Think You Have Zero Chance of Landing That Job? Be ‘Scrappy’

I always advise that with a solid resume, interviewing skills, and relationship building, you'll land the job you want. But not all of us come from the same starting point. Maybe you didn’t come from a top business school, or you’re from a different country, or you’re restarting your career. Would the same tips still apply? A resounding yes.?

Take it from Harold Pietri, a guy who navigated his career off the beaten path but still successfully got a job in Amazon Web Services (AWS). In our chat, he gave insights for job seekers treading the job search journey a little differently than others. Yes, it will take more work and you have to be ‘scrappy,’ but you still have a shot in accelerating your career.?

When you’re not on their radar

Some companies do focus on select schools or specific backgrounds, but don’t be discouraged.

1. If your school ranks a little lower

Apply for international roles so you’ll have less competition there. Harold shared that he stood out to foreign companies because he has an MBA from Simon School, although not on the radar of US companies, it was for other countries.

2. If you’re a minority?

Whether you want to be accepted in a job or an MBA, diversity is always a leverage. Look for organizations that have widely diverse populations and those who truly embody inclusion. Coming from Venezuela, Harold’s MBA was fully sponsored by Simon School – an institution that tops diversity rankings.

3. If you don’t know anyone

The job search may feel like a black hole, as Harold described, where you just keep throwing in your resume until it spits something out – it is, but don’t be discouraged. Make up for your lack of connections by increasing the volume of two things: Applications sent and relationships built. Do it multiple times a day, make them know you, shout your name.

Don’t worry. Figure shit out later

After so many interviews, applications, and networking, just getting an offer is victory already. As for what’s next, it’s alright if you don’t know yet. It’s possible to say yes to a job you’re not in love with because it gives you a competitive advantage. It’s possible to relocate then decide you want to go back.?

Expect many stumbles along the way. It’s fine. Ultimately, what matters is you learn from them, you communicate your intent well, and you stick with what you think is best for you.

Keep on interviewing

If you only have a verbal offer or your contract doesn’t start soon, you still have to keep on interviewing. Relying on that one job puts you at a position of weakness. Get another offer and you’re in a position of power. You’ll have a plan B, and a leverage to increase what the first company is offering you.

Even when you do land the job, it’s also important to exercise that muscle, so practice interviewing regularly until something clicks and you find your rhythm. You won’t need to heavily rely on a script, you’ll be more confident, and you’ll notice more offers coming up.

Do the work

Be scrappy. Send out numerous applications every single day, polish your resume, continuously connect with people, and practice your pitch. Otherwise, a more deserving candidate will. It will be more work than what others usually do, but isn’t the goal to make you different from the rest? So take it seriously.?

For international students especially, always remember your reason for moving your whole life to another country. The path towards a better life and a better job is never easy, but the returns significantly make it all worth it.

#careeracceleration #amazon #multipotentialites