Unemployed Recent Grads: Alternatives to the Entry-Level Job

Contact Heather at heather@comerecommended.com

Unemployed Recent Grads: Alternatives to the Traditional Entry-Level Job

Introduction

• Here’s what we’ll cover today:– Several alternatives to the “traditional” entry-level job

– How to succeed in each of the entry-level job alternatives

– How to leverage entry-level job alternatives in your long-term job search

Alternative #1: Part-Time Work

• 2 or 3 part-time jobs can match the pay of one full-time position

• Hone your skills at different organizations while still gaining experience in the field

• Meet industry professionals that can help in your future career

• Can get your foot in the door at an ideal company, even if they cannot afford a full-time employee at the moment

Part-Time Work, Cont.

• Downsides:– Little or no benefits

– Might not pay the bills if you cannot find multiple positions

– Unusual schedule

How to Succeed in Working Part-Time

• Find positions that can help you build upon your skills in the field

• Search for opportunities at ideal companies• Look for telecommuting/virtual positions for

more flexibility • Network within the organization

Alternative #2: Freelancing

• Work for yourself – You are your own boss

• Work with various & diverse clients– Hone your skills and gain experience

• Work/life balance• Exposure to potential future employers• Flexible schedule

– Work when you are the most productive

Freelancing, Cont.

• Downsides: – Unreliable/difficult clients

– Often must collect payments & send invoices yourself

– No guarantee of work each month

– You must actively pursue new leads for clients

– Pay for your own benefits

How to Succeed in Freelance Work

• Plan ahead– Freelancing can be hit and miss & your financial situation

can be difficult because of this

• Be proactive– Always be on the lookout for potential clients/customers

• Set goals– How many customers do you need to pay the bills?

• Network• Don’t burn bridges

– You never know who will give you a great lead!

Alternative #3: Contract Work

• Work for an organization as a temporary or part-time worker, depending on the contract signed between you and the company

• Some positions are remote/virtual– Work from home & finish work when you’re most

productive

• Potential to be brought on as a full-time employee

• Highly flexible (make your own hours)

Contract Work, Cont.

• Downsides: – Responsible for paying your own taxes

• Need to be disciplined in saving money or making tax payments

– Contracts often are month-to-month or only for several months

– No benefits

How to Succeed in Contract Work

• Prove yourself to the employer– More potential to be brought on full-time

• Take your job seriously• Display superior communication skills• Be flexible

Alternative #4: Entrepreneurship

• Today, starting your own company requires less time & investment than ever before– Purchasing a domain name costs as little as $10 per year

• Requires a unique idea, resources & know-how of running a business– Additionally, loads of self-motivation & communication

skills

• You can work in the industry or niche that you are most passionate about

Entrepreneurship, Cont.

• Downsides:– Funding either must come from you or an outside investor

• If the business goes sour, it’s on your shoulders

– Often requires more than 40 hours per week of your time

– Might not see a profit from your efforts in the first year or two (if at all)

How to Succeed in Entrepreneurship

• Keep up with the industry– Read blogs, books & attend conferences

• Offer a product or service with a specific niche– Your company needs to differentiate itself from the others

already out there

• Network• Strive to keep your clients/customers happy• Listen to feedback• Get a mentor• Organize a business advisory board

Alternative #5: Internships

• Get a foot in the door at your dream company• Some internships provide compensation such

as an hourly wage or stipend• Learn additional skills to add to your resume• Gain experience in the field• Make contacts at the company

Internships, Cont.

• Downsides:– Some internship programs might not be a positive or

meaningful experience

• Do your research to ensure the one you choose is right for you & your qualifications

– Might still need a part-time paid job to supplement any income from the internship

How to Succeed in an Internship

• Treat the opportunity as though you’re a “real” employee at the company– Many employers hire from their intern pool for full-time

entry-level positions

• Always come into work with a positive, eager attitude

• Commit to the opportunity• Build relationships with your supervisor,

colleagues and peers

Alternative #6: Volunteer Work

• Volunteer at a local nonprofit or organization in need of your skills

• Prevents gaps from forming in your resume• Create additional pieces to display in your

professional portfolio• Make connections with other volunteers and

paid workers at the organization

Volunteer Work, Cont.

• Downsides: – No pay or benefits

– Possible lack of meaningful work

– Might not lead to a full-time paid position with the organization

How to Succeed in Volunteering

• Make a commitment to the organization• Communicate with your supervisor about your

level of commitment • Regularly update colleagues on your job search • Choose an organization based on its mission &

your connection to it

Entry-Level Alternatives & Your Long-Term Job Search

• Always strive to do your best work at each opportunity you get– Even if it’s working for free or volunteering – you never

know who might be able to direct you to your next job or employer

• Don’t burn bridges • Add colleagues & supervisors to your

professional network – Reach out when you are on the job search

• Build & maintain your professional brand (online & off)

Entry-Level Alternatives & Your Long-Term Job Search

• These alternatives can be a great way to land a job in the future

• You’re able to connect with:– The company/organization

– It’s employees

– Clients/customers

– Other individuals that can help in your job search

Thank you!For more tips: blog.cachinko.com

Join us for our next job seeker webinar on:

June 14, 2011: How to Use Facebook in Your Job Search

Unemployed Recent Grads: Alternatives to the Entry-Level Job

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