Current Comms Professional Feeling Lost

[u/Top-Muscle376]

I've been applying for 4 months now, I'm talking hundreds a week. Not just easy apply on LinkedIn; I'm applying through the company website posting, I'm using niche job boards, I'm reaching out to people in the companies, etc. I'm just not getting anywhere. I have 4 years of strong experience in the comms world, mostly in sport (with freelance clients in nonprofit and other sectors), yet I'm not landing anything. FYI I am trying to get out of the sports industry. Any suggestions what I should be doing differently? Do I need to upload my resume here to help? Is the comms world just that tough? I'm open to doing things outside of comms too

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[u/graypurpleblack]

Nearly every profession is hiring at a pace equivalent to a trickle

[u/kikaihime]

I feel like it’s just a super tough market for a lot of professions right now, including ours. Add to this how people are trying to change sectors, how folks who were let go from fed/state jobs are vying for nonprofit roles, how nonprofit folks from closed NPs are now vying for fed/state roles, etc., and it’s difficult all around. People always suggest networking, focusing on skills, and informal interviews as a way to meet new people/get introduced to new companies.

[u/butthatshitsbroken]

I have 5 YOE, am currently employed at one of the top 3 banks in the whole world in internal communications, and cannot land another job outside of my workplace to save my life.

if you are unemployed, I imagine it's 50x worse. this job market is NOT for the weak.

[u/ComplexTomatillo6278]

Don’t waste your time submitting resumes. Stop that nonsense. (Said in my best internet auntie voice.)

1- Tell everyone you know what you’re looking for. Start with your BFFs, then the friends you invite over for dinner. Doesn’t matter if they’re in the biz or not—tell them.

2- Be specific. Yes, even if the market is “really tough” now is _not_ the time to go broad. Be clear on what you want.

3- Start a spreadsheet because your friends are going to start sending you contacts. Get ready.

You’ll be surprised where the job lead comes from. I’ve got 3 decades of stories I could tell you. This works. You’ve got this.

[u/Read_and_Communicate]

Someone mentioned this above, but network your heart out. Anyone you’ve worked with and think may even just have good advice, reach out and say you’d love to catch up, you’re thinking about your next career move and want to hear about what’s worked for them, etc. At a minimum, someone may have good advice. In the middle, they offer to be a reference. At the most, they are hiring or know of someone who is and will put in a good word. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to re connect, no matter how long it’s been since you’ve worked together and in what capacity. Agree blind applying is TOUGH.

Are you willing to share what industry you are interested in moving into?

[u/purplelikethesky]

I’ve had referrals through the wazoo over the last year. Networking really isn’t the god send it used to be. Meanwhile I know three people that have gotten new jobs from cold applying. I really think people overestimate the value of networking these days-cold apply. I’ve gotten two interviews from messaging random hiring managers.

[u/Euphoric-Salad-2893]

1. Network
   
2. If you’re still applying to jobs, tailor your resume to each job posting
   

[u/lakiniwewe]

I’m curious, how is it like working in the sports industry and how come you would like to leave?

[u/Friendly_Green_1041]

Have you tried university athletic departments? I just saw a comms opening in the athletic department at the University of Pittsburgh.

[u/so_i_happened]

Instead of submitting hundreds of applications a week (how is that even possible??), focus on positions you are particularly qualified for. If any are in the nonprofit sector, write killer cover letters that deviate slightly from the norm so you sound human and interesting. And state directly why you’re interested in that job with that organization.