Job Search

Today I find myself asking that age old question, "what are potential employers looking for?"  This question pops out of so many mouths, it may as well be part of the food pyramid.  While I cannot actually eat those words, I can definitely tell you that finding a job in this day and age, is not so simple.

I have gone to many lengths to put myself "out there."  What I want is a creative position.  My passions are writing (as you can see from here), proofreading, photography, and digital artwork.  I love all of these areas.  If I could pick the perfect job, I would say that it would be something along the lines of a travel writer.

If I were a travel writer, I could write from anywhere in the world. Perhaps I could travel with my fiance from city to city in Colorado, finding the best places to eat, sleep, and have fun.  Locating the best hiking trails and scenic views.  There are so many things I could do.  I could review white water rafting companies, and horse stables.  Doesn't that sound like the life?  It does to me.

It would be the best of many worlds.  I would get to travel, write, take photographs, and be recognized for my hard work.  It's a win win.  Unfortunately though, I recently applied for a job at a travel company, and they turned me down.  I have only one idea why, since my skills were a match.

The company was looking for a Photo Sourcing Specialist.  This person would locate photos from different travel destinations, possibly write blurbs, and post them to the company's Facebook page.  There isn't really any reason as to why I shouldn't be a viable candidate, other than that big red F on my transcript.

Being fired, does not help you gain employment.  As a matter of fact, with some companies it could be an immediate reason to overlook the applicant.  The more frustrating part of it is when this happens to someone who has been "fired" for reasons other than what their employer says. 

Anyway, I won't go into detail on that, it's in the past.  So what do you do when you are rejected by a potential employer?  You get right back up on your horse, and you move on down the road.  You keep going, because eventually you will get through to someone.

If you are truly concerned about the age old question though, here are a few ideas I have that could be helpful:

1.) Call the company, ask them what you could do differently, or what you may have been missing that got you rejected.

2.) Go to your local unemployment website and look for classes to help you with your job search skills, resume skills, etc.

3.) Before applying do your research on the company.  Write like you're selling your skills, and they are the best set of skills since sliced bread.

4.) Have a friend help you write your cover letter, and adjust your resume.  Sometimes a second viewpoint can be very helpful.

Back to the job search people.  Jobs don't just come looking for you... or do they?