I don't know what I'm capable of!
January 6, 2011 8:47 AM Subscribe
Help me with that very important Networking question: "What kind of work are you looking for?"
After almost a decade of false starts, I'm a month from graduating with a B.A. in English Literature. I do not want to go to grad school or enter academe. I do not plan to do anything related to it. I am not your standard wild, unattached college graduate. Due to Life Circumstances -- I'm elderly adult caretaker, homeowner, in an LTR, have medical issues -- I will not be going abroad to teach English or joining the Peace Corps or whatnot. I just need a job in my city.
Anyway, I've beenbothering my friends and colleagues Networking, and it always begins with the same question: "what are you looking for?" I have no idea what to answer, so I usually say "anything." I have quickly discovered that is the Wrong Answer. The problem is, outside of "oh, just anything entry level/admin," I don't know what to say because I have no idea what I am capable of/qualified for. I just want a job in an office with a computer where I show up, solve problems, and then I go home. I know myself well enough and I'm not going freelance or starting my own business.
For the last three years, I've worked in Records and Compliance in a non-profit temp agency, two of those years part-time. I want to leave this job so bad, but I will not until I secure a new one. While there I developed the document scanning infrastructure and policy. I managed interns. I aced audits. I wrote manuals and trained staff. Without actually dumping my resume here ... what does that qualify me to do outside of continue to work in the staffing industry (do not want) or try to get an HR job (do not want, but less so.) I've done retail (boutique, not chain) management as well, but I have no idea if I can even make that relevant. Can I?
I've been in the same position for three years because I couldn't accept any of the repeatedly-offered promotions as they all required a full-time (~60 hr./wk.) commitment that I couldn't give while going to school. So my skills have sort of stagnated. Now I'm not saying it was impossible -- my mother managed it when she was going to grad school -- but it is in the past and, well, now I have to deal with it.
So, what in the wide world of paid, full-time jobs can I do? What should I tell my friends and colleagues who want to help me but just aren't getting the information out of me that they need to do so?
After almost a decade of false starts, I'm a month from graduating with a B.A. in English Literature. I do not want to go to grad school or enter academe. I do not plan to do anything related to it. I am not your standard wild, unattached college graduate. Due to Life Circumstances -- I'm elderly adult caretaker, homeowner, in an LTR, have medical issues -- I will not be going abroad to teach English or joining the Peace Corps or whatnot. I just need a job in my city.
Anyway, I've been
For the last three years, I've worked in Records and Compliance in a non-profit temp agency, two of those years part-time. I want to leave this job so bad, but I will not until I secure a new one. While there I developed the document scanning infrastructure and policy. I managed interns. I aced audits. I wrote manuals and trained staff. Without actually dumping my resume here ... what does that qualify me to do outside of continue to work in the staffing industry (do not want) or try to get an HR job (do not want, but less so.) I've done retail (boutique, not chain) management as well, but I have no idea if I can even make that relevant. Can I?
I've been in the same position for three years because I couldn't accept any of the repeatedly-offered promotions as they all required a full-time (~60 hr./wk.) commitment that I couldn't give while going to school. So my skills have sort of stagnated. Now I'm not saying it was impossible -- my mother managed it when she was going to grad school -- but it is in the past and, well, now I have to deal with it.
So, what in the wide world of paid, full-time jobs can I do? What should I tell my friends and colleagues who want to help me but just aren't getting the information out of me that they need to do so?
Thereis a lot of info online that addresses the question of how to fours out what you want to do; e.g., Brazen Careerist, etc.
That said you are correct that saying "I will do anything" is not the way to network.
posted by dfriedman at 9:04 AM on January 6, 2011
That said you are correct that saying "I will do anything" is not the way to network.
posted by dfriedman at 9:04 AM on January 6, 2011
I was in a similar position three years ago. I was fresh out of college, I had a BA in English, and all I knew was what I didn't want to do. I didn't want to teach. I didn't want to go to grad school. I couldn't become a full-time writer (who could, outside of trust fund babies?).
I ended up getting a job as an Executive Assistant (in a very non-traditional way; a personal contact got me a temporary gig of the most miserable kind--calculating years of timecards in preparation for a lawsuit. They liked me, and decided to keep me). Over the years, my job's evolved. I only spend about 5% of my time doing Executive Assistant things. The rest of my time is spent doing accounting, putting together performance/financial reports, managing random accounts (office supplies, cell phones, etc), and managing marketing/advertising initiatives.
Basically, I'm a utility person. I do a little bit of a heck of a lot. This makes it very difficult to explain my job, but it also means I'm almost never bored. Perhaps you should seek out an Executive Assistant position. Go for a small to medium company; you're more likely to dip your toes into other departments than if you work for a huge corporate with a strong bureaucratic structure. From there, you can figure out what you really enjoy doing.
posted by litnerd at 9:16 AM on January 6, 2011
I ended up getting a job as an Executive Assistant (in a very non-traditional way; a personal contact got me a temporary gig of the most miserable kind--calculating years of timecards in preparation for a lawsuit. They liked me, and decided to keep me). Over the years, my job's evolved. I only spend about 5% of my time doing Executive Assistant things. The rest of my time is spent doing accounting, putting together performance/financial reports, managing random accounts (office supplies, cell phones, etc), and managing marketing/advertising initiatives.
Basically, I'm a utility person. I do a little bit of a heck of a lot. This makes it very difficult to explain my job, but it also means I'm almost never bored. Perhaps you should seek out an Executive Assistant position. Go for a small to medium company; you're more likely to dip your toes into other departments than if you work for a huge corporate with a strong bureaucratic structure. From there, you can figure out what you really enjoy doing.
posted by litnerd at 9:16 AM on January 6, 2011
The point of networking is that they know about what jobs exist and how you might fit into them; so you've got to let them know about you rather than about the jobs. So, what do you like to do, and how do you like to do it, and what are you best at? Do you like to work on your own or in a team; in a fast-paced multitasking environment, or where you get to think things through individually? Are you really good at training and managing people, or better at doing paper-based audits?
If you think about these things in advance, then you can answer the "What kind of work" question with something much more detailed, like "I'm looking for a high-energy environment where I can combine my organizational and writing skills. I'm particularly strong in tasks like developing written protocols. For example, in my last job I [insert description of project]." Then let your interlocutors think about how those skills and preferences would fit into the jobs they know about.
posted by yarly at 9:19 AM on January 6, 2011 [3 favorites]
If you think about these things in advance, then you can answer the "What kind of work" question with something much more detailed, like "I'm looking for a high-energy environment where I can combine my organizational and writing skills. I'm particularly strong in tasks like developing written protocols. For example, in my last job I [insert description of project]." Then let your interlocutors think about how those skills and preferences would fit into the jobs they know about.
posted by yarly at 9:19 AM on January 6, 2011 [3 favorites]
Consider inquiring for "positions that will put me on the track to becoming a project management professional." What you've been doing sounds like project management. You will already have you generic college degree in hand. With a modicum of additional training in project management (sadly, mostly focused on learning the field's extensive jargon), you could be quite successful. An effective project manager is invaluable.
posted by Nomyte at 9:21 AM on January 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by Nomyte at 9:21 AM on January 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
Thereis a lot of info online that addresses the question of how to fours out what you want to do; e.g., Brazen Careerist, etc
Sorry, a couple of typos there. Should read: There is a lot of info online that address the question of how to figure out what you want to do; e.g., Brazen Careerist.
Anyway, let me expand: you can't network by saying "I'll do anything" because when you network with other people, those other people want to help you and refer you to others who may be able to get you a job, however, your colleagues/contacts/whoever are not going to waste any third party's time.
I mean, you could be networking with me and say "I'll do whatever job you throw at me." If I then said "Great! I know an accountant who is looking for an XYZ" and it turns out that you're a bad fit for XYZ then I look bad to the accountant.
So, the starting point for you needs to be your elevator pitch. What skills do you have, where do your interests lie, and what is your value proposition for me? If you are looking to me to refer you to another person, why should I do that? If you are looking for me to hire you, why should I do that?
As I mention above, there are lots of resources online that can help you start thinking about what you want to do; the bottom line is, the better you know yourself (your skills, interests, personality, working style, working environment that is best for you, etc.), the more precise you can be about what it is you want to be doing. That helps with your networking efforts tremendously.
posted by dfriedman at 9:56 AM on January 6, 2011
Sorry, a couple of typos there. Should read: There is a lot of info online that address the question of how to figure out what you want to do; e.g., Brazen Careerist.
Anyway, let me expand: you can't network by saying "I'll do anything" because when you network with other people, those other people want to help you and refer you to others who may be able to get you a job, however, your colleagues/contacts/whoever are not going to waste any third party's time.
I mean, you could be networking with me and say "I'll do whatever job you throw at me." If I then said "Great! I know an accountant who is looking for an XYZ" and it turns out that you're a bad fit for XYZ then I look bad to the accountant.
So, the starting point for you needs to be your elevator pitch. What skills do you have, where do your interests lie, and what is your value proposition for me? If you are looking to me to refer you to another person, why should I do that? If you are looking for me to hire you, why should I do that?
As I mention above, there are lots of resources online that can help you start thinking about what you want to do; the bottom line is, the better you know yourself (your skills, interests, personality, working style, working environment that is best for you, etc.), the more precise you can be about what it is you want to be doing. That helps with your networking efforts tremendously.
posted by dfriedman at 9:56 AM on January 6, 2011
I've been in your shoes. It's hard not to be able to say, "I want a job as a lawyer" or something specific like that. But especially now, when lots of people are doing work they might not have expected, there's no shame in saying, "I want a job with variety" or "I want a job at X company/university/government sector" (when that could be anything from a receptionist to prison dentist). The feel for the workplace, or the work environment, is just as important, and having flexibility in what you're willing to do is a great asset.
I agree with playing up your flexibility and problem solving skills. If you find a good place, even if it's lower than your skills might suggest, having good people around you can make it that much easier for them to give you new kinds of work and help you parlay it into a fuller career.
One thing I've found is that there are a ton of jobs out there I never would have known existed. Be specific when you apply for jobs, but as long as you do your research and make a good case for yourself, there's no reason not to apply for anything that sounds interesting. But you probably know that :) Good luck!
posted by Madamina at 9:59 AM on January 6, 2011
I agree with playing up your flexibility and problem solving skills. If you find a good place, even if it's lower than your skills might suggest, having good people around you can make it that much easier for them to give you new kinds of work and help you parlay it into a fuller career.
One thing I've found is that there are a ton of jobs out there I never would have known existed. Be specific when you apply for jobs, but as long as you do your research and make a good case for yourself, there's no reason not to apply for anything that sounds interesting. But you probably know that :) Good luck!
posted by Madamina at 9:59 AM on January 6, 2011
griphus, the question is: what do *you* want to do?
Basically, you sound like an operations manager. But the challenge is that you don't have a business diploma, so you kind of have to sneak into those positions. Trying to work at a large bureaucratic company won't be an option, because they want to see credentials etc etc.
Your best strategy is to try to find a job at a small company of less than 30 people, preferably a place where there is no HR department - maybe *you* will become the HR department.
The first step you need to do, though, is to list your skills, projects, and accomplishments. Create 5 bullets for each.
Next, try to get information interviews with hiring managers at ten companies. Give them the list, and say "what kind of work does this make me suited for?" You don't have to limit this to hiring managers at ten companies. Give your bulleted list to everyone you meet, and ask for their opinion. Then ask, "is there anyone you know of who would hire someone like me?"
Once you have got advice, settle on a job. Then look for small companies who hire that sort of position. After that start contacting those companies.
Filling the funnel is your friend here. Contact 10 companies a week (that's 2 a day). Ask to speak to the hiring manager. Say you are interested in working at the company. Give them your resume. Say you will call back in 3 months. Call back in 3 months.
Sooner or later you will have a job.
But the person-to-person strategy, focusing on smaller companies, is what will work. Sending your resumes out is a waste of time.
posted by KokuRyu at 11:45 AM on January 6, 2011 [3 favorites]
Basically, you sound like an operations manager. But the challenge is that you don't have a business diploma, so you kind of have to sneak into those positions. Trying to work at a large bureaucratic company won't be an option, because they want to see credentials etc etc.
Your best strategy is to try to find a job at a small company of less than 30 people, preferably a place where there is no HR department - maybe *you* will become the HR department.
The first step you need to do, though, is to list your skills, projects, and accomplishments. Create 5 bullets for each.
Next, try to get information interviews with hiring managers at ten companies. Give them the list, and say "what kind of work does this make me suited for?" You don't have to limit this to hiring managers at ten companies. Give your bulleted list to everyone you meet, and ask for their opinion. Then ask, "is there anyone you know of who would hire someone like me?"
Once you have got advice, settle on a job. Then look for small companies who hire that sort of position. After that start contacting those companies.
Filling the funnel is your friend here. Contact 10 companies a week (that's 2 a day). Ask to speak to the hiring manager. Say you are interested in working at the company. Give them your resume. Say you will call back in 3 months. Call back in 3 months.
Sooner or later you will have a job.
But the person-to-person strategy, focusing on smaller companies, is what will work. Sending your resumes out is a waste of time.
posted by KokuRyu at 11:45 AM on January 6, 2011 [3 favorites]
I just want a job in an office with a computer where I show up, solve problems, and then I go home.
I think this is your answer.
But only you know for sure. So, what do you want to do?
The answer doesn't have to be a job. You don't have to say "I want to be a typesetter in a print shop" or whatever. Something along these lines:
You sound like you know what you want, but you don't know how to say that. That is what you need to work on.
Memail me if there is anything I can do to help. Good luck!
posted by I am the Walrus at 12:20 PM on January 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
I think this is your answer.
But only you know for sure. So, what do you want to do?
The answer doesn't have to be a job. You don't have to say "I want to be a typesetter in a print shop" or whatever. Something along these lines:
- I'm computer savvy, and a natural problem solver, so I'm looking for someplace where I can help find solutions
- I'm looking for a job with fairly reliable hours so I still have time to take care of my elderly grandmother
- I want to find a place that is low stress; where I can come and contribute, but it won't flare up my stomach ulcer
You sound like you know what you want, but you don't know how to say that. That is what you need to work on.
Memail me if there is anything I can do to help. Good luck!
posted by I am the Walrus at 12:20 PM on January 6, 2011 [1 favorite]
you sound like a small office manager to me; or possibly the admin to the manager of a large office. Those positions involve a bit of everything you've done, and while doing them you can learn what type of stuff you want to concentrate on as you get more senior: HR? Operations? Project Management? etc.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:14 PM on January 6, 2011
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:14 PM on January 6, 2011
and regarding Walrus' comment... speaking as a former recruiter: no. Don't ever tell anyone, as you network and interview, that your priority is to get out of the office on time to deal with other commitments, or that you have stress issues. Even if these things are true (I didn't see them in your post, but I'm responding anyway in case some other college grad is ever going to refer to this thread for advice) you don't bring them up if you want people to help you get a job. These are issues for feeling out after you have interviewed and they have expressed their interest in you. I hope Walrus was joking.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:18 PM on January 6, 2011
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:18 PM on January 6, 2011
speaking as a former recruiter: no. Don't ever tell anyone, as you network and interview, that your priority is to get out of the office on time to deal with other commitments, or that you have stress issues.
I agree with this, but I think it's also important to feel out the workplace atmosphere before you even bother to interview -- because if you do get a job offer for a really high stress place, it might be hard to turn down. And there are often clear financial trade-offs between stress and money, so less stress/less money is a perfectly legitimate job search criteria to have in mind. If low stress is important, I'd ask open-ended but appropriate questions like "what is the atmosphere there like?"
Another hint: check how many women managers there are in their 30s/40s, and how long they've been there. Family unfriendly places plain just can't retain women after they've had kids. They also sometimes have BSD ("big swinging dick") attitudes that keep them from hiring women in the first place. (Memorably, a recruiter once sent me to interview at a small law firm, telling me that "They pay below market and expect you to work big firm hours." Then I noticed that there were no women working there other than the distractingly pretty secretaries. Um, pass, thanks.)
posted by yarly at 1:48 PM on January 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
I agree with this, but I think it's also important to feel out the workplace atmosphere before you even bother to interview -- because if you do get a job offer for a really high stress place, it might be hard to turn down. And there are often clear financial trade-offs between stress and money, so less stress/less money is a perfectly legitimate job search criteria to have in mind. If low stress is important, I'd ask open-ended but appropriate questions like "what is the atmosphere there like?"
Another hint: check how many women managers there are in their 30s/40s, and how long they've been there. Family unfriendly places plain just can't retain women after they've had kids. They also sometimes have BSD ("big swinging dick") attitudes that keep them from hiring women in the first place. (Memorably, a recruiter once sent me to interview at a small law firm, telling me that "They pay below market and expect you to work big firm hours." Then I noticed that there were no women working there other than the distractingly pretty secretaries. Um, pass, thanks.)
posted by yarly at 1:48 PM on January 6, 2011 [2 favorites]
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posted by mareli at 9:04 AM on January 6, 2011