“3+ years of experience, advanced [insert languages], advanced writing skills, advanced coding skills, advanced in [insert list of software skills], advanced [walking on sticks and juggling three balls at a time].”
I can’t get my head around how many skills they need people to have. I know, practice makes perfect and I have to present something substantial. Otherwise, how to prove I can actually do it? It reminds me of the well-known chicken and the egg story: experienced to get experience, like a dog running after its own tail. I add to my portfolio all pieces of work I’ve created so far, but it’s never enough. There’s another skill that I’m asked to have, another position that I’m desired to have held in the past.
What to do as an unemployed writer and editor to produce more content and gain experience? Well, you can work for free. In my case, if the purpose is related to a cause I really care about, like human rights, I can dedicate my time and energy. It’s obvious though that in most cases I have to adapt and work for the projects available.
Which brings me to the usual story:
Hold a job to pay rent (it’s not even easy to get this one!), work for free or little compensation to develop your skills, to stand a chance of getting hired.
If you told me a couple of years ago that I would think in that way, I’d laugh in your face. I knew that things would be difficult, but I never imagined I’ll be so busy and still struggling.
Here’s a story of a good friend who works in education:
“I’ve been called to a number of interviews, then after a while I get a negative reply. The reason given is that another applicant with more experience was chosen. Well, my experience is right here, laid out in my CV. How come they couldn’t see it before calling me?”
Of course I was not present to see how the interview played out, but it’s very disheartening to get this kind of feedback. Slowly but steadily rejection gets to you. More creative, more skilled, more specialized. Beware not to specialize too much! We need a jack of all trades, a quick and effective communicator, a team player and a lone wolf, a flexible and driven individual, someone who can work in an office environment and travel. It’s a catch-22, you’re either less or more, never good enough.
This Christmas I wish for chameleon skills, so that I can adapt to every situation. Sinterklaas, can you hear me?
By: Andromachi Kokkinou