Job-Searching In The Big Apple

In August 2023, I picked up my entire life and carried it in two suitcases and a backpack to New York City.

When I arrived, I had a Facebook roommate, a small apartment in The East Village, and not a single soul in the state that I knew.

As I sat in my empty apartment, unpacking and waiting for my new roommate to arrive, I got an internship offer call from back home in Utah. They'd decided that the positions weren't going to be remote-friendly, and since I had just signed a year-long apartment contract, I had to turn it down.

This began a months-long job search. I have experience in event planning, editing, designing, social media management, publicity and marketing, so I cast a wide net. As the weeks trudged by, though, I wasn't hearing back from anyone. I was so frustrated.

I knew that the publishing industry was hard to break into, but I knew I had the skills and experience to back up my application. I figured if I could just get an interview, my personality would shine through and the recruiters would see the positive impact I could have on their company.

I decided to shift my focus. Instead of casting a wide net and applying to everything I found, I would prioritize and personalize each application that I sent.

I reached out to my network for informational interviews, gratefully receiving resume and application tips and job leads.

I began to seek out freelance social media management/marketing and editing opportunities. I've had the privilege of working with some great authors and companies.

I've started to notice a huge difference in my mindset and abilities. I've gained and honed skills, and had experiences that I wouldn't have been able to have if I wasn't given this job-search journey.

Although I haven't yet received an offer in the publishing industry, I feel more confident in my skills, and I've become more of an asset to the industry with every day that passes.

Good things are coming.

Gratefully,

Ashley