How did you get your current job?

Question

Since there are so many people job searching right now (including myself) I'd love to know how those still working got their current job. Any tips and tricks about what you did would be especially helpful!

RANDI NASH · Answer

I was going to say the 'old-fashioned submit a resume on a job site' method because yes, that did work for me six years ago. However, the last two jobs I've had, I'm going to straight up say that I did *not* have the experience they were looking for. I was a catering manager at a fast-casual chain restaurant, applying for a bank position and, later on, a contract coordination position. In those positions, my supervisors have always straight up told me: 'there were people with better experience, more education, more prominent references...but there was something about your personality that made us say, let's take a chance.'

Remember that so much of your brand is your personality, the type of vibe you give off to interviewers. You're more than your work history. You're more than the school you went to.

Caitlin (Proctor) Huston · Answer

I also got my current role through LinkedIn--but not by using the job board OR sending messages to people. I was freelancing, and kept my LinkedIn experience up to date with my skills and certifications.

My current boss actually sent me a message about a writing gig, and within a couple of months brought me on for regular hours to help with content strategy, digital marketing, and PR outreach. It's the best job I've ever had!

Sara Bruno · Answer

I applied on the company's website and then messaged someone on the team via LinkedIn. She was so willing to connect me with her boss and give me a chance for the opportunity. I recommend reaching out to the appropriate professionals on LinkedIn - either a recruiter for the company or someone who would potentially be on your team. There are people out there that are happy to help, especially right now! Best of luck!

Liz Bui · Answer

I got my current role through persistence and being flexible. I was at a friend's dinner party when his fiance and I spoke about what he did for a living. He brushed on what the company was, how the people are, and what it was like to work there. I was immediately interested and saw a role that they were hiring for that I qualified for. So I applied and asked my friend's fiance to pass my resume along and if I can use him as a reference. I interviewed for that role about two weeks later, didn't get it, then got asked to interview for another role, didn't get that. I thought that was it, then a month later got asked to come in to interview for an HR role. I didn't get THAT specific role, but got offered an entry level HR assistant role which I took! So I guess for me, it was being open to speaking at events and also being flexible and persistent towards companies and roles that you are interested in. Good Luck!

ashley.ellis · Answer

Two of my last three jobs, I worked with a staffing agency. Recruiters at staffing agencies are adept at looking at someone's skills that could apply across various industries. Sometimes, connecting you with employers that may not have their jobs posted on the usual job sites like Indeed, Monster etc. My latest job I applied to a LinkedIn job posting. The great thing about LinkedIn is that you can see connections who are working (or have worked) there. You can also see how many applicants have applied so if you're actively searching and checking daily, you can make it into the first group of applicants, which helps with visibility.
Best of luck on your job search!

Mindy Green · Answer

I actually found my boss on Linked In. I had been networking and actually was seeking advice on making a career transition. I had worked full time in Insurance for 20 years. I really wanted to get into the beauty industry outside of retail, spa and a salon. I sent messages to people at companies I wanted to work for. I always provided my background & experience and asked what advice they could give  to someone seeking a career change.

It just so happened that one of the people I reached out to said there was a job on the company website I might like. I thanked her and went to apply. I had no idea I was talking to the hiring manager.

About 2 weeks later I get a call from her for a phone screen. Like RD Nash, I didn’t have the typical background they look for in that job, but I had enough broad beauty experience that she took an interest. Fast forward a few months and interviews later, and I got the job!

How did you get your current job?

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