One of my favorite things to do is browse online for hours, looking at various products, services, and even adding things to my Amazon shopping cart that I don’t intend on purchasing. It’s actually a little bit therapeutic because I get to see all the options I have available to me as well as learn more about certain products and the companies that manufacture them. But this isn’t the only type of shopping I’m doing right now. Nearing the end of my collegiate career, it’s time for me to start shopping for a job.
This terminology might be a little confusing. What do I mean by “shopping for a job?” Well, on the internet, whether its LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, or another career site, there are hundreds of thousands of jobs posted daily. While many may consider applying for a job different than shopping for clothes, I look at it from the perspective that I am the shopper trying to find “the perfect pair of jeans.” What I mean by this is that I do not think every job that is posted, even if it is an entry-level job geared towards new college graduates, will be a job that fits my experiences, education, and skillset that I have to offer a company. Additionally, I am looking for a job that pays what I am worth as well as includes a benefits package that provides additional value to a monetary paycheck.
I understand that due to current circumstances (Pandemic) I should most likely take the first job I can get. But that isn’t what I want to accept for myself. I want to settle for more, I deserve a job that will not only pay me my worth, but also set myself up for long-term career success. My first job will be an investment in my future self, I can’t just accept any job as it may not be something that is beneficial to my professional growth.
I find this topic super important to my career development and I want to make sure I am making the right decision. When I shop for clothes or new appliances, I do a lot of research on the brand and the quality of the company. When I search for a job, I do the same thing. Things I look for in a company are the average pay for the position I am applying to, the culture and personal reviews of people who worked in that position, and the continuing education and training that the company offers those who are in that position. Most commonly, I find this information in Glassdoor. This site offers me a lot of career tips and advice on certain companies, positions, and what I should expect coming into that role.
Lastly, I will conclude with an aspect that I mentioned in my last blog post. If recruiters reach out to me on LinkedIn, they are the face of the company. If those recruiters “ghost” me after asking for a hefty amount of information (resume, dates available, phone interviews), I remember that and know to not “shop” at that company again when looking for a future position. From all my experiences, I put a lot of hard work into honing my skills, I want to be rewarded with the best.
What are your thoughts? Do you “job shop?”
Andrew O'Connell 