The LandaJob Blog:
Expert Perspectives and Industry Trends

Another installment of advice to the joblorn, where questions are sometimes real, sometimes not – but try to imagine the ones we can’t print.

Dear Landa:

Can you believe it? In a few weeks I will be graduating from college with my degree in graphic design. Our career counselors suggested we begin sending resumes out to headhunters so I’m sending mine to you now. I’d like you to find me a job somewhere in the west suburbs, ideally, not too far from my parents’ house (refer to address on my resume). While I’d expect a decent starting salary, I’m more concerned about having good benefits (shorter hours, a generous vacation plan, etc.). I have a very active life and, after six years dealing with the stress and hectic schedule of college life, I am ready for a break. Please feel free to contact me (sometime after finals, please) and let me know what you have for me.

Signed,

Worn Out Grad-to-Be

Dear Worn Out,

I’m glad that you took your counselor’s advice to send out resumes prior to graduating. The many things your advisor apparently didn’t mention are pretty important, too, such as…

“Headhunters” don’t find jobs for people—we find people for jobs.

You are at the beginning of your career (like back six years ago, when you were a freshman) so, you might be more concerned about finding a job that will help you grow and advance your career than worrying about location, salary and time off.

And, just so you know, you’re about to enter a field where long hours (and stress) are just part of the deal.

So, you might consider taking the break that you think you need prior to beginning your job search—maybe find a beach somewhere (not too far from your parents’ house) and reflect on the beginning of your career. Start with this simple question: How can I bring value to the company that takes a chance on hiring me?

Signed,

Landa