THEORY #5 You’re chasing a job in a declining industry
I cover this in more detail in Facing the Recession and The New World of Work but the basic idea is to ask yourself (and others) whether the industry you’ve chosen is competitive – or declining. Starting your career is no longer about picking a job from a list of a industries and just getting on with it. Industries have a limited lifespan. The relative health of yours will depend on all sorts of social, economic and political factors. I’m not telling you to abandon your ‘dream’ – but do look at your options objectively. Is there another – growing – industry where your skills would be more in demand, both now and in the next few years?
THEORY #6 You need more contacts
The fact you’re asking me – not someone working in the area you’ve chosen – what you’re doing ‘wrong’ suggests you need more contacts. There’s a myth that contacts are something you’re either born with (“Daddy’s friend got me the interview”) or you’re not. But anybody can build a network of contacts – from scratch. If you know nobody, work the room at an industry event. Ask if you can meet them another time for coffee. Then ask if they know of anybody looking for extra help at the moment (Remember – don’t ask for a permanent job!) What’s the worst that can happen – they say they don’t? Just ask them to bear you in mind if they do hear of anything – and keep in touch with them via email so they don’t forget you. Repeat with 30 more people and Ta-dah! You have a network of contacts.
THEORY #7 You need more experience
Ouch – the phrase that no graduate wants to hear. But the fact is that employers have always wanted to see experience on a graduate’s CV, as well as an impressive degree. Although it can feel like it’s just to humiliate you, they actually have their reasons. Hiring someone new is a big risk – and getting it wrong is an expensive mistake. Candidates with experience show they already understand a bit about the industry and the job and have worked in this kind of workplace before, so they aren’t completely ‘green’.
*Anything we’ve missed on this subject?
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