Posted April 17 2008
Dream Jobs
Many of us have dreamed of working in a high profile industry: sports, publishing, television or the movies. The work may sound exciting, almost like it is not work at all!
Many do gain significant satisfaction by working in an industry that is glamorous and exciting. But remember, it is still a job and sometimes not all that it is cracked up to be. For a glaring example, see the book/movie, The Devil Wears Prada.
If you do want to make a change and break into one of these (or other) high profile industries, here are some tips.
Understand the industry: Every industry has its own business trade journals, magazine, websites and blogs. These will give you an understanding of the inner workings of the business. You will also be able to stay on top of big news that will help guide you to where the jobs are. Follow the money trail: what companies were very successful, who might be looking to expand and hire and what skills are desired.
Talk the talk: To be able to work in an industry, you must be able to understand the language and communicate in industry terms. Your resume should reflect the work that you have done in the way that they would write it in that industry. When you interview, you have to interview in their language.
Meet the players: Using LinkedIn.com, see who you are already connected to that knows someone in your industry of interest. Request the person to facilitate a meeting between the two of you. Go in with clear objectives and be able to explain what you can bring to the industry.
Go to industry conventions and gatherings as opposed to job fairs. Conventions are packed with workers in the industry big and small. Try to meet as many people as possible to make connections.
While in school I interned for a niche publishing company. I had a good experience and was interested in finding a job in this field when I graduated. Unfortunately, my contacts at the company had moved on.
I had been able to find the job listings for their competitor and applied on the company website regularly to no response. I liked to refer to this as ‘emails to the abyss”.
For fun, I went to a convention at the Jacob Javits Center, where many movers and shakers would be present. I noticed there was an industry roundtable discussion group being held in a side hall.
I went over to watch and listen. In looking closer at the forum, I realized it was moderated by the director of sales/marketing at the company. I went over after the presentation and introduced myself. Keep in mind I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. I briefly explained my prior internship experience and my interest in working in his department. He explained that I could apply through their website. I thanked him for the suggestion but inquired if I could follow up with him directly. He unenthusiastically gave me his card. I tried to reach him by phone two days later.
When I did not get a response I sent an email. In the email I summed up our conversation and emphasized my appropriate experience. He wrote back “Thanks Lavie, Sorry, no jobs right now.” I inquired if I were to see a job that was a fit for me at his company if I could contact him. He wrote back, “Sure!” I saved the email and then stayed on top of the companies job listings via indeed.com. I waited for what I felt was a strong match to become available. I then tailored my resume specifically for that job- using industry keywords and terminology. He responded the next day that he forwarded to HR and I got hired shortly after.
While I quickly realized the job was not for me, it is an example I have used for years to explain to clients how they can build their own network.
Make an impression as a professional, not a fan: Those in a position to hire want employees that can help them make money, not those that just love watching their television show. An appreciation for the product is a plus but it is your skills that will get you the job.
Good luck and please share any stories with our readers in the comments section.
To read Lavie’s additional posts on job search strategy, go to Lioncubjobsearch.blogspot.com
Add This Blog to Your Technorati Favorites
Jewish Blog, Jewish, Jewish Leadership, Jewish News, Jewish Values, Jewish Events
