Football and the Job Hunt

If you haven’t read my about me yet, I am a Coloradan through and through. As such, I am a large proponent of the Denver Broncos. I am by no means a band wagoner. I was old enough to remember the two superbowls, the terrible years, and now Tebowmania. How do we tie Tim Tebow to the job hunt…well that’s easy.

Tebow was a proven champion in college. He excelled in everything he did on and off the field. His resume was sparkling, and Tebow clearly demonstrated he could lead when the times required someone step up. Despite his many accolades, he was not seen as fit for the NFL. He was someone to be converted from his desired position because he didn’t fit the mold of the prototypical quarterback.

Now, as a recent grad, I feel like I am in the same situation. Not only did I contribute immensely to my school, but I have a solid track record or success. Granted I am no golden boy akin to Tebow, but I feel I have a stellar resume and enthusiasm to contribute to a potential employer. I don’t have the exposure a top tier athlete has, but I feel I have the same things working against me as Tim Tebow.

Those issues are 1) experience 2) I may not have done exactly what a potential employer is looking for 3) others have both of the prior two issues covered. Sure, I may lack experience and a specific fit, but what I feel employers are missing is my drive and dedication to success.

Tebow is 6-1 and excelling. All I need is someone to take a chance to demonstrate all I have to offer.

-J

#FF (Follow Friday)

#FF is a fantastic tool on twitter. Not only is it a way to show some respect to those you find interesting and worthwhile, but it allows for networking at an incredible pace. I truly love this twitterism because it brings out the altruistic nature of this social media.

People are willing to share, reach out, and give advice. There is a complete lack of barriers, no gate keepers here. Being able to befriend people who are like minded is incredibly beneficial.

Using the Follow Friday hashtag can expand your followers as well. Building that list of people who potentially care about what you think will lead to more opportunities in the future. Whether they be job opportunities, business ventures, or investments; it is a group of people who you have some type of connection with.

Networking is a key component to life, and twitter is an incredible tool. It’s much different than a LinkedIn or a Facebook. Everything is put there for the world to see.

-J

Throw Another Log On

Today, as I type, I sit In my living room in front of a raging fire. My roommate [@Luke_Johnson9] and I demolished some pallets and have turned it into a considerable heat source in our normally frigid apartment. Although the heat is welcome and the mesmerizing flames can be distracting, it is a welcome addition.

Interviews have a similar effect on me. They are a warming, optimistic glimpse into what could be. However, the reality of my situation is I ultimately have to throw another log on the fire in order to maintain enthusiasm. This is not hard to do, considering I get excited after every interview because I feel confident in my abilities and how I can help a company succeed, yet I still need to have new jobs to apply to and continue my hunt. Thus, I can understand how people get so despondent when looking for jobs, if there aren’t any jobs available.

There are jobs available! I frequent a few sites which continually feed me with new jobs to apply for on a daily basis. My favorites are Andrew Hudson’s, Craigslist, and the Denver Egotist.

Something that bothers me is when people complain there aren’t any jobs out there. There a plenty. The biggest thing is to stay motivated, be persistent, and, in line with one of my girlfriend’s mottos, “keep calm, and carry on.”

-J