Whether you are back to the drawing board, a rookie, or a veteran to the job search, it doesn’t matter.  We all have to find a position at some point or another and by sharing our experiences with the infamous job-hunt, maybe we can all learn a thing or two from each other. We asked our job-seeker of the month, Ed Esparza, to describe his job-seeking process.

Job Seeker: Ed Esparza

Q: What kind of job are you looking for?

I am looking for a job that will allow me to use my leadership and organizational skills. I have worked within the area of human services. I am interested in working with an organization that values diversity as part of its organizational mission or core values.

I have over 12 years of human services and non-profit experience; ideally I would like to work with an organization that is philanthropically minded. The ideal would be to work for a foundation or an organization that addresses community relations as part of their corporate identity. i.e. grant making, capacity building and or community relations.

Q: How has the job search been thus far?

Right now my job search is my full time job. Each day I sort through the many listservs that I subscribe to; developing letters of interest, modifying resumes, completing applications. I spend a great deal of time documenting potential opening and responses. I respond to approximately four (4) positions per week.

Q: Where have you been looking? (i.e.: newspaper classifieds, fliers, etc.)

As mentioned I utilize many listservs that send out listings. Geographically I have narrowed my work area to the Pacific Northwest, with Puget Sound as my first priority. At this time I utilize Seattle University’s Listserv, The Puget Sound Diversity Network, Monster, Careerbuilder, Washington State Diversity Network and now ColorsNWCareers listserv. I also am on several organizational job search engines: University of Washington, Seattle University, Washington State University, various hospitals and almost every community college in the State of Washington.

Q: What websites have you found useful to you? Why?

The websites that are useful are the ones where there is a live person behind the information given. The State of Washington Department of Personnel does an excellent job of referring me for respective state positions. Often when there are openings that fit my profile they email me, with exact instructions and let me know if I was referred to the department for consideration. Always, I receive follow up from any questions I may have. They are very consistent with their process, but most importantly there is a live person that I can speak to if necessary. I believe this makes the difference between the good ones and not so good ones.

Q: Have you ever posted your resume online? If so, did it help you? If not would you consider it?

Yes, With the State of Washington, Department of Personnel, Monster and Career Builder. I would say as far as exposure is concerned yes it has helped. However, sometimes you get a bit more that expected, such as SPAM or solicitations from the countless online educations entities.

Q: What is your background/expertise?

My background is that I have 12+ years of work with non-profit organizations. I have a very strong background in the arena of Employment and Training.

I also have an extensive background in community service, having developed/founded and served on many community boards. I believe that latter is an important aspect of being responsible to ones community. I would have to say my expertise is community capacity building.

My degrees are; a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Washington State University and Masters Degree from Seattle University’s Executive Non-Profit Management and Leadership program (MNPL). My passion is education, particularly for children of color.

Q: Looking for full-time or part-time employment?

Full time or consulting work, I do enjoy project work as well.

Q: Would you try a recruitment agency for help finding a position?

Possibly, but I have never used one.

Q: How many interviews have you gone on this month?

Today, being May 10, 2006, I have had three interviews, four rejections and letters informing that my information packets (application, letters, resumes) etc have been received. One interview scheduled for next week.

Q: What do you look for in an employer?

I look for an employer that is stable, one that has developed itself as a creditable entity within the community. The organization must have a sense of good community citizenship. Pay and benefits are important. Sometimes employer’s benefits can tell you how they prioritize or value their employees.

I also like employers who are leaders within their field or are working to be. Sometimes I will look to see if the organization has a strategic plan or a mission statement. I believe good employers plan their successes and that success is usually tied very close to their mission or vision.

Q: What challenges have you come across?

In a job search there are many challenges. Here is my top ten:

1. Deciphering if an employer is actually who they say they are.

2. Competing for positions with in-house candidates - almost unfair to not have the advantage of peers deciding your fate.

3. Being told you are overqualified - for the longest time the minimum qualification was a BA, but to earn or have a MA can be detrimental.

4. Being told your vision is too much for this organization, “you may not stay long” - preconceived notions that you will leave because you have a vision

5. Picking a job that fits you.  It’s much to easy to take any job and end up unemployed shortly thereafter

6. Getting through the initial screening process. Articulating your qualification on paper that fits the job.  Probably the hardest of all, who’s reading your application? A HR professional, a committee?

7. Being interviewed by individuals that know almost nothing about the position.  Often organization will see who has the time to sit on an interview panel.

8. Organizational politics, (the director wants this person).  It’s not what you know…

9. Applying to machine, computer system as verses a live HR person.

10.  Maintaining the thought that for every position one applies for, its important to maintain your focus, always putting your best foot forward for each and every job you apply to.

If you are interested in being highlighted in our Career Spotlight section, please visit our Highlighting Job Seekers page.