Job searching is a full time job especially for someone like me. I have an color-coded spreadsheet broken down by location. I have five different cover letters tailored to specific positions. I must apply to at least two jobs everyday and update my spreadsheet weekly. I know it sounds a bit crazy but I need to do everything in my power to get a job, right?
When I look at a position, I envision myself working at that company in that role. Most positions include public relations, marketing, communications, social media or development somewhere in the title. However, after hundreds of applications, I started to apply to anything remotely comparable to my skill sets.
Fast forward to yesterday when I commuted into Manhattan for an interview with American Express Publishing. The position was for a Business Assistant, someone to complete administrative tasks and enter some data into spreadsheets. Certainly, I could manage that. The man I interviewed with, the Director of Finance, thought otherwise.
This man was the definition of honesty. He said my resume was impressive and that he could tell I was eager to learn. He appreciated me coming in on such a miserable day (hurricanes in Manhattan yesterday) but said I wasn’t right for the position. Mind you, I barely had spoken at this point. He offered to hold on to my resume in case a position opened in their PR department. We shook hands, I thanked him profusely and back I went to New Jersey pretty disappointed.
Yes, rejection isn’t fun nor is commuting in the rain. But, I was reminded that I do have the right to be picky when applying for jobs. I am allowed to pass up opportunities that aren’t right for me. I am allowed to wait for the right job to come along. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it can be close. I don’t have much patience so this is hard for me. I am going to try and remind myself of this experience every time I read a job description.
I was also reminded yesterday that being passionate is important. My interviewer saw how passionate I was when talking about the career I wanted. He praised me for it and said it was more important to be passionate then to be employed. That alone was worth the wet commute into Manhattan.
Do recent graduates have the right to be picky? Don’t be afraid to share your opinion!
Tagged: Background, Experience, Industry, Interviews, Job Search, Jobs
The Rockstar Diaries 
You can be picky if and when you have multiple job offers. These days it is hard to get a single offer. Not everyone has the luxury of financial support from relatives. So unfortunately most of us can’t afford to be picky. You have to take the crap job until the right one comes along.
You do bring up a valid point and I’m glad you commented. Everyone’s situation is certainly different and that is something to be mindful of. Thanks for reading and sharing!
I honestly believe when you are a recent graduate you shouldn’t be picky in the sense that you got to start somewhere and maybe that somewhere is at the bottom of an organization or even a position that doesn’t meet your expectations. It can develop you in so many ways and build your resume. In my opinion you got to creep before you walk.
I do agree that you have to start somewhere. Everyone does. I think I meant more of applying for a job that doesn’t match your skills, like my example with my background in PR and a job in Finance. Certainly, you have to work your way up. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your thoughts!