After my job ended, I have two months of savings before I need to move back to my hometown.

Anonymous

February 19,2024 at 4:39AM UTC

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After my job ended, I have two months of savings before I need to move back to my hometown. I live in NYC and due to my array of industries, I don't have a linear background or career trajectory. I've provided an overview of my eclectic background and if anyone uncovers the missing puzzle piece, I'd appreciate your advice!

My last role was a director of media marketing and publicity, I've managed brand marketing teams that included digital, events, influencers, social and sponsorships. I've led cross-functional teams abroad, I've worked with entertainment and theater companies and even taught ESL overseas.

I've had side jobs as a NYC journalist with columns for the newspaper covering restaurant and travel beats and have a PR MS degree. I didn't job hop but there were a lot of circumstances that were of my control included the pandemic, losing my apartment during a NYC storm and company changes.

Long story short, I have such a eclectic background that it's hard to tell my story succinctly on a resume and forget about ATS systems.

I've taken the ESL work and older experience off my resume as I have more than 20 years of experience. Making a list of what I feel would be the best fit for my future, I'm focusing on brand and entertainment marketing.

I'm applying for anything that's relevant in those fields and worried I'm not going to find anything in time. The area I would need to return is mostly manufacturing and construction and I needed to leave after college as there wasn't anything that matched my background.

I'd appreciate your advice. I'm having trouble finding the key to unlocking a job. I've tried the usual suspects such as Paramount, NBC, theater companies etc. and most of them have the company profiles that I spend the time filling out but while I've continue to apply for them throughout the years, I've only received rejections from them even if I have the skills.

I've applied for hundreds of marketing jobs without any offers and rolled the dice with Disney, hospitality, hotels, media, PR agencies, temp roles with recruiters / companies such as Creative Circle and Robert Half and short-term contracts with the industry giants s they always seem to be hiring...radio silence.

The clock is ticking and I have until April before having to give up and I refuse to do so without a fight. I've looked into temp and contract roles but haven't heard back and I don't have a car so I'm limited to NYC for now but would relocate for the right role. Looking forward to your thoughts and welcome any leads!

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AnonymousFebruary 19,2024 at 5:39AM UTC
Are you using AI to figure out the keywords needed for each job advert? You can do it simply by copying the job advert into ChatGPT/Bard etc and prompting it with: "What are the keywords in this job description?" Then, try putting the puzzle piece together so your experience matches those keywords to the best of your ability and use those words in your tailored for the job resume. No luck yet for me, but I have had some interest.
And for the record, I have not had success with Robert Half or Creative Circle either. I am actually looking because my tech company is laying off. I have also noticed that these agencies have only a small fraction of the jobs they usually have and I suspect it is in part because content people have been hard hit in my sector this year. One of my coworkers who is also looking suggested that they are not hiring until things settle down at the end of February and companies are done with layoffs and and budgets are firm. I am not sure if that is true, but I am banking on it myself.
The other thing I did recently was look at companies that are accessible via New Jersey Transit. I didn't get it but I did get an interview for a job I found by looking for places near Journal Square and near the PATH. It was a good job, comparable to NYC salary and there is a Starbucks when you get off the train. So, it felt doable. I lost out because I wasn't a good match for the tech stack, but I feel like I could do the NJ thing if need be.
Oh, and for a short-term stop gap, check out Playbill.com. They often have jobs meant for actors that pay well but are very flexible and they know people are only there for a bit. It is usually stuff like being an elder companion, etc, but it is some money coming in while you look.
But mostly, I am sorry you are going through this. I feel like the NYC labor market is especially tough right now and extremely competitive with all the layoff people (like me) flooding into it. So, this is bad timing on all our parts. Unemployment in NYC is also woefully inadequate due to the high cost of living which makes it even more stressful.
So, good luck.
AnonymousFebruary 19,2024 at 5:48PM UTC
Thank you so much for your advice! I'm sorry that you're going through your own search. It's so hard out there and I've had a few offers that were rescinded after months of looking due to the positions being put on hold and then permanently.
I haven't used ChatGPT/Bard so I'll check them out and also Playbill for an interim role. Thank you for you letting me know about the agencies and hoping things get better at the end of the month! I'll check out NJ as well as it's not a bad commute from midtown and affords another market! Good luck to you as well!
AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 1:49PM UTC
You are obviously rich in expertise and the “thread” is that you are a proven storyteller, a skillset that can valuable to any organization. Would you be open to something in Corporate Communications? Internal comms, PR or MarComm roles can be found at companies of all sizes and across industries. I would start using those search terms on every job board (FGB, LinkedIn, Indeed, Otta, The Muse, etc.) Best wishes!
AnonymousFebruary 20,2024 at 9:54PM UTC
Thank you so much, Anonymous. I've recently started looking into corporate / internal communications. I've created a new resume pitching those skills and will utilize the sites you mentioned. I wasn't aware of Otta and forgot about the The Muse. I used that job board in a prior search.
I appreciated your advice and now I need to pitch companies to recognize recognize those skills rather than focusing on industries.