Dear Fairy Job Mom - May 12, 2023 Edition

Welcome to the 3rd edition of Dear Fairy Job Mom - where job seeker and professionals get their burning questions answered!

Before we get into the questions - wanted to share an event for marketers - job seekers and hiring managers alike!

Leah Kovach Margolis, Brianna Doe, and Jaclyn Mullen are coming together to share their vast knowledge and answer YOUR questions on the hiring process from a hiring manager's perspective and how to stand out as a candidate! Please join us and register here!!

Without further ado - let's get to the questions!

Xo,

Alexis, The Fairy Job Mom 🧚🏻‍♂️

How do I reach out to Hiring Managers that have a healthy workplace culture? - Anxious and Gaslit

Dear Anxious and Gaslit,

Based on your question, it sounds like you are currently in a situation that is not in a healthy workplace culture.  And I am sorry for that.  It is VERY hard to perform when you’re unhappy and feeling anxious and gaslit.

Second, my first question for you is: How do you know a company has a healthy workplace culture?

You really can’t unless a) you experience it first hand or b) you are willing to trust the experiences of others who are there and experiencing it themselves.

So assuming option B: here are some tips on reaching out to hiring managers via LinkedIn!

1. Start to make yourself visible.  What do I mean by this?  Start showing interest in their posts, learn more about the company and other team members, and comment! Comments are the most under rated way to get on someone’s radar!
2. Message them. For messaging - I’d recommend spending a few weeks getting visible first, but if they don’t post a lot on LinkedIn, this step can be altered. Send them a DM. If you’ve been commenting on their posts.

Pay them a compliment - what is something you’ve noticed or appreciated that they’ve shared?

Mention that you are interested in X role on their team and have heard amazing things about their workplace culture as well as 1-2 reasons you’re qualified.

Ask permission to send over your resume 

So let’s put this messaging together:

Hey Suzie!

Thanks for accepting my connection request.  I have been really enjoying your content the last few weeks - especially your thoughts on (insert topic/post).  I agree that …(insert your thoughts).

I saw that you are hiring for a (insert job title) and have heard that (company name) is an amazing place to work… would love to be considered as a candidate if you are open!

I’ve got X years experience in (role) in (industry) and (insert criteria on JD that you have).

I did apply on the company website, but am hoping to gain some visibility on my application - competition is fierce these days!

Would you be ok with me sending over my resume for consideration?  

*** THIS IS A PERMISSION BASED APPROACH - but if you are feeling bold, you could just attach your resume and change this statement to “I’ve attached my resume for your review.”

Looking forward to hearing back and thank you again! 

Signed,

(Your Name)

Wishing you the best on your outreach, and hope that you land quickly to get out of that toxic environment!

I think I finally figured out my passion in life. I want to also get paid to do it. How do I find ways to blend the two together? - Inspired Idahoan

Hey Inspired Idahoan!

This is very exciting - to feel like you’ve figured out your passion in life… that is a BIG deal!  So congrats!

Now let’s talk about what can be the most challenging part of doing what you love - monetization.

First question: Do people pay for what you love to do?

Second question: Is there a need for this in the market that you’d serve?

Third question: Is there a way you can spin what you do to get paid.. Just like what you asked?

How will you know the answers to these questions?  Ask who you think would be your potential buyers!

Reach out to people, interview them.  Ask their thoughts, what they think is a reasonable price for what you’d offer, and learn if there is a market for what you are thinking about doing.

If so, awesome! There are really amazing resources for small business owners in the state of Idaho. (and if you are a woman, DEFINITELY reach out to the Idaho Women’s Business Center - they have so so so many free resources for new business owners!)

For those reading who don’t live in Idaho, consider reaching out to the Small Business Association in your State, as well as local resource centers (google is your friend!).

But as someone who is living this - getting to do what you love and getting paid for it is awesome and worth the effort to pursue.

Good luck and keep me posted!

I have 4 kids and I have been looking for a job for 2 years, to no avail. This is my 12th year of college. How do I find a job that is part time, remote or flex-time? - California College Mom

Dear California College Mom,

Whew! Sounds like you have a LOT on your plate.  Sending you so many zen energy vibes on trying to balance 4 kiddos and finishing college AND job searching.

For jobs, there are search functionalities for all job boards where you can filter by part time or remote - I think flex is a little bit less common from a search perspective.

But with that said, there are also a ton of specialty job boards for remote work (check out the April 27th edition of Dear Fairy Job Mom for the list!).

Also, not sure if you are a TikTok watcher but if you search terms like “remote jobs” “part time jobs” “wfh jobs” “side hustles” there is a TON of valuable content on there with resources for jobseekers just like yourself!

A little bit of digging and you will have so many great options to apply to.

Fingers crossed that your next role is on its way!

How do I build a world class network? Jake in Jersey

Dear Jake in Jersey,

Sounds like you have some lofty goals - I am here for it!

A world class network takes time to build.  Years.  So if you’re up for it - get ready for a long haul, worthwhile adventure!

Step 1: Define your vision of “World Class”... that is a loose term right?  What does your ideal network look like? What industries? Roles? Locations?

Step 2: Start talking to people!  ENGAGE ENGAGE ENGAGE!  On LinkedIn, Off LinkedIn… the key to building a network is to talk to people. Plain and simple!

Whether it be through comments, through DMs, through attending webinars, conferences - whatever the case may be… you have to engage and talk to people.

The biggest tip I can give: Be interested, Not interesting.

What this means is: learn about your connections.  Ask questions, be curious, be open, and show people that they are important.

Remember people ALWAYS will remember how you made them feel.

And think of your network as a network of friends - no one wants to feel like just a business prospect or a revenue stream. 

We are all people - treat others as you want to be treated, go out of your way to say hello, and ask great questions!

That is the start to building a world class network in my book!

That's all for this edition of Dear Fairy Job Mom 🧚🏻‍♂️ - if YOU have a question you'd like answered, please don't be shy! SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION HERE!