If I can help one person get an interview from this post, it will be worth it.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone who has been laid off, obviously you’re experiencing the hell of getting a job. First of all, let me tell you that I’m almost positive this has little to do with you and everything to do with the economic condition we presently face. So stop beating yourself over why the phone hasn’t run and why e-mails haven’t been answered. Millions of people are facing the challenge of finding work and as someone who has been in your shoes (I was out for about 6 months once), the most important thing you can do is lean on friends and family for moral support.

Then, these two tips may help when nobody’s actually hiring. While I write this for a creative person trying to get a job in the ad business, it can easily be adjusted for your situation:

1)    If you can’t get an “Interview,” ask for 15 minutes to review your portfolio or a few pointers on getting a job.

A tip about Creative Directors: Some are nice. Others are egomaniacs who like to hear themselves talk and/or think they are the advertising world’s answer to Michaelangelo. Still others just had a cocktail before work and are too hung over to do real work yet. And I suspect there are other versions of them in other types of fields too.

In any event, for a variety of reasons, they may not be up for doing an interview. But some of them, particularly the very nice ones who do exist, are often up for giving feedback and pointers. These are the ladies and gentlemen who remember what it was like to find their first job. They remember what it was like to get laid off. And if someone could have thrown them a line of interest during that time, that would’ve been something.

In other words, don’t put them up on a pedestal like they’re some freaking rock stars and for the love of all things holy, do not come off that way either in an interview. They’re people like you and me. And by the way, some of the most talented of them also happen to be the most giving of their time. They often do have 10-15 minutes for someone who has ambition and hasn’t generated an ulcer from being in this business for too long.

Still, do some prep on your end. Take a moment to evaluate their website and craft an email along the lines of “I’ve really admired the work you’ve done for…” to show that you’ve actually studied their work. Then include “And while I understand you may not be hiring right now, would you mind if I came in for 15 minutes to get a few pointers on getting a job in the business/for you to take a look at my portfolio? I really value your feedback.”

Why not ask for an interview? Because the word “interview” may have them running scared in the other direction because it implies hiring, of course. I know you want an interview. They know you want an interview. But this is just a conversation with someone you admire. Don’t present it as anything more.

2)    You need a web presence – preferably in more than one place.

You’ve got a physical resume, a portfolio and I hope that works. But you have to find as many ways to fit into the course of that decision-maker’s day as you can. One of those ways is a website link. It’s easy to click on and the decision maker can access info about you in seconds. For example, like my old friend Forrest Moul has done here: http://forrestmoul.com/

While you’re at it, create a separate Facebook Page for this purpose. Facebook doesn’t do the greatest job of separating personal pages from professional pages, so be careful of what you’re saying on your “main” personal page. But this can be a very good way to connect to decision-makers and suggesting that they view your professional page via a link.

If you’re a blogger, yet another variation is through WordPress. Not only are you able to create a page that shows your thoughts on the industry and relevant trends, but you can also build in links to a resume, portfolio and more. It certainly doesn’t hurt to show a Creative Director (or other type of decision-maker) your steady stream of insightful posts mixed with posts that show personality too – don’t be afraid to show off that side as well. As a side benefit, writing about your industry keeps your mind sharp and makes you feel involved with the goings on of that business, regardless of whether or not you’re actively working in it. I think you’ll find it a therapeutic getaway from waiting for the phone to ring or emails to be answered. For this very reason, you may enjoy the interactivity of LinkedIn and Twitter, which can also help lay the groundwork for potential referrals from people you know and introductions to people you don’t.

Now, you may be thinking “What’s the point of putting the same content in so many different places?” To me, it’s kind of like fishing, only you have your pole in many different lakes at once. If you only had your pole in one lake, well, the fish might not be biting over there. Can you really afford to miss out at that crucial moment? Of course not.

Let me know how these tips help and I surely hope they do. Keep me informed at dan@thecreativeunderground.com. I’ll be rooting for you.

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