Rained Out

Unfortunately the show was rained out last night. Only one corps took the field, so I won't be writing an article about it. It'd be a pretty short review. ha The heat index was 111 when the show started, then BOOM rain and hail. Guess I didn't have to worry about what I was going to write for this one after all. Everyone hates a rainout. All the corps worked through the heat yesterday to be confined to the busses for an hour an a half until the admins decided the show couldn't happen. The rain finally let up about two hours after the show was suppose to start, so I was able to go see my friends while they ate their fourth meal. This show was the first ever hosted by Merrillville High School, and I know they were very excited to be working with the Madison Scouts. I hope they can get another show there next year.

I have another show to cover tomorrow night. I'm probably going to a show just to watch tonight, so I will see all the corps that will be there tomorrow tonight and be able to have an idea of what I'm going to write about them.

I received an email from Halftime Magazine yesterday. My resume and writing samples have been forwarded to the editor. I hope that means good things. Just waiting to hear now.

Originality in Drum Corps World

I am covering my second show for Drum Corps World tonight. The second newsletter of this season came out today, so I read through the reviews of the other shows since the last one I covered. The issue is each person seems to write very similar things about each show since the same show is performed every competition. I will be able to make remarks on what has changed since the last time I saw the the shows, but doing a full recap seems like it would be rather useless. I'm trying to figure out what I can do to bring some originality to my article. I have found other people do not include interviews in their articles, however. I plan on interviewing two people tonight, so maybe that should be the bulk of my story. I just don't want to repeat what has already been written and bore the readers.

eLance- Hired!

Someone commented on one of my posts suggesting I use eLance to bid on freelance writing jobs, so today I created a profile on the website.

Here's how it works:
Someone posts work they would like to have done, then writers, or whatever your trade is, put bids in on the jobs. To bid, I write a few lines about myself and my experience, say how much I'm willing to work for, either per job or hourly, and the amount of hours I can commit.

I put bids in on two or three jobs today. When I got home from dinner, I had an email waiting informing me that I was selected out of nine bids for a writing job! I think it probably helped that I was willing to work for a little less than the average since I don't have a ton of experience yet. I also have quite a bit of time on my hands. I will complete three assignments at a fixed rate, then I will be evaluated to see if they would like to work with me long term. I'm so excited!

Writing Sample Conundrum

I applied for an editorial internship with Halftime Magazine today. Halftime is a bi-monthly marching magazine that covers high school, college, drum corps, indoor percussion, and winter guard. It would give me more experience writing about music and marching as well as introduce me to the inner workings of magazine publishing.

I have been given conflicting advice from different sources about writing samples when applying for magazines. A couple people suggested that I write sample articles that could be used in their magazine, so I can show that I will be able to write for their publications on the topics and in the style they are looking for. On the other hand, someone else was wary of this idea in case the magazine takes my article and runs it without my permission. I am not really sure what to do. I have published writing samples I have been using, and now that I am building my portfolio with my current writing jobs I have a wider variety to choose from. Would it really be worth my time to write articles for potential jobs? Should I send in articles I have already done? Should I do a combination? You'd think after 226 applications I'd be a master at this. However, I've found applying for writing jobs is quite different than applying for other positions.

A Beautiful Success!

I got the Christian writing job! I will receive a packet within the next two weeks that outlines the basic design of the magazine, layout, and timeline I'll be working with. I don't know much more past that at the moment. He didn't comment on my article sample at all, so I'm going to assume that it was ok since I got the position. I'm not sure if the article is going to be used in the first issue of the magazine or not, but here's hoping. This will also help build my portfolio. With the combination of the work I did at the Purdue Press, my research at Purdue, Drum Corps World, and now A Beautiful Thing, I will be able to show prospective employers that I am able to write about a wide range of topics and in different styles.

When It Rains It Pours

I have a phone interview for a full-time position at Nordstrom Rack in shoes in Chicago early next week! No, this isn't going to enhance my resume too much in relation to what I really want to do. However, it would be a paycheck (and a discount!).  I can continue working my freelance positions on the side and keep learning and getting my name out there. Also, I feel like being in the city, working with people, will help me build connections which could be used to secure another job in the future. Plus, I mean, I love shoes. You can't really go wrong there.

I sent in my sample article to the online magazine as well. I am waiting to hear back.

A Beautiful Thing

I have been offered a freelance writing position with an upstart Christian magazine. The great thing is they are working on their first issue, so I will be there from the very beginning. The unfortunate part is it's unpaid for now. Because they're launching the first issue, there is no client base, and therefore no subscription list and very little money. They currently don't sell advertising, so the publication is funded internally. If I were to write a feature article, I would be paid for the rights to that article for three months. Anything else, I retain the rights but am not paid for. However, eventually they should get a subscribers list and move from online base into print and be able to pay the writers. yay!

The magazine is for women ages 21-40. I have to write a sample article on the first issue's theme and send it in to be considered for publication. So, it looks like I will be writing an article today! Right now, while I'm still looking for a full-time job, this will give me more experience and exposure. Fingers crossed that someday someone is going to pay me for my work. It'll make buying food a lot easier. ha

Drum Corps World Article Goes Live!

My article is up!!! You can click the link and that will take you to it. Interesting title they put with it. ha I'm so excited! I didn't even get the email that it was released. I got a text congratulating me on a good article. Wait what? I haven't even seen it yet! But there it is! yay

Published!

I received two exciting emails today!

1. My DCW (Drum Corps World) article is being sent out today! Yay!! I'm going to be published!
and
2. I received the proof for my research article that is going to be published in the Fall issue of the Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research (JPUR).

I worked as a student researcher my senior year at Purdue. Our study looked at how young women view images, careers, and leadership qualities in relation to women. I conducted literature reviews on keywords used in the essays. I coded fifty-five essays written in response to images of women for key terms related to our research. I then converted the essays into Excel spreadsheets in order to understand why certain images were chosen or not. The full abstract will be published in JPUR if you're interested. I found it really interesting. I will also be included as a co-author in the final publication when it is released.

I'm pretty excited to be getting my name out there into the world in different areas. I was also contacted last night by my corps, the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps, to do some writing for them. I will be writing a letter on their behalf to a company that supplies the majority of the food used on our food truck as part of a contest. I am quite excited to be able to use my skills to support an organization that means so much to me.

Drum Corps World Gig

I had my first official writing assignment for Drum Corps World last night! I've worked in journalism before and never really loved it. However, I've decided if I could get a job covering music events such as DCI as an actual job, I'd be the happiest person ever. Getting to cover shows of the organization that is such a huge part of my life is such an honor. It was fun going back to see my friends who are still marching too. Drum corps is such an amazing networking opportunity on top of the physical and mental aspects. I have made friends all over the country through DCI and made some exciting business connections too. So back to the point, it is so amazing to have the opportunity to interview people who have had such a major impact on my life and the organization as a whole. Although, it's always a little nerve wracking at the same time. Since I don't have the experience to be able to teach corps like a lot of people my age who can no longer march, getting to write about the activity is the greatest thing I can think of, honestly. Paid or unpaid, I would not trade this gig for anything.

I thought my article was going to be a little blurb in the magazine giving a basic overview of the show. My supposed blurb is actually a full article with pictures! I wrote my article this morning using the large quantity of notes (I probably take too many) I took at the show last night. The document was turned in a couple hours ago and should be released tomorrow! It will be emailed out as long as you signed up for your free subscription to Drum Corps World Magazine. If you haven't, you should probably get on that!

(Dis)Qualified

I just got a rejection email from a department store for a part-time position at a perfume counter. Really? It appears I am now over qualified for such a position. Yet, I cannot seem to get a position I AM qualified for.  I am in a predicament. I'm told that places like that are going to be weary of hiring me because they will know I will keep looking for a full-time "real" job even if I get that one. For some reason I had this crazy idea that finding a filler job was going to be way easier than the real job hunt. Apparently, not as easy as I thought.

Do I settle and just ask for minimum wage?
Do I ask for a little more because of my education?

I'm not completely sure how I should be playing these apps. Honestly, it feels a little weird thinking that I am qualified for a real job. Six months ago I was a college senior without a degree and therefore unqualified for most positions. Now, because I walked across a stage and received a piece of paper, I apparently know enough to hold my own in the real world. What's the difference in me between those months? I don't feel any different. I'm pretty sure I didn't have an epiphany about the English language or how to write it when handed my diploma. I suppose it's like when you turn 21 and can finally go into a liquor store. Just a day older than yesterday, but now capable of doing so much more.

I've found looking back on the past month, from graduation to now, that I have learned so much about my field through applying places. If I don't know a skill or term they ask for, I look it up. I research everything about a place before the interview. If they want experience with Google Analytics, I started using it yesterday, and I will know the program. I guess you can't expect to learn everything in school. Especially when I have to take a bunch of crap I'll never have to use again, like Introduction to Meteorology, yeah English major...I'll use that...thanks. However, you continue learning and growing on your own. I obviously still have a lot to learn.

1 in 442

Today, a job board was excited to tell me that I was the 442nd person to apply for that job! Four hundred and forty-two. It wasn't even a very exciting job in my opinion. Are there really 442 people who are just like me, sitting on their couches refreshing job screens every five minutes? How do I make myself stand out in the sea of resumes and cover letters? I've used the skills taught in my design classes to make my resume original, so it stands out against all the template resumes. But that will only take me so far.

I am very much a believer that, even if 442 other people have applied as well, you'll never get the job if you don't apply. Might as well have a 1 in 400 chance rather than disqualifying myself and having a zero percent chance, right?

Any advice?

Unpaid and Not Complaining

Working for free doesn't mean you won't get anything out of the deal. In a market that is so driven by experience, it's important to get it anyway you can. I have my first real job assignment tomorrow (!) writing for Drum Corps World, a free online magazine. I have a very official looking press badge which gives me free admission into the several DCI (Drum Corps International) shows I will be covering as a staff writer. No, I do not get paid for my articles, but I get free admission, (saving me at least $20 a show) and I will be  published and appear under the staff section of the magazine. This experience will look great on my resume and help build my professional portfolio. As a DCI alumnus, I am really excited to be able to combine my love of marching and passion for writing with this unique experience. I mean sure, working for free isn't the dream, but hopefully these baby step will lead to something bigger and better in the future. At least my name will be out there.

If you'd like to read my articles, you can get a free subscription to Drum Corps World by clicking on the link. The first volume of the 2012 season will be out early next week and will be emailed to you. I will be covering three shows in the next week. 

My 15 Minutes of...Interview?

TeacherLisa thought it would be interesting to hear about my 15 minute interview in Marietta, so here we go. The interview was originally going to be a phone interview. However, when the day came, the girl I was going to interview with was called into a meeting. She suggested we try again later in the week. I had already planned on being in Atlanta visiting some friends at that time. I told her this, and she seemed very excited that we could have a face to fee interview. My very first! 

Fast forward a few days, 432 miles, and a 1.5 hour plane ride. Interview time! My friend drove me to my interview which from the outside of the building looked like it was going to take place in a warehouse. I went inside and the office was gorgeous! Not bad for a barn looking building. I arrived ten minutes early, because early is on time, right? I was offered water and sat in the reception area for what seemed like an eternity trying to keep my nerves in check.

Interview time! I was lead back into her office. She wasn't a whole lot older than me which was nice. She started by asking if I had any family in the area. Nope-I come in search of warmer pastures (of course stated a little more eloquently). My best friends live in the area and love it. She then asked me to tell her something about me that wasn't on my resume. I described a little about myself, what I like to do (read, play the trumpet) yadda yadda. What is your experience with social media? What is your favorite brand/company that uses Pinterest or Twitter well?

She then went on to describe the job and the company. What I would be doing, what she did in the position last year. She asked if I had any questions. Being that it was 15 minutes into the interview, I told her I didn't have any questions yet. Then she stood up, shook my hand, thanked me for coming in, and started walking me to the door. WAIT WHAT!? It's over? No. So I started scrambling to regroup. I'm very excited about the position. It sounds like a great company. And it was over. 

I flew three hours round trip for 15 minutes... My friend had driven to the gas station to pick up some drinks and had just returned. The look of confusion on his face mirrored my own. "You're done?" Yep, guess so. I had no idea what so short an interview meant.

In order to keep my name in the conversation and just being polite, I went to the store and bought some Thank You notes. The thank you note was in the mail the next day. The same day I got an email telling me I'd made it to the second round of the interview process. Next I would have a writing test. Yay! Writing tests are my jam. I responded with my writing samples the next day and sat back to wait...and wait...

So there you have it, my minuscule interview. 

Tips 'n Tricks

I've picked up some applying/interview tricks over the course of this process that have helped me better manage my time and energy. I will list them, because I have an affinity for lists.

1. When you're looking at a job on a job site board, don't just read the job description posting, go to the company's website. This will give you a better feel for the company, what they do, and give you some background material for a cover letter and interview. I've had recruiters tell me they've interviewed people who didn't know what the company really was or what they do...probably not going to make a great impression there.

2. After you've checked out the company's website, since they can write anything about themselves, I've found it's helpful to read some reviews. My favorite site for this is www.Glassdoor.com. Glassdoor gives an overview of the company, salary ranges, employee reviews, and sometimes some questions they've asked in past interviews. This will help you weed out the door-to-door and telemarketing jobs (if that's not what you're looking for). Therefore, saving you the time and energy of applying for something you don't really want. The salary component can help you see what that company is paying and also compare it to similar positions in different cities. I've found this to be helpful since I'm just starting out and don't really know what I should ask for salary-wise, and it helps give prospective to different cities costs of living.

3. We live in the age of the Internet, use it to your advantage! Through sites like LinkedIn and Facebook, I have found the pages of the people for which I am going to be interviewing. This allows me to know a little about them before I talk to them. You may find out you have a similar interest which, at least to me, makes them feel more real and approachable, which helps calm my nerves before/in the interview. You can be sure they are looking up you too, so if the information is out there, might as well use it.

4. Networking sites, such as LinkedIn, have job boards. I use LinkedIn most, so I'll discuss that one. You can apply for a job using your account. All you have to do is upload your resume and cover letter and LinkedIn automatically adds your profile with all of your information you supply there. LinkedIn (let's see how many times I can say that in one paragraph) also sends you an email when your application has been viewed so you don't have to sit around wondering if your application has actually gone somewhere or if it's just floating around somewhere in cyberspace.

5. Organization- I have a separate folder in my email designated for job emails. Every time I get a confirmation email about a job, I stick it in the folder. This allows me to keep track of how many jobs I've applied for and helps remind me of the jobs for which I have already applied. (When I started getting into the 100s of applications, I started to forget which ones I'd submitted already. No point sending out the same thing twice.

I'm sure there are a lot of other great ideas that help the process. If you have any feel free to share. Lord knows I need all the help I can get. :p

Background

I'll catch you up on the basic highlights of my search so far. I have interviewed for four jobs.

1. Digital Marketing Analyst- Houston, TX
I had two or three phone interviews for this one. I would have used Google Analytics to track the traffic to their clients' websites. Lots of number, which are not my forte. I wasn't too upset when they decided I was too creative and not analytical enough for the position.

2. Marketing- Chicago, IL
False start. I applied for a job recommended to me by my school's career site. Turns out the place was a scam. Everyone that applied got an interview and most were hired. Turnover rate was very high as it was door to door sales. Not my idea of fun, or safe. No thanks, cancelled the interview.

3. Marketing Intern- Atlanta, GA
I had a phone interview and a writing test for a Marketing firm in Atlanta. The interview went really well, and I was really, really excited about the job. However, the person I interviewed with left the company, and I couldn't get in touch with anyone else, so no job for me.

4. Marketing Associate- Marietta, GA
My first on site interview!! I was in Atlanta for a week and scheduled an on site interview with a publishing company in Marietta. I was very excited about the job. The interview lasted a whopping 15 minutes...a good sign? A bad sign? I really had no idea. I got an email the next day telling me I'd made it to the next round, a writing test. English Major, writing is my jam! I was pumped. A week later I got an email saying they'd received my writing samples, and they'd be in touch soon. About two weeks later (not my definition of soon) I was told the position had been filled. I was absolutely crushed.

So this leads to today. 200 applications. 4(ish) interviews. No job.

Welcome

I just submitted my 200th application and decided I should do something to celebrate this sad little "accomplishment." My friend suggested that I blog about my experiences trying to find a job since my recent graduation from Purdue University. Apparently, no one really wants a Professional Writing and English double  major as an employee, even with three internships on my resume. So here are my musings of my accomplishments (few) and frustrating disappointments (many) involved in my quest to become a contributing member of society. Welcome to my vagabondage to vocation.