Getting the Job with a Rockin’ Resume

By Kate Benson

What are the key factors to success? Some say when you’re born has something to do with it, as well as practice and maybe a bit of luck.

Now let’s look at those born between 1985 and 1988. One thing this generation has in common is they entered the market when it was nearly impossible to find a job – a job they would have been clear candidates for were they born five years earlier.

Throughout history, the American economy has had its ebbs, flows, transformations and booms. There are always opportunities for redemption and success. Here’s how:

Persevere: Competition among youth more extreme than ever. If they didn’t fight for jobs upon graduation, they could lose years, experience and valuable time from their resume. The younger you are, the harder it is to find a job. For this reason, nepotism now plays a huge role in the job hunt. Youth today need more than aggressiveness and perseverance – they’ll likely need to be a little crafty and develop a new roadmap, with a few extra stops, to get to where they eventually want to go.

Don’t Be Discouraged: This probably sounds distressing for those who are starting out or who have children about to enter the workforce. But with misfortune comes opportunity. Six-figure jobs are no longer easy to come by. But there is admirable about working your way up from the bottom.

Demonstrate Experience: There is no clear formula for what your resume needs. But one thing needs to jump out – that you have the drive and determination to make it, even in a recession. Education is valuable, but so is experience.

Speak Up: Network and ask questions. This includes purely informational interviews. Don’t dismiss them because they won’t allow the instant gratification of a job. Even if the company tells you that no positions are available, ask if you can speak to someone anyway just to get a better idea of their company. Because somewhere down the road, there will be a job opening, and if you keep in touch, they’ll remember you.

Kate Benson is a founding member of Martens & Heads. She has more than 15 years of executive search expertise in retail and fashion, from start-ups to luxury global iconic brands like LVMH and Prada.