Community Spotlight: Job Search

By: Sarah Carlson / July 20, 2020

Community Spotlight: A series highlighting Aspire to Her community members and their experiences early in their careers.

Who we’re featuring this week: Sarah Carlson
Position: Summer Intern at Suitably

Applying for jobs has never been easy - and especially during these times, it may seem overwhelming and bleak. What have you done during this time to help alleviate this stressful situation?

Like many of my peers, I had to revise summer plans as companies rescinded offers in response to COVID-19. Feeling hopeless and discouraged, I reached out to a mentor of mine after she announced her virtual coffee chats on LinkedIn. Throughout our Zoom call, she offered actionable steps and moving forward with job searching in the fashion industry. After our virtual coffee chat ended, I knew that I wanted to keep learning from her experiences. I look up to her – both as an industry expert and as a leader who aims to help others. As much as I love free webinars and industry publications, I needed help with regaining focus. I continued to follow-up with updates on my career path and industry-related questions, and after notifying her about my rescinded internship, she presented the opportunity to help with her startup business. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, especially since most people understand the importance of support at this time. Though I value her mentorship, an official label of “mentor” is not necessary to foster a relationship with an admirable professional. When I have questions, I go back to those who have been through it before and are transparent about their careers.

What's your advice for anyone looking for an internship and job during this time?

As you update your LinkedIn status and change your resume, prepare for the post-crisis job market by asking for recommendations and reaching out to your network. Consider those you worked closely with, such as former colleagues or professionals in your collegiate alumni association, who would be willing to share positive experiences on behalf of you. Recognition of your accountability says a lot about you as a professional and a person; even if unable to connect directly with a recruiter, you are likely to be pointed in the right direction. If lacking internal connections and resorting to cold emails, consider how you can tailor your message to resonate with the recipient or company voice. Emails become easily lost in flooded mailboxes, so if you don’t hear back, follow-up every few days with a second or even third message. Following up has equal importance, if not more, than the initial outreach - not only for staying on top of the recipient’s mind but also for expressing your interest and gratitude, though be wary of presenting yourself as persistent versus pushy. Finally, gain the courage to adjust your grand plan for this volatile job market. Remain proactive yet keep an open mind to new opportunities. Now more than ever, adaptability and flexibility are necessary to navigate these unprecedented territories.

If you’re interested in sharing a career experience/lessons learned with other Aspire to Her community members, please fill out this quick form!