could really help with launching your career.  You can search for job openings, and it even alerts you when someone you know posts one.  If you add old bosses, co-workers, obnoxious TAs–whatever–they can “recommend” you and some glowing praise or other will show up on your profile for the world to see.  So far I’ve been digging it.

No seriously, add me.

Thoughts on My First Day

As the title suggests, today was my first day at Educators’ Association. It was surprisingly fun despite precious little to get started on, and 2.5 hours in the car. (The commute included one of those sneak-attack rainstorms that completely obliterated my vision for like 10 minutes…then disappeared, returning us to the same old brutal humidity. Oh, Virginia summers.)

The morning was taken up with an orientation, in which I got to meet a bunch of cool fellow interns. While HR processed our paperwork, we shot the bull for a good hour or so. Topics ranged from ROTC training in five feet of snow to the pros and cons of each others’ majors to intro level Bio horror stories. One icebreaker came in the form of me wearing my cardigan inside out. When it was finally pointed out, we had a good laugh, and I’m pretty sure I handled it gracefully. Sigh…guess that getting re-used to functioning at 6:00 am is a gradual process.

Then we got some free EA-logo merchandise and got sent our merry ways. From there, my department, Constituent Services, took their three interns out to Subway for lunch!! Over my complimentary six-inch Cold Cut Combo, I learned who is getting married in two weeks, who’s originally from Montana, who went to film acting camp in Dallas, TX…I’m just completely relieved that everyone seems so cool.

The only thing that bothered me a bit today was realizing that I am the only intern to have graduated college.  One is even a rising freshman, as in just graduated HIGH SCHOOL. I felt better later when most of them turned out to have relatives at Educators’ Association. I may be stuck in intern status a month AFTER earning my degree…but I got the job on the strength of my resume and a 10-minute interview. At least I’m pulling myself up by my own bootstraps and all that!

On the bright side, I was psyched to realize that the interns at EA get their own cubicles! A definite upgrade from sitting at an ancient computer next to the copiers or whatever. Since Leah wasn’t there to get me started on anything substantial, I used my free time to start jazzing up my “cube.” I printed out a beach-scene nameplate and some EA promotional graphics to add color to the walls, as well as rainbow-colored file folders.

Here are some other ideas that I’d like to pursue:

• Fabric/gift wrap as “wallpaper”
• Collage of favorite quotes and fun photos
• “Fake window”: beach or cityscape scene in a fake window-frame; possibly fabric for a fake valance
• Fake plants (real ones are verboten)
• “Friend bait” (candy, etc. in a bowl to lure in passersby)
• White noise/beach sounds for my iPod

So stay tuned on that–and feel free to comment if you try any of those, or have before!

Tomorrow is Day Two–a.k.a. Day One of Leah supervising me. Here’s hoping for light traffic, quick learning during my first round of training, and maybe even the motivation to hit the free employees’ gym! (Probably not, but a girl can dream.)

Holy cow, I finally got a job!

Originally written: 6/4/10, 4:52 pm

Woke up to a phone call around 9:30, which turned out to be Educators’ Association with an offer on the website content internship.  So maybe the clouds didn’t part and a magical vision of light didn’t appear with my dream job…but there’s still time for that! All I know is, I have something to do full-time for eight weeks.

Still went ahead with the phone interview with NIA. After checking in with Mom, who’s become my go-to source of job-hunting advice (Google aside), I decided to keep this one in my back pocket if the internship doesn’t work out.  In case everyone at Educators’ Association turns out to be awful. Or–more likely, in my opinion–I chicken out of the internship in favor of a more permanent albeit less appealing position.  You know, something like that.

Before I start, I do have to submit some paperwork giving permission for a background check. I wonder what kind of stuff those civilian companies will dig up…my speeding ticket? citation from campus police? The time I shoplifted a tiny rubber figurine of a turtle from the fabric store when I was five?

Well, assuming the background check goes through, I’ll be headed to Alexandria to start earning my $11.25 an hour next Monday, the 14th.  Until then…more couch surfing.  As much fun as I’ve been having watching reruns of Glee on Hulu, boredom-snacking, and squeezing the last drops from my dwindling bank account…Well, I’m sure I’ll miss the heavy relaxation when it’s gone, but for now I’m excited to move on to the next thing.

Thought of the day: Have you ever used Craigslist to look for jobs? Yeah, yeah, I know the site’s better known for postings about cheap “gently used” furniture and “casual encounters” (and serial killers).  However, fear not, folks: it seems Craigslist has a non-sketchy side as well! If you’ve never seen their job postings, they are sorted for easy browsing by industry, then by date.  The DC one, at least, gets several postings a day in each category.  I think it’s worth checking out, anyway…as Mclean Bible Church’s radio ads always say, “Not a sermon, just a thought.” (Okay, those are actually more like sermons, but you get my point.)

I’m taking the weekend off–back in action on Monday when I once again have nothing else going on!