4 Tips For The Creative Entry Level Job Seeker

I felt lost when I started my search for an entry level marketing position. I took my resume (it was very, very short) and a copy of my writing samples. Something caught my attention when I realized my resume was not going to get me a job. As a creative, I had to look deeper inside to figure out what I wanted from a ‘job’.

Look Inside
A self-assessment is a must to snagging an entry level job. No matter where or what you are doing – you have to know what you want. As a creative person, I am sure you can wear many, many hats just like I can. You may have stellar artistic, writing, design, or speaking skills no one else may have. You are putting yourself in a whirlwind if you can not pinpoint the direction you want to take.
Jot Down Your Ideas
Take out a sheet of paper and draw three columns. Creative people are fond of ‘I have’ and ‘I need’ lists. Write down everything skill you have that someone will pay you to use. It could be writing, speaking, editing, proofing, drawing, or designing. You may have fascinating typing skills (up to 110 wpm). Guess what? Someone needs your skills. You could snag any entry level clerical position you really want.
Look over your list and write down everything you need to survive. What you consider important is all that matters, but it is best to look at reality. Rent, internet, phone, utilities, and insurance are basics but other things could mean more. Whatever is it … write it down!

What Do You Need?
Take a look at what you have and need. Can you find a job that suits the things on your lists?
Make The Company Want You
Customize your resume to suit the job descriptions you are interested in. Then…. yes, it is time to get the portfolio! My creative entry level job search placed me at the right place, at the right time.
Here are a few ideas to make your resume and portfolio stand out:
-If you write, write a white paper or report on why a company should hire you.
-If you draw, draw your own logo and write an explanation of what it means to you.
-If you are a web designer, re-do a few pages of a company’s website then present it in your portfolio.
Do you get the point? You can make the entry level job search a lot easier once you pinpoint your direction. I think you will find many companies waiting for someone like you to come around. I used some of these techniques myself and it paid off. The time you invest in making yourself marketable is priceless; make it the best of your efforts.