Lisa Johnson Mandell

Dear Lisa

What a time to graduate! I now have a Masters in International Relations, speak three languages fluently, have sent out more than 300 resumes, and gotten zero response. What should I do?

Justin

Dear Justin

My sympathies are with you. This is a tough time for recent grads. I’m not sure what your resume looks like, but I’d advise you to put your skills (especially your three languages) right at the top. At this point, your skills are probably stronger than your experience, so lead with your strengths.

Also, consider creating a position for yourself. This is a bold move, but has been known to work. If you have access to someone who you know who could use your specific skills, contact them and tell them everything you can do for them. For example, if someone approached me and told me they live in the LA area, have broadcast production experience, research experience and can speak Chinese, I’d hire them on the spot. I’m not going to take an ad out, but if someone came along with those qualifications, I couldn’t resist. There ARE people out there who are hiring right now, but you have to be super-resourceful to reach them and make an impression.

All the best!

Lisa