Job Hunting Tips: 6 Things I Now Accept

Job hunting isn't easy, especially when you’re a bit, let’s say, nontraditional. As a copywriter, marketer, entrepreneur, and professor on any given day, I’m constantly balancing workloads and job insecurity. Looking for work is as much a part of my career as actually producing anything. It’s not always easy, but it’s rewarding.

As I get older, however, stability and security are looking more attractive. With remote working options available, the fear of commuting into a nine-to-five office gig is gone and I can envision my freelance lifestyle within the confines of 40 hours a week instead of laboring 24/7. Finding that remote placement, however, has been somewhat wild.

I’m learning to accept things that I fought against before while looking for work. Maybe I’m wiser. Maybe I’m lazy. Either way, as I adapt, I’m seeing more nibbles trickle in than ever before, and it’s not just because I’m gaining more experience on my resume.

These are just a few of the job hunting tips that are helping me, as a writer, inch closer to my goals.

1. Working with Recruiters is OK

It took me a long time to accept that recruiters are powerful allies. I always sort of knew it, but my dwindling bank account never liked the idea of someone making a cut off my daily grind. That mentality, however, was holding me back.

After working with several recruiters in different agencies, I can safely say I am a fan. They go to bat for you because, yes, they make money but that also have connections that I do not. Essentially, I’m taking a slight pay decrease by working with them to pay for access to their network, and for someone like me who is difficult to define, a middle person who can make it easier helps a lot.

2. Sending a Two-Page Resume is OK

For years I kept my resume to just one page, but it was bursting at the seams. By the time I wrote all the names of brands I’ve worked for, it was basically full. I now embrace two pages, I spell out my accomplishments more clearly, and I keep it airy and easy to read. It’s been a game changer for someone like me who has lots of experience that benefits from adequate explanation.

3. Waiting for the Right Salary is OK

I’m not working for $35,000 a year. And I’m not sorry. I’ve gotten comfortable glossing over jobs that would be good fits at companies that pay sad salaries. Sure, it would be nice to start a career in one of those places, but I’ve already proved myself in so many ways. I don’t need to start at the bottom of the ladder when there are companies out there who will compensate me for my skills that fit their needs more perfectly.

I didn’t follow a traditional career path, but that comes with a whole host of skills and competencies that can benefit companies, so I like to think that I built my own path higher up on the ladder already, bypassing college graduates who are just starting out.

4. Playing in Straightforward is OK

As a creative person, I always try to distinguish myself by incorporating something different or unique or personal into my cover letters, but those days are over. I understand that HR professionals don’t have the time – or likely the care – to sift through anything more than a straightforward reason why they should hire me.

In my marketing writing and teaching, of course being unique and creative is fundamental – but when applying for a job, it’s not my time to come off as anything more than likable and qualified. Care to disagree?

5. Investing in Myself is OK

I had a blog for a long time and it was, let’s admit it, pretty ugly. It was on Blogspot, which back in the day was innovative, but it looked haggard. I was embarrassed that anyone might see it and so have since upgraded to a new site with a blog that looks more modern. Or at least it tries!

My original website never properly showcased me, and while my Contently site does provide a glimpse into my portfolio, a fancy new website gave me a little more room to explain who I am and what I do. It comes at a cost, of course, but it’s on that I realize I have to pay to give myself the best chance possible at getting noticed.

6. Waiting a Long Time is OK

It’s OK, but not easy. Sending resumes, waiting for responses, emailing recruiters, scheduling interviews – it all takes a lot of time. And that’s fine. It sucks, but it’s fine.

Working on multiple projects at a time means I’m never exactly bored while I actively seek one steady permanent role. It keeps money coming in and hones my skills. I allot a bit of time every day to job hunting to make sure I don’t lose too much focus, and hopefully it will all pay off soon!

These career tips may not be revolutionary, but for any other creatives or non traditional writers job hunting, hopefully it sparks some new thinking.