STC San Diego Chapter
Paradigm

 

Paradigm Tips for the Underemployed

Here are some tips on what you can do:

1. Keep working. It's not always the case, but it is often easier to get a job while you are working. It’s basic human nature: we want what someone else has.

2. Keep learning. Use your time wisely to invest in yourself. What are the new tools that employers are looking for? [Don't just ask Paradigm; check out ads on Monster and craigslist and look for the tools that are most in demand.] If possible, take classes and get certified. If you don't have experience using a tool on the job, but you have taken enough classes to become certified, that's pretty close. Teaching yourself is good, but employers want evidence of your having used a tool to accomplish a goal. If you have not used a particular tool on the job, consider creating a job sample using that tool. You can demonstrate/showcase that self-assigned deliverable during an interview.

3. Become involved in social networking. Even if you think it's stupid, join LinkedIn and introduce yourself to people. Ask former coworkers and supervisors to recommend you. Learn to navigate this web of relationships. Your next job could come as a result of your becoming better connected.

4. Watch what you say while social networking. Prospective employers have been known to check candidates' Facebook pages. Watch how and what you rant and rave about, and keep clothed for your profile picture!

5. Contribute to forums and blogs. It costs nothing and keeps you writing. Depending on the situation, your online writing could also be a huge selling point for a prospective employer – many employers are interested in setting up forums and blogs within their organizations. Your ability to demonstrate your sharp-witted writing skills can be a benefit.

6. Think outside the box. Accept a part-time position, even if it's only peripherally related to what you actually want to do. Think strategically. If you take a job as a software tester, do a fantastic job as a software tester and keep your eyes and ears open. Are the test plans poorly written? Is anyone keystroke testing the user guides? Think of how your skills might enhance your position, making you more valuable to the organization.

7. Interview outside the box, too. If your experience and background are not precisely what the employer is looking for, take note of this, but point out how your other abilities are an offset. And – if it's at all possible – offer to take it upon yourself to become what they are looking for. When employers need a particular skillset that you don't have, counter with an explanation of how skills you do have are complementary. If you can see a need in the organization for certain of your skills that the employer may not know about or have considered, mention them. Offer to take training on your own time so that in x weeks you'll be able to bring exactly what they need to the position.

8. Address the "overqualified" issue straight on. Employers may be reluctant to hire you because they are afraid you'll leave as soon as something better comes along, that you won't be satisfied in a lesser position. There are two ways to address this. You can lie and say that you have always wanted to work for XYZ Corporation and that you're excited to work for the company, no matter in what capacity. Or you can be honest and admit that your skills are really more appropriate for a higher-level position. Tell the employer that you are willing to make an investment in the company, that you think that after the economy turns around and another, higher-level position in the company becomes available the experience you gain while working in the lower-level position will prove to be very beneficial to the company. Be prepared during any discussions to describe the qualifications that might benefit the company in the long run. Employers make investments in the people they hire. They want to hire people who will be there long enough to have justified the training expense and learning curve. It's not cost-effective to hire someone who is over qualified if that person will leave as soon as a better offer comes along. If you understand this and can talk through it, you may be able to convince a prospective employer that you are worth investing in.


Good luck in your job search! Let us know if we can help.

Hunting for a Technical Communicator Job (March Meeting)

The March 2011 STC SD meeting was an open panel discussion that shared real stories and provided practical advice on obtaining a job in today's technical environment.

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