20
Feeling like I’m under water
Hi all. I am really struggling with the lack of pay at my current position. Actually I have struggled finding a stable job since I graduated college in 2009 and then grad school in 2011. I keep finding myself in sales like positions with low pay. Currently I am a regional sales manager and make less than $60k living in the Philadelphia suburbs. I am finding it increasingly difficult to pay bills, as I had a couple medical issues that are now better, and am extremely stressed. How can I find a position that values my work and pays significantly better than where I am now? I’ve always done great with phone interviews, but after in person I rarely get the job. I feel like I am below water and can use any advice in finding a new position, or point me in the direction of something or someone who can help determine what I should be doing. When I was out of work two years ago I saw a career coach and felt this did not help at all, and I cannot currently afford one. I am so sorry for the downer post, but I am getting desperate. TIA!
Amanda TannenbaumWholesale Account Executive in NYC
12
10/16/20 at 4:27PM UTC
Hi Jillian, I am so sorry you’re going through this. I’ve actually experienced the same dilemma throughout my career and currently fighting it still! Negotiation in your salary is key, don’t be afraid. The worst they can say is no - especially if they’ve already offered you the position. If you’re not getting the salary you want, try to negotiate any bonuses or commissions to be of higher value and if possible, your health care coverage that they’re offering. That will save you money from every paycheck as well if it’s possible. Also any commuter benefits. Every penny counts! During your interview process, make sure you are prepared and ready to show your value and your worth with specific revenue values you’ve achieved in your experiences and anything additional you bring to the table, but be specific! In person, you must remember you are worth every penny and every position you feel you’re a good fit for. No one tells you your worth but you, and don’t settle for less. I would also recommend starting your asking salary at the salary you want +$2-5k more and take the negotiations from there. Stand your ground and know your worth!! Also, make sure you’re taking positions you actually want and know you can be an asset and do a good job. It’s important not to take a role that isn’t a good fit for you. You’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. Keep us updated and we’re always here for you!
All the best!
Anonymous
10/16/20 at 5:23AM UTC
I don't have any advice to give but just wanted to let you know you are not alone. I graduated with my Bachelors in 2008 and struggled to find a worthy role as well. I had a paid internship that turned into a full time role but I still felt like it wasn't the job for me. Like you, I went back to school doing a certificate program at NYU, followed by a Masters. I had a few great offers but with covid, I am looking for something new again as well. I think people who graduated in 2008-2009 really got rolled a rough deck of cards.
Evon Young, MBAIn Business... I am a continuous game changer
158
10/15/20 at 3:43PM UTC
Wow... This is a tough spot to be in and I get he struggle is real right? I agree with the suggestions posted. A couple of recommendations. Have you thought about evolving and moving into a position in your field of studies/degrees. If you have a communications degree, I would say take a look at some administration and coordinators opportunities in various industries. Or Marketing/Sales coordinators role to get your foot in the door. Are you on LinkedIn? If not I highly recommend you set up a profile and network, network and network. For interviewing, I feel you. Some times seems like you can't get passed those. I highly recommend this book/resource called Best Answers to 202 Job Interview Questions (Expert Tips to Ace the Interview and Get the Job Offer) written by Daniel Porot and Frances Bolles Hayes. It's got the majority of behavioral questions and answers and other questions. It's a great resource for interview prepping. You can get it on Amazon. It's my bible..LOL and it has helped me land opportunities.. Feel free to connect with on LinkedIn, there may be someone in my network, that you can help you land a great opportunity. I wish you the best in your search and getting through this valley. This too shall pass. E!
Anne Gullotti
110
10/15/20 at 1:18PM UTC
Hi Jillian: I was in the same boat, I still kind of am. undergrad AHI and Classics 07, masters in museum studies 09...hopping job to job trying to find a track that will be fruitful for the long term. My advice: Never stop learning and figuring out what kinds of tasks you enjoy/do best, and try to see if those fit a specific industry/position. Market yourself on your abilities ACROSS job positions rather than your lack of experience in a specific position. Adaptability, application of skills, open to learning new skills, and professional experience (as a whole) has been how I've marketed myself and found good positions. Big question is if you want to stay in sales. I've gone from..contractor in the DC area, to medical software research analyst in Connecticut, to academia in three different positions (BIG MISTAKE), and now I'm with Citi in Buffalo, doing something that I never thought I'd do with a company that is invested in me and my growth for the long haul. Constantly trying to find a job (even aside from the pandemic craziness, it took me 2 years to land my current position) is a grind, it has broken me, but it is possible. Good luck!
Rebecca Lee VCredentialing Specialist
3.44k
10/15/20 at 1:15PM UTC
Jillian, what type of what are you looking for?
JillianRegional Sales Manager in PA
20
10/15/20 at 8:45PM UTC
A couple years ago I was looking to transition to HR or Corporate Training. I even did a certification course through Rutgers Continuing Education Program called Human Resources Management Essentials. What I loved working retail for years was training new employees and working on the floor sets. As an assistant manager in one store I was really able to learn more about operations, help with hiring, train employees new and old since we had to keep our training fresh, and working on making sure the store was up to company standards. I also worked for a time as a Field Rep for a tablet company that filed for bankruptcy and closed down. I loved going to a different store everyday and training the employees on new updates, products and merchandising, as well as helping sell. So if I could do something that encompassed all of these things I enjoyed I would feel like I was doing something meaningful and of value.
Rebecca Lee VCredentialing Specialist
3.44k
10/15/20 at 8:55PM UTC
That is definitely a specialize niche market and with retail during COVID that could be difficult but doable. The current market is tight and very competitive, especially in the HR field. I've been in HR, as a generalist and a recruiter, for 10 years and am struggling.
It is possible for your to transition into that role within the company to are at? Either way, you might have to take a pay cut so be prepared.
I would think about the companies you want to work for and tried to connect with employees there. Maybe troll their LinkedIn page, see what they are posting (growing pains etc) and see if you can help them.
Also, search job boards for the positions you are interested in and compare your resume to those job descriptions. JobScan can give you a great idea how comparable your resume is to the job.
Don't give up, you just need to roll up your sleeves and dig in.
Elyse Shermer
279
10/15/20 at 12:50PM UTC
Hi Jillian. I've been in sales my whole career and also have felt at times that my work is not valued and pay is not commiserated to my experience and what I can bring to the table as well. I also have rode the wave during 2009-2011. Keep in mind , these were not great economic times. Being in sales is tough. These days are no exception( I am currently out of work too). What type of sales do you do? Others have suggested to look into a different industry. It's hard to break into but many people are pivoting with transferrable skills. Plus since you are employed currently , that does make you more marketable and able to negotiate. But keep in mind there are less opportunities now( at least that is what I am finding) and it is an employers market . You may have to set aside more $$ for now and attain that goal when the economy picks up. I've had both Sales Mger as well as Sales Executive positions. I've also made more $$ when I was an Executive so a title does not always mean more $$, especially in sales. I dont know if this helps but I wish you lots of luck!
Jillian Fuentes, CPCC, CPRW, PMPHelping Career Professionals Sell Themselves
54
10/15/20 at 12:33PM UTC (Edited)
Jillian! I love your name by the way! I can completely understand your position. Finding a job after 2008 was TOUGH!
I am a certified resume writer and career coach. I’d like to take a look at your resume and LinkedIn for free and provide feedback.
Email me at [email protected] with your resume and LinkedIn Profile name - I will review and send you feedback. Also, I can help with interview prep.
Working remote should not be an issue especially during COVID, companies are hiring. We just have to ensure your resume + LinkedIn are targeting the right audience. I hope to help soon.
LauraMarketing Director focused on Client Success
24
10/14/20 at 3:46PM UTC
Hi Jillian,
I'm sorry you are going through this too. I was laid off from my position late July due to Covid impacts after 13 loyal years to my employer. I was introduced to Kevin Connifey by a former client colleague of mine. Kevin is retired and holds a free interview practice Zoom session with about 20 attendees every Tuesday at 2pm - 4:30 est. I've been attending and they are really helpful. You can also look him up on LinkedIn. Let me know if you are interested in attending and I'm happy to make an introduction via an email to him. I'll be out of town next Tuesday so I won't be able to attend but will be at the following one! I'll check out your LinkedIn and let you know if I know of anyone looking for your skill set/background.
JillianRegional Sales Manager in PA
20
10/14/20 at 3:53PM UTC
I would love this! Thank you so much! I will look him up on LinkedIn. I am so sorry about your job loss, that is where I am very thankful I do have one. Good luck in your job search!
LauraMarketing Director focused on Client Success
24
10/14/20 at 4:19PM UTC
Thank you so much for your empathy. When you reach out to Kevin you can mention my name. He will need your email address so he can send you the zoom invite. He sends them out on the Sunday before. I'll be in touch!
Karen BergerAn innovative leader in high growth industries
74
10/14/20 at 2:01PM UTC
Sorry you are in the difficult situation. I agree with the comments on revisiting your resume and linkedin. You say that you do well during the phone interviews but perhaps are struggling with the in person interview. Do you have a someone that can practice interviewing with you? The more you practice, the more confident you will feel in the interview. Good luck to you!
JENNIFER COURTNEYThe customer is why you are working.
30
10/14/20 at 1:42PM UTC
What is your degree in? Are there jobs in other locations? Don’t limit yourself to one location. I agree with Rhonda hey a professional resume done and make sure your LinkedIn is up to date.
JillianRegional Sales Manager in PA
20
10/14/20 at 3:07PM UTC
I have a BA in Communication and History and an MA in art Gallery and Museum Studies. Location is an issue because my fiancé and his kids cannot leave where we are. I currently work in NJ and would prefer to be working in PA where we live. I am not afraid of a commute as I have had a long commute for a job I loved in the past. I did pay for a professional resume and got zero responses for it, and went for a combination of that and my own and got more. I will definitely revisit my resume again.
