Looking for a Job in a New Field - Sticking With What You Know Could Be a Good Thing
Posted: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
After what seemed like vain efforts in my search for a job online, it finally happened; we fou
nd each other.
When I first began my search, I figured now was the time to reach for the stars - why not, I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. With this, I applied for jobs outside of my norm and highlighted many of my secondary skills which I hoped would land me an amazing position in a new field. Okay, so I might have gone too far when I applied for Executive Assistant to the V.P. of Disney Studios. Hey, the add did say "must have a background in screen and stage performance along with tech experience" - what - high school drama, my 15 second appearance in a video, or my two years of experience as a stage manager wasn't good enough? Sheesh!!
I didn't let that discourage me in applying for that type of position, but tried to stick to an industry in which I am most familiar. I actually received a call and had a wonderful interview and was one of the 3 finalist; in the end, however, not the chosen one.
The point is, it was worth the attempt because along the way, I was able to gain information about the expectations and qualifications for several fields, and if I ever decided to pursue them, I know what I need to do.
It was apparent that if I was going to be successful at landing a job, I would have to stick with what I know best - Credit and Collection Management. UGH! Nevertheless, I pressed on and emailed my resume to several companies. For the first time, I received a call within four hours of submitting my resume - joy to the world!!
My phone interview went fabulous and I was invited to come to the office. When I arrived, I was immediately intimidated - It turns out it is one of the largest court-reporting agencies in the U.S. - an industry I know nothing about. Except for what I have learned while watching Forensic Files. The building is beautiful and my interview and testing process was the toughest I had ever gone through. The good news is, before I left the office that day, I was offered the position.
Yesterday was my first day; wow! I had no idea what I was in for. The training program is intense and I have to learn all the legal mumbo-jumbo before I can make any calls. The blessing in all of this is - I ended up in an industry that is closely related to my favorite subject; Criminal Justice and now the sky is the limit.
I just have one problem; I feel like I am in a college classroom with very little knowledge of the course I jumped in to and I may need to borrow someone else's brain. Other than this, I left my first day feeling excited, tired, challenged, and hopeful.
If you find yourself unemployed, go ahead and reach for the stars, you might catch one. But if you are like me, don't be discouraged. Stick to what you know best, but explore new industries within your expertise - the old feelings of boredom and the same-old, same-old could turn into a renewed passion for what you do.
(C) Teresa Ortiz
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More commentsNow in Reader's Club and still excited with you!
Terrific Teresa! You'll do great!Thanks Brianna! After week one, I am adjusting some :-)
Hi Teresa.Sounds like a load of fun, actually. I am so happy for you and your new venture.Merry Christmas and happy new year to you and your family!Love ya'DianneHi Dianne! Thank you very much. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the best for the new year! My, how time fly's. I miss you and hopefully will have time to sit and write to you soon. love and hugs, Teresa
Hi Teresa: I'm new to this site and am unemployed but like you, have high hopes and other talents to fall back on. It was so uplifting to hear your tale and I wish you the best and hope the position keeps you fulfilled. Best wishes, Janet Van RensburgHi Janet, welcome to Searchwarp! I am glad this could give you a lift. Keep looking! It will happen for you too. Thanks again and I look forward to reading your work. Many blessings in the New Year for you and yours! Teresa
LOL! Hey, I'm unemployed...20 years of restaurant work and 10 years of cabinetry, and I still can't find even a part-time job...hope and change!RichHi Rich - glad you could chuckle :-) It is tough out there with so many people looking for work. In one of my interviews, (I only had two out of the 45 jobs I applied for) the guy told me that he started with 65 good resumes out of the hundreds he received, then had to narrow it to 10, then 5. Crazy - I suppose the other end is tough trying to make decisions based on what you see on paper. Keep looking, stay strong. May the Lord open lots of doors for you! Blessings, Teresa
hi t,i am so happy for you, and the relief you must be feeling. you were determined, and it paid off. i wish you all the best, and i'm sure you'll keep us posted. good job :)my best,sueThanks so much Sue! Week one is over, it was interesting and Friday left me wondering about some of their philosophies, so we will see what happens. I am learning a lot and nothing is wasted - I will keep you posted when I have a chance. This job and traffic take up 10 hours of my day, then I have to deal with dinner and laundry when I get home. Sheesh :-) Not complaining, just adjusting. Love and hugs, t
About feeling like a student and having to learn all over again, it helps to project yourself into the future six months from now, when you will have learned all that stuff and are able to put it behind you. Don't get too caught up in the NOW, but think beyond your present anxiety. I think it's the same with any new job, no matter what. Even when you get a job in the field you specialize in, the company always throws the textbook out the window and does things their own way.Not sure why Disney turned you down as an exec. Makes no sense at all.Hi Gregory, thanks so much for the encouraging words! You are so right! I didn't even get a chance to interview for the position, just got an email back that said although my skills were excellent, my experience in the industry was weak. Maybe in a time when employees are scarce and jobs plentiful I may have had an opportunity to impress in person.Thanks for your vote of confidence :-) Many blessings to you and yours in the New Year! Teresa
Hi Teresa,Great news, congrats on the new job! I hope that the training and orientation period will go well for you! Hope you had a Merry Christmas & have a Happy New year!Blessings,LisaHi Lisa, thanks so much! Right back to you. God bless you always!
Great advice, Sis!The thing is, if we stay in our "comfort" zone, we never grow, and your new job will give you so many opportunities to grow. I am very excited for you!Did you get the email? I sent it a few days ago.Hey Bro-bo, thanks for the support. Yes, I did get your email, but now its my turn to slack in response :-) Work is taking up a lot more of my time and I am trying to adjust. But I am not complaining. I will get back to you asap. I want to say much more than congrats. Hugs to you and Janie
Congrats on your new job. I am sure you will do well. God Bless you.Thank you Linda! All of God's best to you in the coming year! Hugs, love, and blessings! Teresa
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