Staying motivated
Hometown: Farmingdale, NY
Former job: Media relations specialist
Out of work for: 1 year, 2 months
I was working at a small PR firm on Long Island and I was one of two full-time people. We had a couple of major financial clients that got hit hard. I knew we were in trouble. My boss called me and told me I was not going to be able to stay. I got laid off with the other full-time person at the company. I know it wasn't personal.
I'm looking in both PR and journalism, since I have substantial experience in both. It's tough staying motivated when you receive a steady stream of rejection letters and get few interviews despite applying to numerous positions. Some of the tactics I've been employing recently include online and in-person networking events as well as social media platforms including Twitter job search and Facebook. I've also increased my networking with friends and acquaintances. Recently, I attended a college reunion with friends from SUNY Oneonta and made several networking contacts there.
I think the key is to conduct your search as a 24-hour operation. Whoever you meet, anytime and anywhere is a potential job contact. Picking up part-time work can also help buoy your spirits during the long, arduous search.
I have been discouraged to varying degrees over the past few months, as the market seems to be remaining tight but I try my best to stay motivated. When you put a ton of effort into the job search and get little in return, it can be very disheartening. I'm getting to the point now where if I don't get something in the near future I may just have to go to one or two jobs outside my area of expertise. I'm hoping that doesn't happen but it's a reality I guess.
NEXT: At an 'I don't know' stage
