Impossible Measures and Misleading Information

Question

Today in the world it seems as difficult as ever to try and get your foot in the door. Though my perseverance has kept me going through college, I am not sure how much longer it will last in the 'real world'. I am a first generation college graduate in my family. I didn't have anyone to guide me through college and while school resources were amazing I managed to work full time and go to school full time. I am amazingly proud of all my work and how I even managed to raise my GPA throughout my last two years.  Fast forward to today, I am an eager college graduate applying for jobs. I am looking at every entry level position only to find out that you need 4-5 years experience. My first questions is why would they list this as entry level, this would be more of an associate-mid level position. The more I look the more I see these jobs I actually cannot qualify for, just because of the years preferred. I am a perfect candidate otherwise. I keep looking and applying with no luck. I update my LinkedIn I get many messages from well known companies. I follow up only to hear crickets on their end and not following through. I understand the competition for these jobs, but what I do get upset is about the impossible measures these job posters have. I know, a lot of people are going to tell me 'well, you must have had interned somewhere, how else to you expect experience?' I was holding down a full time job, being a full time student who had tuition to pay because my parents could not afford to co sign a loan for me. I could not quit my job for a job that was temporary and did not pay well enough. I was fortunate enough to be able to intern in house for my company but it is STILL not enough. I wonder how long these impossible measures and misleading information will stand.  As for me I am still looking.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear that you're having such difficulty. I would recommend doing a deep dive on your resume- does your college have a resource that can help you refine your resume and tell your story better? If not, it might be worth the investment to get a professional to help you rework it. Also, are the jobs you're looking for in line with your major? If not, you may want to consider taking some additional classes in areas that match your job hunt to help get you in the door. Best of luck in your search!

Balanced357247 · Answer

I understand about being the first generation who went to college.  My dad only had an 8th grade education.  But Dad's work ethic was AMAZING!  He said, 'Honey, one day you may need to put your degree and your pride in your back pocket and push a broom.  Don't be ashamed - just go out and work.'

When I graduated, our economy was bad.  I applied EVERYWHERE and could only find a minimum wage job in retail.  Yes, RETAIL.  I was reliable, showed up early, dressed as smartly as I could afford, worked hard and hung around a lot of very good, decent people.  Notice I didn't say I *schmoozed* anyone.  Those higher-ups wouldn't have even looked at me.  But I followed people of good character and learned their example.

After many months, there was an internal opening in this retail chain, in their small advertising office.  The pay was still pretty lousy, but I drooled at the prospect of not working on evenings and weekends.  I applied.  The internal reputation that I had cultivated helped me get that office job.  In this role I was able to build some solid business skills to put on my resume.  This experience was absolutely pivotal in landing me yet another job in a larger corporation.  My family was so stinking proud when I finally got a job a decent salary and BENEFITS.

For me, it all started from putting my degree and my pride in my back pocket...

Ruzana Glaeser · Answer

I commend  you for not giving up, and it's not easy. 
I have put myself through college and also didn't have any internships and yes, that hurts a bit, but it doesn't mean you won't find something. 
Here are my recommendations:
1. Reach out to your school, they might help with getting you in touch with recruiting (my school had great resources), and if not, they might help you connect with somebody
2. Apply for jobs even if you don't qualify for 4-5 years of experience. My first job out of college wanted 3-5 years of experience, but they hired me with 0. I don't know why companies still put years of experience for entry-level jobs, HR field can be a bit behind times on job descriptions. Please, please apply for jobs where you MAJORITY (as in 60%) of qualifications. 
3. If you find a company or job you like, and want to apply, head over to LinkedIn and then look with whom you can connect there so your resume gets looked at. I would strongly recommend making sure your resume looks amazing, again, your school might be able to help you with that. 
4. Find women organizations in your area. I don't know where you are located, but women in leadership orgs love to help other women, so connect with them, many of them have job postings as well, and if not, connections.

If you want to reach out to me, please don't hesitate. I am in the Twin Cities area (MN), so if you are in this area, would love to help! Or even connect to people I know on LinkedIn

Chin up, and rock on!

Anonymous · Answer

I was fortunate enough to co-op in school so I had field experience, if you can get something even unpaid now that will help, I worked 1 afternoon a week for free in the field I am in and was a nanny the other days to pay the bills when my first co-op ended without warning.

As someone with senior level experience I can say employers are all looking for the Cinderella candidate. she must be perfect in every way and fit into their glass slipper.  With 25 years experience in my field, a company told me today I don’t have the “right” experience.  Well no wonder so many jobs stay open for months while employers claim they can’t find anyone to fill the slipper!

Elizabeth Trimber · Answer

One thing that might help is networking. Going to networking events and talking to EVERYONE you meet about what you do and what you're looking for. It's a game of numbers - eventually you'll mention it to someone who can help or has a lead. You can also identify people in jobs that you'd like to be in 2-5 years and then ask them for a coffee meeting. Like, 'Hi! I'm a recent grad from X University. I'm currently exploring career options and I'm interested in doing  [type of work] in the [insert here] industry. If you have time, I'd love to hear about your work and your experiences as a [their job here].  Please let me know if you'd be willing to grab coffee or have a brief chat. Thanks, [your name]' or something like that. Treat those meetings as casual interviews (informational interviews) and go prepared with questions like, 'what parts of your job do you really like?' and 'how did you get started doing X? what was your path to this role?' Be prepared to give them some context about yourself, too. Good luck!!!

MichelleS · Answer

Are you working your network on LinkedIn? Are you paying for the Premium on LinkedIn so you can send mail to people who are not your connections? Have you asked people to make a connection for you? 'Suzie/Tom - I am an enthusiastic recent college grad looking to begin my career in PR. I am asking you if you know anyone in your network who is interested in someone with my skill set. If so - will you make the connection for me?'

It's ok and encouraged to outright ask people to help you. If they can help - they will. If they cannot - they will not but they also won't judge you negatively.

Do you belong to any groups for first time college graduates? Or budding PR Professionals? Get involved so you can make connections who can help you or create a support system for yourself.

Impossible Measures and Misleading Information

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