Having no luck in my job search
Hi everyone, hope things are going well. I’m currently an admin/sales assistant at a brokerage firm and have been for a total of about 8 years. I left for a bit to go to grad school, where I completed my masters degree in journalism, and then came back during the pandemic. I have about 10 years experience as a journalist/editor as well. I’ve gotten a few financial licenses while at the firm, but have seen one raise in 4.5 years and 75% less of my usual holiday bonus this past year, both of which blamed on the company being unable to afford more. I’m getting paid what is essentially an entry level salary.
I have been applying to jobs endlessly with no luck, both in the financial sector and in the journalism/media fields. I’ve gotten a few interviews and went through four rounds of them at one company only to be rejected in the end. I am entirely as a loss, I’m at the point that I’m simply reapplying to positions I applied to six months ago. I’m fairly certain my resume is pretty decent as resume editing is something I used to do as a a freelancer, and I know I have decent experience and qualifications, so if anyone could provide any guidance or suggestions I would really appreciate it.
Anonymous
05/07/25 at 11:45PM UTC
Ugh! I am frustrated for you, especially, with your level of experience and educational background. Congrats on your masters, by the way!
As a former J-major myself, I find a lot of us have migrated into tech roles in different capacities. Fintech and e-commerce industries are pretty hot right now but perhaps you can explore roles that lean on your writing background in content strategy, UX content strategy, technical writer and communications.
Freelance work is cool too but a lot of tech companies also contract out too so I'd say looking into contractor roles.
The beauty about your writing background is that so many tech organizations would value your expertise as a writer. If you can snag a few skills behind AI integrations or learn more about conversational design, you could also leverage your writing background to help build AI bot personas and develop the voice and tone in how they interact with clients/customers for the company you work with.
I know you have a few financial licenses (not sure what they're in) but perhaps there are ways you can leverage your credentials and monetize your content somehow. Maybe starting your own newsletter, podcast or something like that.
What about your LinkedIn profile? Have you had any success in using that network to make connections? Time- to-time Fairygodboss hosts virtual career fairs. I'd also look at research any virtual career fairs or in person fairs that can help you connect with other financial industry people.
I find going to network events (in person or online) are great ways to make connections and get recruiting contacts. So, just look into what are some upcoming fintech events coming up that you can join (believe it or not, most stuff you can find free or find a way to get sponsorships for).
Good luck to you! Don't give up.
Anonymous
05/09/25 at 4:16PM UTC
LinkedIn is a very valuable tool especially with all the skills you have. Algorythims are run daily. I would also flag my profile that you are open to work, you can do this without adding the banner if you prefer. Also networking with others in the industry that you are targeting may help. Also look into recruiters or headhunters in your target field. They will also reach out periodically on linkedin if you have your open to work flagged.
