Oct220082:18 pm

Strategery

Career blogger Lindsey Pollak and Atlantic blogger Megan McArdle share their advice for finding a job in the rough and tumble world of today’s economy. Their tips aren’t internationally focused—rather on careers in general and coming as reactions to the Wall Street collapse—but I think their thoughts ring true for all sectors. After the jump, two things from their posts that struck me as particularly pertinent.

Lindsey advocates creating a job search strategy, and I couldn’t agree more. Too often (and I’ve been guilty of this myself) “strategy” consists only of 1) looking for any and all positions and organizations with the word “international” in them; and/or 2) drowning the Internet machine in generic resumes and cover letters. This approach might make you feel productive but usually doesn’t amount to much else. Instead, really reflect. Determine what kinds of international issues you want to be working on (what is your cause?), what type of international organization you want to be working in (small nonprofit, large consulting firm, the government, the Hill?), and how you want to be spending your days (in an office, out and about, interacting with people from other nations and cultures, in another country?). If you work to tailor your search and networking within these criteria, then further tailor your resume and other application materials to truly convey your interest in a specific organization and its issues, you greatly increase your chances of snagging an interview.

Both Megan and Lindsey say get the word out and let people know you’re looking for a job (”network like hell,” exhorts Megan). Again, true story. People are always willing to help, but they can only help if they know you need it. In this same vein, use your social networking tools like LinkedIn, Doostang, and Facebook (after you de-tag yourself from those scandalous pictures, of course). Two friends of mine (one in New York, one in DC) recently got new jobs (not in IR, but the point still stands) simply by keeping their LinkedIn profiles in current and polished shape—the employers found them. What could be better than having someone call you up and offer you a job?

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