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In our On The Hunt series, we interview potential job-seekers (whether out-of-work or transitioning) and talk to them about what the challenges have been, what their goals are, as well as any advice or tips they may have for other job seekers to stay motivated. This week, FreshGigs’ own Joanne M. Brathwaite talks to job hunter Kim Champion.
Are you working right now? If so, what are you doing? (how) Does it align with your ultimate job-hunting goal (if at all)
I’ve been actively seeking a new, full-time opportunity for about the last six months. After being laid off from my newspaper job last summer where, for the last 10 years, I served as managing editor of several award-winning Metroland Media Group community newspapers, I took some time to thoughtfully reflect on my career.
While I’m very proud of what I was able to accomplish at the newspapers, I concluded that the time was right to do something different – to shift gears in order to put to use the complete set of skills and qualifications that I’d developed. After some research and many networking lunches with connections working in the communication/public relations field, it became clear that I could build a rewarding new career in that field…I’m now boosting my foundational knowledge and understanding of communication/public relations via part-time studies at Ryerson.
What kind of job are you hoping to find? What’s your title? What does it look like?
At the end of the day, it’s not so much about the type of industry I work for, but rather that there are opportunities in the day-to-day work to make a difference and have a positive impact on the overall organization.
I truly enjoy meeting new people and taking the lead in building relationships that help an organization to grow and prosper, so the job I’m hoping to find would involve me working in a team environment where everyone’s ideas and initiative are valued and encouraged. The workplace would be creative and collaborative, filled with employees who are happy and focused on achieving great results.
My job title could include any of the communication roles found in an organization – from communications specialist or community relations manager to communications co-ordinator or communications officer. That sort of thing.
Anything promising? Have you had (m)any interviews? What have they been like? What’s been a memorable experience (good or bad)?
I’ve applied for two communications jobs recently that I’m really excited about. My research showed that both companies offer the kind of challenging work environment and opportunity for growth in which I feel I could do my best work. Both companies are also known for being at the top of their respective fields. Fingers crossed.
I had one interview in early spring that was a disappointing experience. The interviewer seemed to want to discount my media and journalism experience on the grounds that everybody knows “newspapers are dead.” I wanted to scream!
It’s certainly no secret that these are tough times for media companies as they try to figure out how best to do the news online and make money at the same time, but journalism will never die as long as there’s news to report.
Plus, there are so many transferable skills a media pro can bring to other positions that are clearly highly valued by a lot of companies, such as the ability to write well and clearly.
Why would/should someone hire you? Do you think anything has been holding you back from getting hired?
I don’t think there’s anything holding me back from getting hired. It’s really a matter of an employer and myself deciding we’re what each other needs after the hiring process.
I’m confident that I offer a potential employer the best return on investment. One of my key strengths is the ability to transform the inconceivable into something remarkable that leaves a lasting impression on an audience. I have emphasized this strategic vision throughout my work in journalism and communication, and I believe that this approach has demonstrably borne fruit.
There are so many transferable skills a media pro can bring to other positions that are clearly highly valued by a lot of companies, such as the ability to write well and clearly.
I’m hard-working, reliable, quick to learn new skills, and my enthusiasm and optimism for the work at hand has been a great motivator to the people I’ve worked with. I never hesitate to roll up my sleeves and pitch in to help with whatever needs to be done.
What’s been the most difficult part about your hunt?
Without a doubt, the most difficult part about job-hunting is submitting an application for a position online, which is like a modern-day journey into Dante’s 9 Circles of Hell. There’s rarely an acknowledgment that your app has been received, and voicemails left for hiring managers largely go unanswered.
And no one will argue that endlessly scrolling through online jobs boards is like trying to thread a needle with woolly gloves on.
What (if any) steps have you taken to ensure that you’re a contender for each job you apply to?
First, I only apply for jobs that I believe I have the skills, experience, and qualifications for. Secondly, I’ve asked business connections for personal recommendations or referrals if we’ve connected in the past and they are aware of my accomplishments and achievements. I have a strong sense that a referral is still the best way to get your foot in the door for an interview.
What’s been keeping you motivated as you search for your next gig?
I’m active on my social media channels, which keeps me motivated and up-to-date on what’s happening in the field in which I hope to work. Additionally, I stay motivated by helping others to succeed and do their best work. Just last week, for instance, a former staff member of mine called to ask if I’d give her a reference for a new job she was applying for. The former staffer said that while she was reporting to me on the job, I coached and mentored her to produce her best work so far in her career.
That great feeling has inspired me to search even deeper that week for a new opportunity where I could take that leadership to the next level.
How’s your job hunt going? What are some of the challenges you’ve faced? We’d like to hear from you! Leave a comment in the section below.