Advice—Gen Z Job Search Strategies
Recently, Social Media picked on a TikTok Zoomer who cried because she was failing to find a communications job in New York. Comments were brutal. Shame on them. Most everyone faces the job hunt, the rejection, and the excitement of their resume and their personality finally gaining attention. It is not a pleasant road, but one to be endured, and must be.
- There are plenty of ‘how-to-write-your-resume’ articles out there, but what if you have no experience history and just a college degree. Put emphasis on all extracurricular activities, stress references with attached supportive letters. Everyone has a talent. A cheerleader demonstrates the ability to be accepted by peers, the football player can point to team management skills. Every job seeker has attributes.
- Plan a campaign on who to first approach. Don’t merely fill out an online application. Learn about the company, who are the main executives, coldcall an employee and ask about the internal workings, introduce yourself. Attend social gatherings associated with your work goal. Join an association.
- No problem working friends and contacts. Even friends of friends might open a door.
- When all looks dismal, perhaps there needs to be a reality check on not only the career you have chosen, but the long-term advantages of 10–30-year tenure. What’s the best industry for job growth. New technology? What’s the end game plan? Certainly, you are looking at a job you believe you will enjoy but there are many appendages to a career line item. Being a bookkeeper might lead you into Federal Government work that provides long-term security. An EMT can be nurse can become a doctor. Focus on the range of surrounding opportunities not just the specific.
- Think outside the box. Personal story. After graduating from college, I had no idea what to do. My degree was English (poor career choice though I eventually became an author) with a business minor. A friend told me of a new company starting in public relations, but said, ‘you’d never be hired’. That was a challenge, even as a graduate with no related experience. I went to the company owner and said I would work for him for three months, so he could see my work ethic and my personality at handling clients. I got the position as an associate, three months later a salary, nine months later had a client lunch, and was hired by a bank, and a year later recognized by the city Mayor and appointed to municipal board that launched me into other ventures. Percervere. Don’t give up. Your first job won’t be your last, or maybe it will be. But don’t cry. Challenge the System. Push your Potential.
What’s your advice for the young job hunter in this market?
