I need a job! Now!
February 6, 2008 1:31 PM Subscribe
I have a good sense of what kind of job I want. What's the fastest way to go about getting it?
I have four years of project management experience in web software, and I am looking for an opportunity to move into a design/advertising agency to continue my career. Previously, I was working at a development agency, and I really enjoyed the diversity of clients and the experience working at an agency. I'm getting a little impatient wading through all the postings on the job sites. I know it's a necessary evil, but I can't help thinking that if I know I want something so specific, there has to be a faster way. Is there? I've asked around a little with people I know, but if there are trade events, anything like that, how do I find them? Thanks in advance.
I have four years of project management experience in web software, and I am looking for an opportunity to move into a design/advertising agency to continue my career. Previously, I was working at a development agency, and I really enjoyed the diversity of clients and the experience working at an agency. I'm getting a little impatient wading through all the postings on the job sites. I know it's a necessary evil, but I can't help thinking that if I know I want something so specific, there has to be a faster way. Is there? I've asked around a little with people I know, but if there are trade events, anything like that, how do I find them? Thanks in advance.
I know it's a necessary evil, but I can't help thinking that if I know I want something so specific, there has to be a faster way. Is there?
Find someone who works in the industry you want to work in. How do you find them? Talk to your friends, ask anyone you know whether they know someone who works in that industry. Preferably current or ex-coworkers who respect you.
Once you find this industry contact, let it be known that the industry they are in is one you want to work in. Do not ask for a job. Ask for an informational interview. Ask if you buy them lunch so that you can ask them a few questions about what it is like to do what they do, to get a sense of the industry, what the good firms are to work for, etc. Although this is not a job interview, you should nevertheless treat it as one.
posted by vacapinta at 1:37 PM on February 6, 2008
Find someone who works in the industry you want to work in. How do you find them? Talk to your friends, ask anyone you know whether they know someone who works in that industry. Preferably current or ex-coworkers who respect you.
Once you find this industry contact, let it be known that the industry they are in is one you want to work in. Do not ask for a job. Ask for an informational interview. Ask if you buy them lunch so that you can ask them a few questions about what it is like to do what they do, to get a sense of the industry, what the good firms are to work for, etc. Although this is not a job interview, you should nevertheless treat it as one.
posted by vacapinta at 1:37 PM on February 6, 2008
I'm in this boat too. Not to tag along too much, but it would be great if people could post suggestions for freelance and contract arrangements that could be acquired quickly.
posted by rhizome at 2:03 PM on February 6, 2008
posted by rhizome at 2:03 PM on February 6, 2008
GOOD project managers (aka producers) are always in demand in ad agencies. So if you have good references as a project managers from your current job, you should stand out in an interview with an interactive agency.
So, the next problem would be to find an opening. First stop - check the websites of the NYC agencies for job postings. And/or try and get some connections in the industry. vacapinta has some great tips.
An internship is another way, if you are unsure of having the skillset or if you want to experience a place before committing, but I don't think a good producer would need to do that.
posted by Artful Codger at 2:11 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
So, the next problem would be to find an opening. First stop - check the websites of the NYC agencies for job postings. And/or try and get some connections in the industry. vacapinta has some great tips.
An internship is another way, if you are unsure of having the skillset or if you want to experience a place before committing, but I don't think a good producer would need to do that.
posted by Artful Codger at 2:11 PM on February 6, 2008 [1 favorite]
Best answer: A lot of NY ad agencies have web divisions and have a demand for good project managers. Try checking job sites specific to the industry (http://nextny.jobthread.com, http://www.krop.com, http://www.alleyinsider.com/, http://www.sendresume.com/ as examples)
or going to a recruiter that deals with the interactive departments of web agencies (http://www.rgarecruiting.com/rga/, http://www.sendresume.com/ for example)
posted by lsemel at 8:09 PM on February 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
or going to a recruiter that deals with the interactive departments of web agencies (http://www.rgarecruiting.com/rga/, http://www.sendresume.com/ for example)
posted by lsemel at 8:09 PM on February 7, 2008 [1 favorite]
Another good job board: http://jobs.37signals.com/jobs
posted by lsemel at 8:11 PM on February 7, 2008
posted by lsemel at 8:11 PM on February 7, 2008
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by sweetkid at 1:32 PM on February 6, 2008