Know your why: Job alignment not searching

In 2017 , I did something some might consider major, well it was major for me. I quit my first job and moved to a new state with nothing but 1k in savings and a dream. With no support from my family, I packed up my VW beetle and two suitcases and just drove up from sunny Southern California to a much more gloomy Seattle, Washington. I had a dream to help others who had stories like mine. Here is what I knew:

1) I wanted to work in fundraising

2) I wanted to work for a youth non profit

3) I wanted to work for an organization serving first generation students of color

I got this and more, I never knew Year Up existed when I moved to Seattle but I knew the kind of work I wanted to do. I have moved roles three times since joining the organization, first in fundraising and now in employment placement where I get to support AMAZING young adults in their search during and after the program ends. Let me tell what I have seen work the best in terms of that next opportunity. The hard truth NETWORKING, networking is probably 95% of the reason a candidate get's that initial first interview, it's through a referral, an introduction, a relationship already built.

How did I get here? I NETWORKED, now yes I am a natural people person and if there is anything that working in fundraising taught me was to not take rejection seriously, that for every no you get , you get an even better yes. I sent over 50 LinkedIn messages to try and set up coffee and informational interviews and I only received three responses, I applied to jobs online and some of those jobs called me back up to four months later, once I already was at Year Up. What got me to Year Up what sheer determination and someone who served as my internal advocate at the org. Someone who saw my story and believed in me enough to refer me. I am not saying that traditional applications are completely useless, I know plenty of individuals who have used online portals and have gotten interviews, however how will you make sure your resume stands out when 50-3,000 people apply to the same job? When I moved here I wanted a job more than I was afraid to network, and that is the piece of advice I leave students. How bad do you want a job and are you willing to send those messages and set up those meetings, build those relationships ?

I think the most important thing to note is that attitude is EVERYTHING in job searching and that when you come from a place of knowing that the right job is there for you, you will align with it. It's more important to know you're "why". So are desiring a new role?

What are your top 3 why's?

I want to specifically dedicate this article to every single woman who has messaged me over the last month to let me know my posts inspire then, I have received emails from young students to mom's who have been out of the workplace for a few years, from women trying to transition careers and industries, a majority of these messages are from other Latina's and women of color, women who lack sponsors to open doors for them. This message is for you, keep going, don't give up. Think of all the times you have succeeded, and let that drive you. And also to my students, you will always be my why.

If you are reading this and are a recruiter or hiring manager, I urge you to hire differently, stop looking at what is on a resume and look at what can be, look for potential and train for skill set.

With gratitude,

Melanie

#thefutureofwork #hiredifferent #dei #honestvoices #thefutureislatina