Y Gen Out Loud » Unemployment

“Glee”ful about the job search

Lauren Phillips — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 02:12:44 +0000

Alex Jackson, event coordinator with Abel's on the Lake, and Lauren Phillips at the "Glee After Party."

The job search continues, but last Wednesday I took a break to attend Y Gen Out Loud’s “Glee After Party,” a fundraiser that doubled as a celebration of the hit series second season. And did I mention it was also a costume party where guests came as their favorite Glee characters or musicians who have been featured on the show?

Being a member of the Y Gen family, of course I dressed up. And being unemployed in real life, I took this opportunity to come as someone who has a job. Now, originally I wanted to be Sue Sylvester, the coach of the William McKinley High School cheerleading squad, and a ruthless bully to both students and faculty members alike. She may be one mean girl, but you’ve got to love her dedication to making Glee Club director Will Schuester’s life a living hell. And let’s be honest. Don’t we all know a Sue at work?

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a tracksuit, Sue’s trademark attire, so I chose another character. This one I haven’t quite figured out yet, except that she is more vulnerable than she might appear at first glance. Coach Beiste, new to McKinley High, is the football coach. A woman coaching football, funny huh? But she definitely looks like she can handle the job, and take down her entire team in the process if need be.

Coach Beiste may come across as a brute, but then we get a glimpse of her soft side, the side that wears lipstick (!), and our first impressions are turned upside down. When I find a new job (and it will happen), I’ll be the new girl, the one that everyone looks at and wonders what I’m all about, what makes me tick, and if I’ll make their lives pleasant or miserable.

Dressed in a t-shirt, gym shorts, tennis shoes and a whistle wrapped round my neck, I was ready to revel in the glory that is Glee. I have to give a shout out to the folks who made the night so special, including special costume judges Michael Barnes, social columnist with the Austin American-Statesman, and Sara Osburn from the JB & Sandy Morning Show on MIX 94.7. We also had incredible Glee swag courtesy of the Statesman and Glee publicists at FOX. And of course, there was the location, Abel’s on the Lake, which overlooks Lake Austin. To show their dedication to the show, the staff even dressed as their favorite Glee characters!

In the end, while I realize Glee is just a TV show, it does give me hope in my (seemingly eternal) job search. I mean, if the adults on the show – Will, Sue, Emma, and Principal Figgins – can act as foolish as their students and retain their jobs in this economy, then there is a chance for me yet!

Looking for jobs in all the right places

Lauren Phillips — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:03:01 +0000

It’s been a while since my last article, but I’ve been busy. Unfortunately, I haven’t been busy being employed. A life without a daily purpose can really weigh you down. Though, I’m glad to report, it’s not been all doom and gloom.

I’m still searching for my perfect job (or even an imperfect one). But instead of planting myself in front of my laptop and cruising the job boards, I’m taking advantage of networking events here in Austin. Even if you don’t live in Austin, I’m sure there are similar functions in cities all over the country.

Last week, I attended one in particular. Y Gen Out Loud hosted it, so I’m not exactly unbiased in my opinion about it. But if you have the opportunity to attend a comparable event, definitely do so. This wasn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill Happy Hour, where young, desperate attendees listen to older, wiser folks with careers go on about how jobs are available and we just need to work harder to land one.

No, this was different. Take one 6^th Street venue, toss in three professionals in social media, career counseling, and finance (David Neff, Valerie Hausladen, and J.D. Lewis, respectively), add ice cold beers, mix all together and, voila, you have “Networking with Purpose!” Of course, you may be wondering, aren’t bars the designated place for love networking, not job networking? Well, I’m no expert on the best locations to look for careers, but I can tell you that this event was the opposite of stuffy and uncomfortable.

I walked around the patio, introducing myself and talking to others, some in the same boat as me, some employed with job leads. But the thing was, I was just myself. And I have come to believe, over these months of unemployment, that the secret to networking is being confident in who you are and what you have to give as an employee.

I left that night with four business cards from four new acquaintances. The event was fashioned to provide an intimate space where professionals and young wannabes could talk about the best ways to achieve their career goals. And I guess I made an impression, because two of the business cards I snagged were from folks who forwarded my resume to potential employers.

I feel like a broken record, but from one unemployed to another, the key right now is NETWORKING! Wherever you go, don’t be afraid to ask about opportunities, shake hands, and ask for business cards.

But don’t stop there. The follow up is just as important and could help you nab that perfect job you yearn for. Believe me, I feel your pain. But make sure to take advantage of all the networking events in your hometown, even the ones that seem atypical. You never know where they might lead you.

Networking your way to a career

Lauren Phillips — Mon, 03 May 2010 01:27:01 +0000

Andy Langer, KGSR-FM DJ, and Lauren Phillips meet at The 2010 Recovery: Best Jobs for the Future Economy

I’m still knee-deep looking for my purpose in life, but for this column, I am taking a break from telling you about my adventures in job hunting. Instead, I want to tell you about a recent job panel I attended. The event, optimistically labeled “The 2010 Recovery: Best Jobs for the Future Economy,” was co-sponsored by Y Gen Out Loud and campus2careers. Since I write for Y Gen Out Loud, I figured I should see what was up.

The panelists included Texas State Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, Colin Pope, editor Austin Business Journal, Jay Whitchurch, CEO, campus2careers, Nathan Green, President, campus2careers, Kate McLagan, VP Client Services, Right Management, and Drew Scheberle, Senior Vice President, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. The moderator was Andy Langer, a DJ with KGSR-FM and contributor to Esquire.

I know what you’re thinking. Even though I’m part of the Y Gen team, why did I spend a Wednesday evening listening to yet more people tell me how to find a job? And believe me, that question definitely ran through my head. But, the information I learned and the people I met have made me think twice about my job search from here on out.

The good news is, it’s not all doom and gloom. The economy and job market are picking up, albeit slowly. And to prepare for the return of businesses hiring, here’s what the panel suggested – Networking. I realize this isn’t an earth-shattering pronouncement, but it really works. It did for me just last week. It’s all about putting yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to approach people, shake their hands, set up informational meetings, and distribute your business cards.

Business cards? Yes. They’re not just for the employed anymore. Some call them informational or contact cards. It’s better to have cards pre-printed with your name, e-mail address, and phone number than write that information on a napkin that’s easily lost or misplaced. Your card also makes the statement that you are proactive and professional.

But handing out your cards alone doesn’t further your job search. Arranging informational meetings are key to finding employment. Identify companies that you want to work for, go to their websites and look for people who are in the positions and departments you want to be in. Then just call them up and invite them for coffee or lunch. Most people love to give advice, and these folks will be flattered that you approached them to seek their guidance in finding work.

This shows you’re motivated and driven to find a career, attributes that won’t be forgotten. Even if their company isn’t hiring at the moment, they will know you and will keep you in mind for future openings. And make sure you send an e-mail “thank you” within 24 hours after the meeting. It may not be an official interview, but you still need to adhere to the rules, especially since these people are giving their time when they really don’t have to.

And the panelists taught me there is one more thing I should be doing every day. Treating every outing as a potential networking situation. At the panel event, I met several people that I will be contacting in the next few weeks to ask for their ideas and direction in my ongoing job search. You never know where a new perspective might take you.

Every day brings new opportunities, new chance meetings, for us to find our dream career. And that’s the main lesson I will take away from the job panel.

Gen Y job outlook not all bleak

Regan Mathias — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 06:48:12 +0000

With the jobs-creation bill possibly heading for defeat in the U.S. Senate next week, and the unemployment rate at 9.7 percent, it’s no wonder that Generation Y is nervous about their economic future.

Even though the situation looks bleak, there may be hope for our generation. Some companies have managed to grow despite the recession, adding entry-level positions more often filled by recent college graduates. HomeAway, a vacation rental Web site, is one of those businesses.

“We don’t consider the age of applicants when recruiting,” said Lori Knowlton, vice president of Human Resources at HomeAway. “But we do find that we have many entry level applicants for our customer support and telesales roles. The most successful applicants for these jobs often have one to two years of experience in a customer service role and have strong technical skills.”

Other companies have grown around Generation Y. Homescout Realty, a Chicago real estate company, was recently ranked the 16th best workplace in the Windy City for Generation Y.

“The age range of our agents works with the age range of our clients,” said Jordan Wilson, business operations manager for Homescout. “Our clients are all recent graduates and it is easier for our agents of the same demographics to connect with them. They are able to build relationships and build their careers with these clients. They will help them rent an apartment now and help them buy in the future.”

Still, a struggling economy makes finding jobs difficult, especially when fighting against negative stereotypes. As pointed out by Jason Dorsey, author of Y-Size Your Business: How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business, many employers have bought in to the idea that Generation Y isn’t as committed to hard work as previous generations.

“The biggest apprehensions I hear about Generation Y are that we act like we should be rewarded for doing the minimum, that we don’t carry ourselves in a professional manner at work, that we want constant praise, and that we are disloyal because we tend not to work for one company for many years,” Dorsey said. “It’s important to note that not all employers feel this way, but the ones who do tend to be quite vocal.”

On the other hand, Dorsey said that Generation Y does have some redeeming qualities. We are known for being technologically savvy, optimistic, good problem-solvers, and always striving for self-improvement. These qualities have not gone unnoticed by employers.

“In our entry level roles, our employees are using multiple systems to help our customers manage their property listing,” said Knowlton of HomeAway. “So it’s important to be able to solve problems effectively using a variety of tools and techniques.”

The key to landing a job, according to Dorsey, is highlighting these skills and addressing the concerns that employers may have.

“Focus on your achievements, desire to work hard, and willingness to learn on the job,” Dorsey advised. “Confront the Gen Y stereotypes head on. Let the potential employer know that you are committed to being on time – or a few minutes early – dressing professionally, working well with others of all ages and backgrounds, and trying to build a career rather than just look for a job.”

A lack of experience does not always mean that an applicant has nothing to offer a potential employer, Dorsey added. “One other tip taken from the front lines of job seeking: emphasize your past achievements rather than responsibilities. Potential employers want to know what you have accomplished and this could extend into the community or school if you don’t have much work experience.”

Gen Y’s job search up close

Samantha Scharff — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 05:47:35 +0000

The notion of being handed a full time job straight out of college is quickly fading for graduates in the 21st century. A recent statistic brings it home further. Less than 20 percent of students in the class of 2009 had jobs when they graduated. This leads us to ask what is in store for the next generation? How are recent college graduates dealing with the situation?

Michael (who, like the others interviewed for this article, asked to be referred to by first name only), a 22-year-old graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, describes the job search as much more difficult than he had expected. Graduating with excellent grades in economics, he thought finding employment wouldn’t be as strenuous as the reality has proved. The main drawback has been his lack of experience.

“I think I’m a highly credible candidate for the companies I’ve been applying to, but the majority of them won’t even consider hiring me because I don’t have two to three years of prior experience,” Michael said. “This just frustrates me because I don’t understand when they would have expected me to gain that experience while I’ve been working hard on my degree.”

Others such as Katlyn, a 24-year-old art history major, have found looking for a job in such specialty fields even more taxing. Currently a graduate student at UT focused on museum and community-based art education, Katlyn’s main concern is if the economy doesn’t get better her area of expertise will be less in demand.

“When times are bad and the economy worsens, art education programs are usually the first to be cut,” she noted. “This leaves me extremely anxious about the field of study I’ve chosen. It’s my passion, but what if I can’t find a job for years to come?”

While Stephanie, 23, expected a challenge in finding her dream career, she wasn’t prepared for the fact that even jobs she’s over-qualified for are difficult to come by. “It’s not even the jobs with high salaries or great benefits that are hard to find these days, but with this economy it feels like any job at all is hard to find!”

Like many in her generation, having a fall back plan to support herself is imperative. Stephanie is waiting tables while pursuing her employment goals.

Job interviews: not always a foot in the door

Lauren Phillips — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:38:53 +0000

After a month spent clearing my head and trying to come to terms with the fact that I was now part of the unemployed (it sounds more like an affliction), I decided to get back on the horse and seek out job interviews. For anyone who is searching for a job again, you know what I am talking about. It takes effort to prepare yourself mentally and physically for interviews. Add in the need to rework your resume to focus on the skills that employers are looking for now, and it can be a grueling time.

Most jobs provide an opportunity to build relationships that you can call on in case of emergency. My unemployment is such an emergency. I called on my employed friends, hoping something positive would come from it. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Oh, there were the occasional lunches with ex-coworkers, where I showed them my latest reworked resume and asked for any job leads. And in the few weeks after my unemployment, I felt hopeful that all this networking would turn into a new position.

But I quickly realized that the professional world is a busy one that has little time to deal with the unemployed. I know I sound negative and pessimistic, but, honestly, this was a dark time for me. As it is for many without jobs. It’s the month or so after you’ve been let go and it dawns on you that another position may not be right around the corner. At that point, panic begins to take over.

I can only say I must have been in a state of panic around the time I was put in touch with a liquor company that apparently had a marketing position open. Naturally, I began picturing myself behind a big oak desk, writing marketing-type reports and taking marketing-type calls. I talked to the company’s Director of Marketing and got an interview for that same day. Before I hung up, though, she asked me to bring a photo. I thought it was strange but, really, I was too excited that this job could be the one to end my unemployment.

So, just as I was taught in school, I went to the company’s Web site and devoured all the information. I wanted to be on fire when I walked through the doors. A few hours later, dressed in my best serious attire, I grabbed my resume folder, cover letter, reference letters, photo, and hit the road. I should have known something was up when the company address was an extravagant home on the outskirts of Austin.

I walked in to a group interview, something I had never experienced before. The Director of Marketing was dressed as if she had been running errands all day hoping to not see anyone she knew. This wasn’t exactly what I had expected, but I kept my head up and my confidence high.

The Director of Marketing instructed me to sit down at the table, a kitchen table. Four other girls were sitting at the table, also waiting to be interviewed. How should I put this? I was a tad-bit over-dressed. One girl at the end of the table could not have been older than 18, and the girl sitting across from me looked like she was ready to hit 6th Street.

The group interview was just awkward. At the end, there were contracts for each of us to fill out and turn in. The first page was fairly standard, but the second page was just weird. It asked for my weight, height, hair color, eye color and cup size – yes you read that right. I quickly added everything together and realized that I wasn’t interviewing for a marketing position that came with an oak desk. I was interviewing to be a promo girl that goes to bars asking if you want a free Coors Light. Not exactly my dream job.

I left without looking back, after first filling out the form (hey, I’m desperate). While this was one of my most unique job interviews, it wasn’t a complete waste of time. I know how much beer girls make and what the job entails, so if you’re interested in learning the ins and outs, just ask. After that interview it was back to the drawing board for me.

Follow me on Twitter @LaurenMPhillips.