Lets not sugarcoat it: Searching for a job can be awful.
Its a little like apartment hunting.
You have to sift through a lot of unattractive options for one gem in the rough.
Yes, some involve the dreaded networking word.
Plenty of people have done it before you; a few success stories are below.
Heres how to find the job you want in the new year.
Figure Out Where You Want to Work
Survey the landscapewhich companies seem appealing to you?
Where do people you admire work?
What kind of business do you see yourself at: corporate monolith or spunky start-up?
These questions will give you clarity and a place from which you’re able to work backwards.
If youre unsure, think about places youwishwere hiring.
These North Star guideposts will keep you from being overwhelmed by options.
The same goes for jobs.
People cant read your mind.
Talk to your friends about what youre seekingbe as specific as it’s possible for you to.
You will be shocked by what happens.
Stuff like My friends brothers ex works there!
The beauty of Twitter is you’re free to jump into any conversation that you want.
Its also a good way to stay informed about whos getting hired or leaving.
Meet and Bring Value to Other People
Jobs dont hire people.
So… go meet people.
What could I help this person with?
Everything changed after he developed deep relationships with people.
And who does somebody want to refer for a job?
Somebody that they trust.
If youre looking for a job, youll hear about places hiring that arent the right fit for you.
Dont sit on them.
Pass those tips along to your friends and contacts.
A simple email can bring enormous value to someone else.
Around 18 editors or assistants agreed to meet or chat.
Her advice to cold-email newbies: Dont be discouraged if you dont hear back.
I now know editors get so many emails a day.
If you operate under the assumption that everyone is just busy, its easier not to hold grudges.
At LeastTryto Be in a Good Mood
Think about how youre presenting yourself in social situations.
People dont often want to work with or help someone whos negative.
If youre not in a sunshine-y headspace right nowand its easy not to be!
job-searching is stressful!then at least try not to communicate your desperation for a gig.
When you hear a friend or former colleague was promoted, send a quick congrats.
Then, when they do get a new job, send them a good luck!
Do all this with no strings attached.
This is how you internet and maintain ties with your connections without feeling gross.
Acknowledging peopleor petsyou work with can pay unexpectedly large dividends.
I was an aspiring writer working as an administrative assistant and receptions at an advertising agency.
Had I not been a dog person, I might still be answering phones at the ad agency!
Being friendlyor carrying dog treatspays off.
You really never know what kind of connection can help in the future.
Bethany Hill got her current job after being seated at the right table at a wedding.
[A year and a half] later, I saw a CommonBond job posting that matched my qualifications.
Shes now been there for nearly a year overseeing communications.
Finally, an incentive to make friends during the gauntlet of wedding season.
As Winfield, the entrepreneur, notes, people are always watchingeven if you think theyre not.
and that kickstarts talk about a new gig.
Drapcho direct-messaged her; they met the next day.
So go find your people.
Plus, staying busy while job searching is another way to maintain your sanity, and stay afloat financially.
Its a testament to exploring all your options.
One temp gig can be the groundwork for a fruitful work relationship.
Oh, and did I mention to be nice to everyone?
Be nice to everyone.
Career karma is real.
