Job Search
A Great Job Search = A Great Career
Captain Obvious
The message of my title sounds obvious: target your ideal job, go after it with a well thought-out search (and a bit of good luck), and you will probably achieve your goal. However, what I’m getting at goes beyond the obvious and beyond one job.
Conducting a great job search relates strongly to having a successful career because career advancement uses job-search skills. To make this connection clear, let’s talk about the elements of a successful career.
What Is a Successful Career?
A successful career depends on one’s interests, goals, and values. For some, it’s all about earning money. For others, it’s about earning a comfortable living with good benefits, job security, and sufficient time off. Some seek productive, challenging work that they trained for and are good at with opportunities to learn and grow. Some seek to help people and improve society by working for an organization with whose mission they identify. You probably want to work with diverse, interesting, fun, and supportive colleagues and for a manager who can give your fair, constructive criticism and who also trusts, appreciates, and rewards you. You will likely want to advance and move up in your career and that’s where the relationship with your job search skills becomes apparent. Let’s examine some job search/career advancement skills.
Research about your target field or companies is an important part of the job search that can be approached in two steps. Step one is online research utilizing industry resource sites, appropriate professional associations, company websites and LinkedIn pages, news sources, and job descriptions. Step two involves actually speaking to people in the field at networking events or through informational interviews. Research is vital in deciding whether this job, field, or company is a good match for you and also enables you to present yourself as someone who is knowledgeable and engaged. Once you have the job, continuous research into new developments and trends in your field will be vital, too. You will also need to understand your organization and how you fit in. What is the stated mission of your organization? How is that changing? How does your organization make money or raise funds? What is the purpose of your job? Why was it created? Where is it on the organizational chart and how does it relate to others in the organization? If you understand the big picture, then you will also start to understand how you can contribute and take initiative to stand out and get recognized.
Informational Interviewing in the job search process is related to both Research and Networking. Its major function is to gather information and career advice but through it, you meet people who can recommend you or refer you to a position. We know from surveys that 70-80% of jobs are attained through some form of networking-based recommendation or referral. Networking is also valuable after you land the job. In order to advance, you need to know people whose knowledge you can tap. Whom can you help and depend upon later? Don’t overlook anyone in your organization, no matter what their role might be. Showing interest in and curiosity about your colleagues can have surprising results and, at the least, lead to a more pleasant work environment.
At the crux of a successful job search and a successful career are Communications. In the job search, your written communications (usually your resume, CV, cover letter, research statement, teaching statement, etc.) land you a job interview and your verbal and non-verbal communications during a job interview get you the job offer. On the job, you convince colleagues, customers, and stakeholders during meetings and presentations and with emails and reports. In the job search, you also need to communicate your brand—that is, your image, your personality, and your character. At work, your brand is your reputation—what it is you’re known for. A reputation for reliability will advance your career.
Equally essential to a successful job search are Organizational and Time Management skills. Keeping track of whom you networked with is vital because these people might help you with information, recommendations, and referrals. On the job, great organizational skills help you to meet deadlines, be more productive, and avoid mistakes. We have busy lives, juggling academic commitments, jobs, relationships, and family. Add in a job search and it becomes even more daunting. Time management is an organizational skill that keeps you from getting overwhelmed. Develop strategies like making to-do lists, scheduling job-search blocks of time, and communicating and coordinating your plans with family, friends, and colleagues. On the job, the good time management skills that you developed in the job search will enable you to multi-task, avoid pressure, and work well under pressure when necessary.
Teamwork has become vital since the 1980s. Projects are often complex and demand specialized expertise. None of us is as smart as all of us and things usually go smoother and faster with successful teamwork. The relationship of teamwork to the job search process is less apparent because it seems like such a solitary endeavor. However, it doesn’t have to be that way and assembling a great team to help you will improve your chances of success. The career professionals at the Office of Career Planning and Professional Development at The Graduate Center are part of your team. Industry professionals with whom you have networked and created relationships are also part of your team. Mentors, trusted family members, and friends might be part of your team, but do make sure they really know what they’re talking about.
While teaching the “Human Resource Management” course in the Business Department of Brooklyn College for a number of years, I became familiar with management literature on career success. A common theme is the importance of taking initiative on the job to solve problems, get recognized, stand out in your organization, and move forward in your career. Initiative in the job search can take the form of speaking to people, going to events, polishing your LinkedIn profile, reading job descriptions, following organizations, applying to jobs, and following up. However, even if you do all the right things, you will probably have more rejections and disappointments than successes. There will be bad days on the job as well. You will need to be resilient, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on. Pay attention to your health and wellness. Even if you don’t get the job that you really coveted, there will be other jobs and everyone gets a job in the end. So, even if you are disappointed, remember that you are using skills that will help you to achieve a great career. you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
The Ten Commandments of Job Search - A To Don’t List
Career Advisors spend a lot of time advising students what to do in order to be successful in the job search process. We focus on the positive, but actually, avoiding mistakes is also an important pathway to success. Don’t underestimate the importance of what not to do in certain situations. In fact, in daily life, we’re always being reminded of not what to do: “Don’t Walk,” Do Not Hold the doors,” “Do Not go on to the tracks.”
Even the Ten Commandments is a Don’t Do List. Eight out of the ten are negative. So here is your To Don’t List.
1-Don’t Say No to Yourself
Plenty of other people in the job search process are going to say No to you, so don’t do it to yourself. You read a job description and you say to yourself: “I’m not going to apply to that position. They’re asking for 10 things and I only have 7 of them. There must be plenty of other candidates who have everything they’re looking for.” WRONG. There are very few perfect candidates. Go ahead and apply. Don’t rule yourself out because of a pre-conceived notion as to the type of person they’re looking for. Columbia University has 11 career centers. Over the years I saw numerous postings but never applied because I thought: “I’m not an Ivy League type. I’m a child of working-class parents from Brooklyn. I graduated from Brooklyn College, not Harvard.” One day however, with the advice of a former colleague who was working at Columbia, I did apply. Lo and behold, I got the position and worked there for nine years. Most of the people that I worked with across the university were just regular people who graduated from all different types of colleges from many different backgrounds.
2-Do Not Conduct Your Job Search by Only Applying Online
Sure, you can get a job this way. You go to a job board or a company website. You send in your application material. You get called for an interview and you get a job offer. It can happen, but it significantly reduces your chances of getting an interview if you have not incorporated networking into your job search strategy. Surveys have shown the 80% of successful job applicants have gotten their job through some form of networking— contacts you have made that result in recommendations and referrals. I have seen this work in my own career and many times when I worked with clients over the years, I would go through their resume and ask how they got each job. Most of the time it was through networking.
3-Thou Shall Not Use the Same Resume and Cover Letter to Apply for Dozens of Different Jobs (The Shotgun Approach)
Every job is different and every company is different. While you don’t need a totally new resume for every job you apply to, you do need to tweak your resume and make sure that the qualifications and skills that they are looking for appear on your resume (if you have those qualifications). If you are applying for jobs in totally different fields, you probably need different versions of your resume. I was a freelancer for many years and I had a career counseling resume, a teaching resume and an editing resume. You need to write distinctively tailored cover letters for each position that you apply to. You have to address the job description and tell them that you can do the job that they need you to do. You have to try to show that you know something about their company or organization and possibly why you would want to work there. Hiring Managers can tell when a candidate is using a template cover letter. I’ve even seen cases where a student forgets to change the name of the company they are applying to and uses the wrong name.
4-Do Not Send any Job Application Material that has not been Proofread (ideally by someone else)
I cannot tell you the number of times that I’ve reviewed a student’s CV, Resume or Cover Letter and spotted a typo that they did not see in spite of them looking at their own material numerous times. Picture a hiring manager who has dozens of resumes and cover letter piled on the desk. They have plenty of candidates so they are looking for ways to reduce the pile. “Oh- a typo—careless student, careless employee—NEXT.” If there is no one else to proofread your material, at least read it very slowly out loud.
5-Never Come Late for a Job Interview
If there is one thing that can shoot you down before you even get started, it’s coming late for a job interview. If it is an in-person interview like in the good old days eight months ago, check the route. Do a dry run if you’re not sure how to get there. Give yourself extra time. If something happens that is totally out of your control, try to contact the employer to tell them what’s going on. If it’s a virtual interview, check and double check the time. Make sure you have the Zoom link. Check your equipment. Get on a little early.
6-Do Not Talk About Your Own Needs in the Cover Letter or the Interview
Sure, this is a great job for you. It will allow you to pay off some of your debt and move to a new apartment. It’s a great commute. You might even be able to bike to work and it’s right near your favorite Aunt, so you can visit her after work. Companies don’t care about your problems. They only care about what you can do for them. Always emphasize the value you would add for THEM.
7-Do Not Think that you can Successfully Wing the Job Interview
The key to a successful job interview is preparation and practice. It is indeed a very, very rare individual who can improv a job interview. In order to succeed you need to research the company, re-read the job description and think of ways that you are a good fit for every aspect of the position. Try to anticipate the questions and practice the answers. Develop a strategy where you think about the points that you want to get across about yourself in the interview and look for the questions that allow you to show yourself in a great light. Think of stories and examples that you can give that illustrate why you’re a great fit for the position and look for a way to work them into the interview. These stories are very hard to think of on the spot. Stories are very powerful and hiring managers remember them. You probably worked very hard to get the interview. Don’t blow the opportunity by not preparing.
8- Do Not Lose Hope
In the job search you are probably going to get many more rejections than acceptances. That’s hard but don’t take it personally. There are a lot of things that are out of your control. Maybe you even did a great job at the interview, but there was an insider candidate or someone that they liked just a little bit better. If you didn’t do such a great job or there was an unexpected question that tripped you up, learn from the mistake. It can be very disappointing that you didn’t get your “Dream Job.” You may even need to feel bad and mourn it for a day or two, but if you don’t get back to business, you are just compounding the problem. Also, although it may not look this way right now, you might look back on it and realize you were better off not getting that job and that things worked out for the best.
Two Positive Commandments
9-Have a great Understanding of your Transferable Skills
You will probably be applying for some jobs which will be asking for a different skill set than you have used in the past, so it’s important for you to understand how your skills can be applied in different settings. For instance, let’s say that you have done a lot of college teaching. You could apply for a position as a trainer in an HR Department because training is just a different form of teaching. Let’s say that you have been doing research on urban development, it is most likely that you could do research on another social issue. Also, keep in mind that most of what people do on a job, is learned on the job. The ability to learn is a transferable skill. As a PhD or Master’s student at the CUNY Graduate Center you know how to learn. In addition, almost every soft skill is transferable—teamwork, taking initiative, a strong work ethic, attention to detail, time management, etc. are carried by you from job to job.
10-Do Use the Services of the Office of Career Planning and Professional Development
We are your ally. Use us! We offer individual career advising, mock interviews, help with all job application material, a Jobs Board (GC Connect), a Career Planning Guide, a website packed with information and resources, Workshops, Webinars, Podcasts, Employer Information sessions, and Career Fairs.
Disclosing Disability in the Workplace
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of those disabilities “in regard to job application procedures, the hiring, advancement or discharge of employees, employee compensation, job training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.” The law also mandates that employers make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of a qualified individual, such as making existing facilities physically accessible, restructuring jobs, modifying work schedules, and providing readers or various other assistive technologies. This blog post will explain what a disability is, as well as when, why, and how to disclose one in the workplace.
What Is a Disability?
A disability is defined by the government as “a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities including walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.” For the purposes of this blog post, I will be referring to two broad categories of disabilities: visible disabilities and invisible disabilities. Examples of visible disabilities are mobility impairments, amputations, paralysis, lack of physical coordination, and some speech, vision, and cognitive impairments. Invisible disabilities may include ADD/ADHD, low vision, some hearing loss, some types of autism, PTSD, learning disabilities, and emotional or psychological conditions. Alcohol and drug dependencies might be considered as disabilities if the person is in a recognized treatment program.
Disclosing a Disability
Disclosure of a disability in the workplace is the process of divulging or giving out personal information about a disability, the limitations involved, and how the disability affects the ability to do a job. According to the ADA, a person is not required to disclose a disability either during the interview process or as an employee until an accommodation is needed. If you don’t need an accommodation, it’s also perfectly fine to never disclose at all.
The decision about when to disclose a disability is very personal and there is no single right or wrong approach. It also depends greatly on whether the disability is visible or invisible. With a visible disability, a job candidate might not have a choice of whether or not to disclose; although if, for instance, the interview is by phone or even on a video platform, a visible disability like using a wheelchair might not be as noticeable as it would be in an in-person interview.
It’s a good idea to practice a disclosure speech that anticipates the concerns of the employer and may come with an accommodation request. Like in any interview, a well-planned, thought-out, and proactive approach puts the candidate much more in control of the conversation. During the interview process, you might find that not all the interviewers will have educated themselves regarding ADA-appropriate vocabulary and accessibility, leaving you to respond to an interviewer’s assumptions. By anticipating questions and concerns, you can advocate for yourself more effectively, as well as reduce the stress of the moment.
When to Disclose
Some disabilities may need to be disclosed before or during an interview process if an accommodation is needed. While a person with a visible disability may need to ask whether the location for an in-person interview is accessible, there are also instances when an invisible disability might need to be revealed. For instance, if the interview involves a pre-employment test, a candidate may need to reveal a learning disability and request more time or a reader.
When a candidate with an invisible disability is hired, again there is no requirement to disclose the disability. Disclosing a disability should be done strategically. Depending on the circumstances, the disability might be disclosed on the first day, years down the road, or maybe never if it turns out not to be relevant. In any event, as a new employee, it’s a good idea to wait, if possible, in order to get used to the new environment and understand better the actual job requirements and how your disability might affect the performance of your job. Timing is very important. If performance problems arise because of the disability, the employee should not wait for them to become so serious that they might result in termination.
5 Good Reasons to Disclose
There may be good reasons to disclose a disability:
It may help you do the job better. There may be a workplace barrier that is preventing you from doing a good job.
It can help explain an unusual circumstance in your job performance.
Your disclosure may lead to accommodations that offer you equal access to tools, benefits, and privileges of employment such as trainings and access to lounges, cafeterias, auditoriums, gymnasiums, transportation, outings, and parties.
Your disclosure may lead to accommodations that relieve a physical or psychological burden related to your disability that other coworkers do not endure.
Your disclosure may contribute to the understanding of your disability.
How to Disclose
Once you have decided to disclose and have a good knowledge of your legal rights, the next step is to decide to whom to disclose and in what format. It’s a good idea to check the employee handbook to see if there are any guidelines about disclosure policies. You can disclose orally to your supervisor by saying something like: “I need to talk to you about the difficulties that I encounter when _____.”
However, I think it’s better to disclose by email as that provides a written record. In any request format though, the reasonable accommodation must be requested.
Conclusion
The fact that many people are now working at home because of the COVID-19 crisis is actually a double-edged sword for people with disabilities. On the one hand, it makes it easier to keep some disabilities confidential, and often the accommodations needed are already in place at home. On the other hand, it makes it more difficult to contribute to and advance people’s understanding of the disability and you.
Labor Movement Jobs
“The labor movement was the principal force that transformed misery and despair into hope and progress. Out of its bold struggles, economic and social reform gave birth to unemployment insurance, old age pensions, government relief for the destitute and above all, new wage levels that meant not mere survival but a tolerable life.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we approach the holiday commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, it is worthwhile to remember that Dr. King was a big supporter of the Labor Movement. The slogan of the famous demonstration in 1963, where Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech was “March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.” The reason that Dr. King was in Memphis, Tennessee when he was struck down by an assassin was to support the striking sanitation workers.
Like Dr. King, do you have a passion for social and economic justice? Do you care about higher wages and benefits, workplace health and safety, work and retirement with dignity, corporate greed, gender equality, civil rights, Immigration, fair tax policies, criminal justice and labor legislation? Do you want to be on the front lines of activism? If so, consider a career in the Labor Movement.
While union membership has shrunk since it’s high-water mark of 35% of the workforce in 1954, mainly because of hostile administrations, unfavorable legislation, and increasingly aggressive tactics by employers to fight unionization, surveys have consistently shown that people if given the possibility, prefer to join unions. Even now though, there are 14.6 million union members representing 10.3% of the workforce in hundreds of unions in every state in the country. In 2021-22, from Hollywood to Columbia University, strike threats, actual strikes and organizing efforts have rolled across the country. Some of the target companies are well known like Amazon, Starbucks, John Deere and Kellogg’s, but there are also ongoing strikes of miners in Alabama, musicians in San Antonio, graduate student workers at Columbia, and hospital workers in Buffalo among many others. As unions expand organizing efforts, consider that suitable and interesting jobs for GC students and alumni exist in many of these unions.
Types of Union Jobs
1-Organizer/External Organizer/New Organizer
I think it’s fair to say that the Organizer is the lifeblood of the Labor Movement. These are the people who are on the front lines of union organizing campaigns. It involves the preparatory work of conducting research, gathering data, and developing strategies and plans. The next phase of the work includes one on one communication with workers at job sites and in their homes, list development, recruitment, running worker meetings, directing workplace actions, developing leaders, building strategic alliances, and collaborating with other staff. It may involve canvassing, preparing and overseeing union representation elections. It will call upon writing, presentation and one on one communication skills. It will involve travel as well as a good deal of weekend and evening work and it will demand a good deal of resolve and resiliency in very fast paced, adversarial situations. Most unions that are looking for organizers are posting for recent college graduates or graduate students and for candidates that have experience in union campaigns, political campaigns or community organizing. Lead Organizers and Organizing Directors usually have 5 or more years of organizing experience.
2-Internal Organizer/Worksite Organizer/Union Rep./Council Rep./Staff Rep./Business Agent/Business Manager/Business Agent/Servicing Rep./Membership Specialist/Contract Administrator/Grievance Coordinator
These many job titles are roles involving representing union members vis a vis management. This person will ensure that the collective bargaining agreement is not being violated and will collect and process complaints and grievances against management. He/she may represent members at disciplinary hearings. This individual will also advise and assist on collective bargaining for new contracts. The Internal Organizer will also train stewards and educate members. These roles call for good research and communications skills, attention to detail, multi-tasking, and being well-organized. Because contracts are legal documents and contract administrators although not often lawyers, often possess the skills of lawyers so the GC MA program in Law and Society would be good preparation for these roles. It should also be pointed out that there is room to grow into higher leadership roles of these type of positions such as Director of Field Services, Internal Organizing Director or Lead Negotiator.
3-Political Director/Legislative Advocate/Political Organizer/Policy Coordinator
This person helps to develop a policy agenda and attempts to move legislation by lobbying and/or involvement in ballot initiatives and/or supporting candidates. He/she tries to build bi-partisan support for legislative initiatives and coalitions with stakeholders and runs political grassroots organizing campaigns. The role calls for strategic thinkers with data driven skills who understand the union’s political agenda and communicate and get things done. It is a good fit for a number of Liberal Arts degrees particularly Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology and Urban Education.
4-Communications Director or Associate/Communications Specialist/Video Coordinator/Media Specialist
This person is responsible for media strategy, media outreach, media inquiries, monitoring media coverage, and managing all relationships and contacts with the media. It often will include building and updating a Media Database and the Union’s Website. These days, a social media strategy is of vital importance. The Communications role may also involve training and coaching spokespeople or union leaders to improve their media performance. It could involve writing press releases, letters to the editor, and op-eds as well as coordinating media events, and doing interviews. He/she might work on the strategic communications aspects of organizing campaigns, a vital function when strikes might be won or lost because of support or lack of support from the public. This person will also be responsible for communications with the membership with print or online bulletins or newspapers. A degree in Communications or English would be good preparation for this role.
5-Data Analytics Specialist/Information Systems Specialist/Web Developer/Cybersecurity Expert/Programmer
This is the person who makes technology work and makes processes more efficient. He/she troubleshoots and project manages ongoing and new technology initiatives. An ability to communicate technical subjects to non-technical individuals is a desired trait. Project Management knowledge, Python, R and SQL are in demand. A GC MA degree in Data Analysis and Visualization, Data Science or Quantitative Methods in Social Science would be good preparation for these positions.
6-Benefits Consultant
Many unions manage member benefits independently or jointly with management. This person may research benefits, evaluate vendors, negotiate new agreements or renewals with vendors and enforce existing contracts with them. It is also a position that requires a knowledge of state and federal laws.
7-Strategic Researcher
This person provides data and insights on corporate ownership, organizational structure, finance and economic issues. It can be a vital role in preparing for and developing collective bargaining negotiating positions and demands. This work intersects with Communications, New Organizing and Collective bargaining. PhD’s or MA’s in Economics are a great fit for this role.
8-Labor Educator
Many unions run internal training and education programs for their members. Often, these programs are in partnership with universities. As an example, for many years I was an instructor at the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies which was part of Empire State College, SUNY. The college offered an Associate’s Degree program for the Apprentices in the Electrician’s Union (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #3). I also taught at the New York City extension of the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations which offered various programs and certificates for union leaders and members. Right on our own backyard, we have the Murphy Institute-CUNY School of Labor Studies which focuses on worker and union member education as well as research. Another important Labor Education body is the AFL-CIO Organizing Institute located in Washington DC. Which trains and develops member activists and staff organizers. Permanent faculty positions require a PhD and other positions are filled by Adjunct faculty who have MA’s.
Common Requirements
Across the board, like most not-for-profits a successful candidate must identify with the broad values of the Labor Movement and the specific values of the individual union. Some unions are really progressive, some more towards the middle and a few are downright conservative. In most cases, a BA, MA or PhD are required. Relevant experience is usually asked for but that seems to be quite flexible and a good case can always be made for transferable skills. Presentation skills are very important as are writing and inter-personal skills. Foreign languages may be very important depending on the make-up of the membership. The willingness to travel and the flexibility to work long, irregular hours according to the demands of the job are important qualifications. Teamwork is very important as well. Some of the roles described above may overlap such as Technology and Communications. In the smaller unions, many of the roles may be combined so that for instance the same individual might be responsible for external and internal organizing.
Geographical Location
There are unions in all 50 states, but one-half of all union members live in California, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and the State of Washington. There is also a large union presence in Washington DC as some of the largest unions in the country have their national headquarters there. DC is also home to the two labor federations, the AFL-CIO and Change to Win.
The Disadvantages of Working for Labor Unions
1-The work-life balance issues can be extremely challenging, particularly in the External and Internal Organizing positions, and in the Political and Communications roles. The work is all consuming. There are no 9-5 boundaries.
2-The job can be quite stressful. People’s livelihoods are on the line so you might be dealing with upset and angry people. Expectations and demands may be too high. A thick skin is needed in many of the roles outlined above.
The Job Search for Introverts
Silent Joe
In Elementary School, I was such an extreme introvert that my third grade teacher dubbed me “Silent Joe.” It seems that I was so quiet she didn’t even know my real name was Donald, but that didn’t bother me. I was actually quite happy with not being known. That way, I wouldn’t be called upon to actually speak in public—a potentially scary, embarrassing, and humiliating event. As I grew older, I remained an introvert. Interacting with people, particularly large groups of people, was particularly daunting and necessitated time to recover and decompress. However, like most introverts, I developed strategies to be able to function in the real world.
What Is an Introvert?
For the purposes of this piece, I am using the definition provided by the classic Myers-Briggs personality assessment, which we also use in career advising:
“People who prefer introversion are energized and excited when they are involved with the thoughts, images and memories that are part of their inner world. Introverts often prefer solitary activities or spending time with one or two others with whom they feel an affinity, and they often have a calming effect on those around them. . . . People who prefer introversion may:
be seen as calm and ‘centered’ or reserved
feel comfortable being alone and like solitary activities
prefer fewer, more intense relationships
sometimes spend too much time reflecting and not move into action quickly enough
sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if their ideas really fit their experience”
(from Looking at Type: the Fundamentals by Charles R. Martin, PhD)
So, if this describes you, please read on. If it doesn’t describe you, please read on as well because this post might help you better understand a friend, your partner, or a colleague. According to Myers-Briggs, about 39-47% of the population are introverts. Also, keep in mind there is a range of introversion as illustrated by the following joke:
(Please note that we only have one joke in career advising as we are not a very funny profession.)
Joke: How can you tell who the extroverts are at an Engineering networking event?
Punchline: They are the ones looking at other people’s shoes.
The Job Search Problem for Introverts
It has been estimated by many studies—and confirmed by my own experience—that about 80% of job-seekers gain employment through some form of networking, referrals, and recommendations. This is a huge problem for introverts because networking is daunting, intimidating, and scary. Also, introverts tend to think that they are imposing on other people, which is probably classic projection. Another problem is that, according to one of the definition points listed above, introverts “sometimes spend too much time reflecting and [do] not move into action quickly enough.” You need to be very agile in the job search process and move quickly when an opportunity presents itself. As the old saying goes: “Strike while the iron is hot.”
Making Networking Palatable
I personally think that the worst type of networking situation and the most difficult one for introverts is the networking reception—a large group of strangers in a noisy place balancing food and drinks and trying to make networking connections. This is an introvert’s nightmare, and you may see an introvert cowering at the edge of the room getting ready to bolt.
Here’s how to get through it and actually have some good results:
Come early so that you can actually have some good conversations before it gets too busy and too noisy.
Attend with a friend so that you can bolster each other.
If possible, seek out a list of participants prior to the event so you can research who you would like to speak to and why.
Set realistic goals.
If it’s an event sponsored by a group, ask one of the sponsors to introduce you. (I’ve done that many times for introverted students at career service events.)
Practice introducing yourself.
Try to turn a large group experience into a one-on-one. If you meet someone of interest get his/her card. Email that person the next day referencing your conversation and asking if you could meet one-on-one. This is called an informational interview where you are able to have a more serious conversation and get your questions answered in a more structured manner.
Know that this too shall pass. There is a saying in the Army for when soldiers are doing distasteful tasks: “Even 100 officers can’t keep the clock from moving.”
Of course not every networking opportunity involves face-to-face interaction. Networking can be done by email or through LinkedIn groups of people with the same professional interests. For introverts, this type of networking may be more palatable, but in my opinion, nothing is more effective than one-on-one, face-to-face interaction.
Introverts & the Job Interview
Congratulations! Your networking or your online job application has resulted in you getting a job interview. This is great, but it can also be challenging for introverts. Introverts don’t like surprises or having to think quickly on our feet. We also, in general, are not so great at speaking about ourselves.
So here are some suggestions on how to ace the interview:
A proven strategy to avoid surprises and having to react quickly is to thoroughly prepare. Carefully re-read the job description point by point and think about how you satisfy each of the requirements. The job description will also be your guide to anticipating the questions that will be asked. You’re not going to be asked some question that’s never been asked in the history of interviewing. However, if you are asked a question that you didn’t prepare for, you can gain some time by taking a sip of water, asking that the question be repeated, or even asking to come back to that question later on.
Although we may not be so great at talking about ourselves, we are good at planning and strategizing. So, think about the points that you want to get across about yourself in the interview, and look for the questions that allow you to make those points. Also, prepare illustrative stories that put you in a good light and demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the position. Then, look for the opportunity to tell those stories. This strategy puts you more in control of the situation.
Introverts & Negotiating
Congratulations! You aced the interview and now you’ve gotten a job offer. In many jobs, there is room for negotiations about salary, benefits, and working conditions. An introvert, if possible, should try to avoid the quick back and forth of face-to-face negotiations. Introverts need to analyze, plan, strategize, consider, and reconsider. This is hard to do in person, so if possible, do your negotiations by email. An extra added benefit of this is that there is a written record of the negotiation and what’s been agreed to.
The Advantages of Being an Introvert
One of the most important aspects of the job search process is research—research about different careers, research about people who could potentially help you, research about interview questions, research on salaries and benefits. Research is a solitary activity and is something introverts excel at.
Introverts are very good at listening. If, for instance during an informational interview, you hear your contact express an interest in something, try to find an interesting article or source and forward it. This will most likely impress that individual and motivate them to further help you.
Finally, introverts are often considered to be deeper and more thoughtful. “Still waters run deep.” Since we talk less, people tend to listen to us when we do speak. These are perceived strengths and real strengths that are attractive to many employers.
How to Best Position Yourself to get a Job in a New Field
Over my years as a career advisor at the Graduate Center, I’ve worked with a number of students aspiring to reinvent themselves professionally—that is to find a new career in a field that is closer to their hearts and more suited to their interests. Many of these students come out of our various Master’s programs. After completing their degrees, these students, with little or no actual experience, then face the challenge of competing with more experienced candidates. It is a difficult challenge, but not impossible. Here are some steps you could take to make yourself more competitive and get your foot in the door of a new career.
1-Networking
If you just apply cold online and send in a resume without relevant experience, chances are that it will be discarded by the hiring manager. In order to get around this obstacle, you need to get an internal recommendation—that is someone from within the company/organization goes to the to the hiring manager and says: “I know a student from the CUNY Graduate Center who just finished a degree in _____. He/she doesn’t have the usual background of our hires but I think he/she would be a good fit for us. Let’s give him/her an interview.” In order to get such a recommendation, start with the people you know. Is anyone working in the field you are interested in? Reach out to them for a conversation. After you exhaust the list of people you know, identify people who you don’t know, mostly using LinkedIn, and reach out to them. These might be alumni of your program, GC or CUNY alumni, alumni of your undergraduate school, or really anyone who is doing something you would like to do or working for a company you are interested in. Also, if you had an adjunct professor in your program, think of whether that person is working and might be a good contact for you. The next step is to conduct an informational interview where you ask the person questions about their career path, their job and the industry. I won’t go into all the intricacies of the informational interview here as there is plenty of information about it on this website, but the idea is to get insider information and make yourself known to people who could eventually refer you or recommend you.
2-Join your Professional Association
This is related to networking. You can find people to network with and even potential mentors. However, it’s much more. There are conferences, regional meetings, publications, industry information, and job boards. Here are a few examples of professional associations related to GC Master degree majors: (Note: The following are examples. I’m not endorsing each one because I don’t have personal experience with all of these organizations. You would need to do additional research.)
The Society for Applied Anthropology
The American Society of Criminology
The Cognitive Neuroscience Society
The Modern Language Association
The Association for Computational Linguistics
The American Association of Applied Linguistics
The American Historical Association
The National Association of Environmental Professionals
The American Statistical Association
The American Association of Political Consultants
The Association for Computers and Humanities
3- LinkedIn Groups
There are hundreds of LinkedIn groups around communities of interest. These are mainly online discussion groups where you can get information, guidance, and advice and build connections. An added value of being a member of a group is that you can directly contact any other member of the group without them having to be in your network. Use the search bar on the LinkedIn homepage and recommended groups will appear. You can then check on the group, learn more about it and put in a request to join. Then, you will be contacted by a group manager to check whether you meet their membership criteria.
4- Volunteer for an Internship
Having an internship would be a real plus for getting into a new career. You learn or practice new skills; you get to network with people who could potentially help you; it looks good on your resume; and you might even get a return offer after the internship. Unfortunately, for a career changer it’s almost as hard to get an internship as it is to get a job. Therefore, you need to approach getting an internship with some creativity. When you were networking, if someone talked about an interesting project that they’re involved with, offer to help. You could also try to contact an organization that you’re interested in and suggest an internship for yourself, even if there isn’t one posted. Focus on what you could contribute and how it would be beneficial for their organization.
5- Tailoring your Job Search Materials
This entails a resume makeover so that your interest and skills in a new field are apparent, even if you don’t have relevant experience. This is your “new field” resume.
A- The Summary Statement
This is the first category underneath your contact information. It is 3-5 sentences written in the third person that points out your qualifications, skills, and transferrable skills for the new field. It should mirror the key words that you are seeing in job descriptions without it looking like an application for a specific posting.
B- Education
This should identify your degree major or concentration. If you have a thesis title or a capstone project, list the name. Underneath the degree have a line called Relevant Coursework which lists the names of courses that you have already or are currently taking.
C- Skills
If you now possess an impressive set of hard skills in the new field, list them now. Foreign languages can be included if they are relevant. If the skills are not that impressive, put this category at the bottom of the resume.
C- Projects
As part of your program you may have been involved in project work, either on your own or as part of a group. List the name of the project and the dates and then use bullet points with action verbs, the same way that you would describe any job. Try to show the skills that you used during the project and if possible, include an outcome or an accomplishment.
D- Work Experience
If the work experience you’ve had is NOT relevant to the new field, list the jobs, job titles and dates in reverse chronological order without bullet points.
Keep the resume to one page, using an 11 font size for the bullet points.
6- The Cover Letter
This is another weapon in your arsenal to help explain your qualifications for a new field. The cover letter gives you a chance to expand on your skills and qualifications that are listed on the resume. Make sure to tailor it to the position by addressing each point on the job description posting that you are qualified for. Keep it to one page and make sure it’s well-written.
There are no guarantees, but if you can do most of what’s suggested above, you’ll give yourself a much better chance of working at something you really care about.