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Anonymous

07/01/20 at 7:42PM UTC

Career

Needing Support--Job searching in NYC and feeling stuck

Hi FGB, I'm struggling. I've been job searching in NYC for nearly a year and have interviewed for at least 5 different roles with no luck. The feedback has always been that they thought I was an incredibly strong candidate but they decided to hire/promote internally. I recently had a great interview with another organization, but the role is really junior to my experience level and salary expectations. My concern is regarding growth opportunities but each time I've asked about it, they haven't had clear answers--which I understand. They can't promise growth for a candidate they haven't even hired yet! I don't want to be unemployed forever. Job searching is so depressing and demotivating. But, I also don't want to take a massive step backwards in my career trajectory, just because I can't get my foot in the door in NYC. We relocated from Chicago and I have no network here so it's been difficult to even get my resume past any initial views. I'm in non-profit and am having the hardest time. My whole life I've been very lucky to have had an easy time finding jobs that fit my passions and my career trajectory. Now I feel stuck. I'm open to any advice, and if anyone is willing to connect and help me broaden my network in the Northeast and in non-profit work, I would be greatly appreciative! My passion is for refugee resettlement (did it for over five years), youth and education, and international dev't. Thank you in advance for any help you can give!

Join the conversation...

Brigit Elizondo

Dispensary questions anyone?

07/09/20 at 6:20PM UTC

Hi. I wish you luck in your search...you have support here. I also wanted to add that my best friend got a job at a nonprofit by volunteering there first. She networked with the employees and other volunteers, and found out more about the company and how she could fit in. They hired her a few months later. I know it doesn’t always happen that way but it did work for her. I understand how you love working at nonprofits. Good luck.

Anonymous

07/09/20 at 7:05PM UTC

Hi Beliz33! Thanks for your response. Yes, I've been volunteering with two different non-profits since I left employment at the end of August last year. Unfortunately one is a school-based non-profit and has undergone a hiring freeze for at least the next 6 months to a year (COVID). The other is a tiny non-profit that doesn't have the capacity for hiring (I believe most of us are volunteers). But, I will certainly keep that in mind and continue networking/volunteering where I can. Thank you for your support and suggestion!

Rebecca Stich

strategic non-profit consultant

07/08/20 at 1:42PM UTC

Anonymous, I know how you feel - I've been in a very similar position. What area of non-profit work are you in, specifically? It's a broad area; what exactly are you looking for?

Anonymous

07/08/20 at 2:46PM UTC

Hi Rebecca, The fields I'm most interested in are refugee resettlement and refugee rights/advocacy and international development. I've spent most of my career in direct service related roles (case manager, managing large teams of direct service staff, etc.), but am looking for something where I can combine both strategic leadership and development of programs with some direct service. I would desperately miss working with clients if I was only on the leadership side and far removed, but I also feel ready to take on bigger leadership and development opportunities. I love being creative and resourceful and finding new ways to support those we serve. I hope this is helpful. I see you're also in non-profits. Which area are you in?

Rebecca Stich

strategic non-profit consultant

07/15/20 at 3:32PM UTC

Hi Anonymous, I've been in business development for over a decade, most recently in international development. But I'm trying to pivot more to program design and implementation. I'm not working at the moment, but networking a LOT and trying to get back into program work. I'm sure you've checked out the IRC and the other biggies in NYC. They're always posting cool jobs but since they're the best, it's super-hard to get one. Still, worth trying to get an informational there or at Human Rights Watch for refugee rights, if you have any connections to them. Just go in to really listen to what they do/how they got there/what the trends in the area are now and see where it takes you. At least, that's what I'm told actually gets the connections one needs to get a job.... Good luck!

Anonymous

07/02/20 at 2:12PM UTC

To everyone who has responded, thank you! After a lot of consideration, I've decided to pass on the opportunity that I'm currently interviewing for as it is truly a step backwards for me and my career path. I am fortunate enough to be in a position where I can take my time to find the right fit, and I believe that the right fit is out there! I will take all of your advice on linking to my school alumni on LI. Please keep your fingers crossed and good vibes sent my way! :) Again, thank you!

Amy Geffen

646

Plan your job search, overcome your fears.

07/01/20 at 10:14PM UTC

I agree with what has been said. here are only 4 ways to get a job: Answer online ads; work with a search firm; network by contacting alumni from your school on LinkedIn and getting introductions; writing directly to companies. Happy to help further. Email me at [email protected]

Kristin Swaffer

Dedicated Recruiter/Talent Advisor

07/01/20 at 8:32PM UTC

Hi, I can completely understand your frustration. The job market is definitely different right now. I would advise you to do a few things that might help. 1. Use a variety of Job Boards to find openings and make sure that you share your resume so that recruiters and hiring managers can easily contact you. 2. Apply for anything that remotely sounds like it would be of interest. The posting may not sound like your dream job but once you speak with the team it could be a great fit. Job hunting is a numbers game, the more you apply the more chances you have of landing a new position. 3. If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, create one. This is another place where hiring managers and recruiters go to find talent. 4. Join industry groups online. This will help you to build your network in the area that you want to work in. 5. Be open to remote working opportunities that are outside of your current geography. A lot of companies are hiring remote workers all over the country/world especially during this time. I hope that some of this is helpful. I am also happy to review your resume for free. I have been recruiting and hiring for 10 years.

Aly Brine

1.59k

Helping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!

07/01/20 at 8:19PM UTC

Hey there! That's a really frustrating experience, I'm sorry to hear you're going through this but I think there's definitely a lot of potential. You mention not having a network in NYC and that's totally understandable but it sounds like it's time to start building one! I know the coronavirus has stopped in person networking type events but virtual events are huge right now. A number of the Young Professional groups, chambers of commerce and others are doing open networking still online. Little different format but still available. LinkedIn is also booming right now. One of my favorite places to send people starting out building their network is the LI Alumni Tool. If you went to a college or university, navigate to their LinkedIn page and from there, on the left side of the page will be an "Alumni" tab. You can search for individuals based off of what they do, when they graduated, companies they work for or even geographic. To kick off a networking conversation, you want to find something in common and going to the same school is a great place to start! Requesting informational interviews can also be beneficial because people LOVE talking about themselves! Best of luck!

Anonymous

07/01/20 at 8:28PM UTC

Thank you thank you Aly! Your response is super helpful and encouraging. I will definitely check out virtual networking and the LI alumni tool. You ROCK!