Resolutions

Holiday Greetings!

I hope everyone had a refreshing holiday. It’s kind of nice to have things a little slower in the work world, so I have a little more time to focus on each opening that arises. No rest for the job hungry. In any case, applying during the holiday downtime seems like a great strategy to me, not to mention that my personal deadline of having a magazine job by January looks doubtful. Which really sucks.

On the bright side, there is no better time to start fresh than on New Year’s Day. On the not so bright side, I am not alone in this theory. Finding a new job is one of the top ten most popular resolutions—this I determined through scanning several sources on Google. Competition…grrr. Back on the bright side, I am not too concerned about the top three: losing weight, quitting smoking, and saving money. Thus, I can dedicate myself to the long list of other self-improvements that I would like to make this year, finding a new job being the first.

Clearly, I’ve been thinking a lot about resolutions today.

I actually decided to look up the definition. While resolution applies to everything from “the act or process of resolving” to “the density of pixels in an image,” according to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, I found the “process of resolving” and “the act of determining” to be the most applicable meanings. Resolve and determination are key in the job search, but perhaps no resolution can be seen to fruition without “courage,” which is listed as the synonym.

Whatever your resolutions may be, I wish you luck—and much success.

Happy New Year,

Ed’s Girl

Ups and downs

Last week things seemed exciting. Doors were opening. This week doors haven’t exactly slammed shut, but they seem more or less ajar. I am frustrated that people who promised to call me back haven’t. I keep my phone in my pocket set to vibrate then ring at all times to make sure I don’t miss a call. It’s easy to hound HR people you’ve never met, but ticking off people who have offered to do me personal favors is another story. I am optimistically hoping that the holiday season is responsible for delaying their response. Fortunately, there have been plenty of job postings to keep me busy. Woo-hoo for listings that request a mock article in place of a cover letter—anything that breaks up the monotony of the application process is greatly appreciated.

While I like change (and boy, could my life use some), I was a little concerned when I received a new magazine in the mail today. Receiving a free magazine is usually a cause for celebration, not worry, right? When I opened the accompanying letter, I found out that the magazine I had been subscribing to had folded—for the second time.

Confused? Let me explain.

Last year, I ordered a magazine subscription to a fairly new publication that I really loved; however, it never arrived. After several calls to the subscription line, I found out that it was no longer being published, and that my subscription would continue with another magazine. I shrugged it off, a little disappointed, but after a mere two issues the replacement magazine itself went out of publication. So the magazine that arrived today is the third title I have received since originally subscribing—and I am happy to say it is a magazine I love, and that it has no chance of folding. But it did make me think about how unstable the industry can be. It’s tough from the outside and tough from the inside—you just can’t win. And yet as soon as I started thinking about career stability and all of those minor life details, I serendipitously came across this quote:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

A little inspiration certainly felt in order. And the great Mark Twain is never wrong.

Getting in the mood

My roommate brought home The Devil Wears Prada yesterday, and watching it last night was just what I needed to get through a “Why am I doing this? It’s never going to happen” moment. While reading blogs, websites and gossip columns about the industry always keeps me excited about the prospect of finally landing a magazine gig, sometimes total fiction works too. I started thinking about some of the movies and TV shows that capture, whether realistically or inventively, the spirit of magazine industry. While most of the picks on my list don’t exactly portray the field in the most positive of lights, nor do it justice, they keep me going—or at the very least, they give me a good laugh. Maybe it’s because they prove that it’s not easy to get a job or keep a job, or maybe it’s because the main characters are all strong, hard-working woman acting on their convictions, or maybe I am just a little crazy, in any case, here are a few flicks and one show that can help get you in the magazine mood:

Funny Face
Ugly Betty
The Devil Wears Prada
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
13 Going on 30

A hair-raising experiment

About a month ago, I decided that looking older might help me be taken more seriously professionally. Looking young for my age has bothered me since I went to college. But recently, it has really been driving me crazy. Well-meaning people usually laugh off my exasperation at their comments. But believe me, I don’t need to be reminded that I will be happy I look so young when I’m forty. Aside for taking no precautions against free radicals attacking my skin, there is only so much I can do to age myself, so I decided that my changing hairstyle was my best strategy.

After scouring hairstyle magazines in the drugstore for few hours to find a cut that was mature, but not too soccer mom, I came across a Sienna Miller-style bob that was trendy and age appropriate (the age I am, not the age I look), but not so edgy that I would have to change my wardrobe and my music-tastes too.

I arrived at the salon completely ready for totally transformation; however, my stylist needed some convincing.

“Are you sure?” she kept asking.

But I managed to calm her nerves, and we got on with the chopping.

With a weight off my back, I felt lighter and excited to test at my new cut at the office the next day and, hopefully, in interviews down the road.

So did cutting my hair get me a job? No. Not yet anyway.

Do I look older? I still get asked for ID at about the same frequency as before.

Did it get me more respect professionally? Maybe a little.

I definitely noticed that there was a clear divide between the reaction of my younger co-workers and the senior-level executives at the office.

All of the supervisors complimented me, and I sensed that joining the above-the-shoulder haircut club gave us some kind of weird common ground. Do they ask me for my input or support on projects more often? I’m not positive, but I think I have had a few extra opportunities thrown my way.

My co-workers that closer to my age and position level, were more apt to respond with indeterminate statements, such as “you cut your hair” or “wow, what a change.” But our day to day interactions haven’t changed.

Seeing how my hair fares in an interview will be the determining factor.

From a practical standpoint, my short hair has definitely eliminated the matted nests that usually appear at the nape of my neck during the winter months. Thick scarves and New York City winds=one nasty, knotty situation.

Okay, maybe it seems like I was expecting a lot from a relatively minor change. But I recently read a magazine article that said that brunettes are more likely to be taken seriously by employers than blondes—and they are often hired at higher starting salaries.

Darn. Maybe I should have changed color, not length. But one major change to my tresses in any 30-day period is about all I can handle.

Weekend update

It has been a busy but promising week folks. I have been hosting friends and family from out-of-town all week long, so between working, going on tree-buying expeditions, entertaining and trying to create the illusion that my apartment is always magically spotless with little to no effort on my part, I’m exhausted. There is no place I’d rather be than alone in my cozy apartment sharing my news with all of you.

The week started off with a promising telephone conversation with a family friend of one of my best friends from college. The conversation went very well, and she said she would pass my resume on to a VIP in the industry, along with a personal recommendation. I always feel a TON of pressure when I have someone put their name on the line for me. On the other hand, I know how hard I am willing to work, so I have to have faith in myself and utilize all the connections I have. I have gotten over any delusions that if I just keep at it, I can land a job all on my own. In this business, it’s who you know and who you meet. Networking, my friends, just do it. (I’m sure I’ll have plenty of time to work my butt off to repay everyone for helping me once I get a job.)

The second great thing that happened is that I ran into an editorial assistant I met while interning several years ago. This girl is proof that if you are overflowing with personality and energy and have limitless drive and determination, you will make it in the business. It was great seeing her again, but it gets even better: I received an e-mail from her yesterday asking me if I might be available to temp for a few weeks at her magazine.

Okay, in case you weren’t sure, by the time I finished reading the e-mail, I was on the verge of exploding with excitement!

Unfortunately, a few little devils named obligation and reality came a-calling, and I was beckoned back from cloud nine to NYC. As flexible as my work schedule may be, I can’t exactly take two weeks off without a seriously good explanation… or giving two weeks’ notice.

But I do happen to have a whole week off at the end of the month, so I gave all the dates I could be available, and offered to try to work a little magic to get a few extra days off as well. So I am hoping, by some miracle of God, that things will work out and I will have the opportunity to help her out. I can confidently say that this is the most exciting temp position I have ever been offered. I actually just realized recently, and by recently I mean this week, that many magazines hire temps to help out for special projects, as well as fairly long term assignments. So there’s another possible angle to try to work!

I have a full weekend of employment avenues to explore, a sizable handful of ideas to pitch to a few of editors I know, and the excitement of the possibility of a prospective gig to keep me going.

Okay, enough about me—this may also be the best week ever as far as journalism advice is concerned.

In case you missed it, check out these two fabulous articles:

“Land your dream job—or at least get in the door,” by Jaclyn Greenberg

This is a great article on how to get a job in the industry—with lots of advice from the team at our not-so-secret favorite resource: Ed2010.

And Part II of Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s series on mediabistro.com, “Why You Didn’t Get the Job: The Resume.”


My only regret this week: not buying more raffle tickets. ;)

A little help from my friends

I think a very good friend may have hooked me up with a fabulous mentor, but it's too early to tell so that's all I can say. :)

Yesterday's post was interrupted due to technical difficulties

Okay, I know I promised you a post every day this week, but yesterday I ran into some technological difficulty. My laptop decided to commit suicide. I turned on my computer only to have a physical memory dump screen appear…and it didn’t get any better from there. I tried manually turning it on and off by holding down the power button for extended periods of time about 15 times—and nothing. I unplugged each cord, shut off my power strip, waited, replugged everything, turned the power on and waited—still no signs of life. As Kristin Cavalleri would say: the laptop was dunzo.

In all honesty, I have been dying to get an ultraportable laptop, such as a Lenovo Thinkpad X60 or a MacBook, but I wasn’t prepared (personally or financially) to be forced into the situation.

When my laptop’s condition hadn’t improved by morning, I called for back up: the Dell customer care hotline. Did you guess it? I spent the morning on hold. (As soon as voice activated system picked up, I knew my intention of finally getting to the MET to check out the Spanish art exhibit was foiled.) While I don’t consider myself an impatient person, the knowledge that my limited daytime cell phone minutes were ticking away while I listened to annoying commercials for features and products I don’t need or want was doing nothing for my composure. Why do we keep vetoing the idea of getting a landline in the apartment?

When I finally got connected to a person, he talked me through a series of tests and safe mode start-up options until my computer slowly regained consciousness, in the form of a very loud buzzing sound, reminiscent of a plane taking off on the runway.

At this point I am happy to report that my computer is off the critical care list, but just in case, I have come up with some alternative Internet-connected locations that will allow me to maintain applying and blogging schedule.

1.) The university library—I am entitled three visits with my alumni card, as long as I am still paying off my loans, I should put those tuition dollars to good use.
2.) The Cube-also known as the Apple Store. Hip and functional.
3.) The public library. Although I fear waiting lines, time restrictions and funky smells may hinder my productivity.
4.) Friends’ apartments.
5.) If things get really dire—work.


All I have to say is that I won’t be illegally downloading “Fergalicious” any time soon. Karma’s a, well, you know.