How I got a job offer
After four months of endless applications, nine interviews, countless rejections, and even more countless ignored applications, I finally got a job! I start Monday.
I will be working as a bilingual coordinator for online programs in an international business school based in Paris.
How I landed on this offer was what I could only describe as fate. I was in the process of preparing my CV for another position in another institution when I stumbled upon this schools’s ad on LinkedIn. I decided to take a shot. I quickly whipped a CV catered to their job announcement and uploaded it in LinkedIn’s Easy Apply. A few days later, I got a call from the HR Director, and I was set for a video conference call with (who would be) my immediate manager. Long story short, after another interview with the department director, homework, and two character references, I got a job offer after only two weeks in the job process!
Crashing down and getting back up
April was a whirlwind of emotions. At the beginning of the month, I previously had a promising prospect to work for an NGO, plus two other leads. I was hopeful for the NGO after I got a call back for a second interview. Oddly, I had a strange feeling that I wouldn’t get it. Ultimately, I didn’t. My self-confidence, which I was just picking up, crushed and crumbled. I was back to square one.
What did help me during these times was to sign up for Pole Emploi. France offers free training, workshops, seminars, and, if eligible, a financial subsidy to the unemployed and those actively seeking job opportunities. I signed up in early February, amidst my reluctance. I knew I needed help, though, if only to guide me navigate through the labyrinth of unspoken cultural protocols.
A lot of people did tell me this was a futile effort, signing up for Pole Emploi. I beg to disagree. Indeed, a big chunk of the elements we discussed in several workshops I signed up for was something I knew before. But I also acknowledge that I have learned a whole lot from the experience. Take what you need, leave what you don’t. I think it would’ve been arrogant of me not to acknowledge that I needed help. I’m glad I shoved the discouraging thought aside and kept my feet on the ground to recognize that I needed even the modest assistance.
Designing the CV
I used to kid B saying: if someone saw my CV library, they would think I were schizophrenic. I have very distinct CVs that one would think I am made up of several personalities. This is because I have learned to pay very close attention to the job announcement, use their vocabulary and design my CV to fit right in their profile. I also used to adhere to creative designs but later opted back to a more classic (doesn’t have to be boring!) template. Additionally, I think what really did work to my advantage was to pattern the style (font, color) to the company’s/institution’s branding.
Here are my main takeaways
…after having done and redone my CV and cover letter :
Tailor previous titles to fit the job announcement
I was, above anything else, a professor. But on the side, I had several responsibilities like an evaluator, a course designer, a program assistant, a secretary, a coordinator. B wisely advised that I need not be stuck with my title as a professor. Instead, I put forward the position which fits the offer. I initially thought this was deceptive. This leads me to my next point…
The purpose of the CV is to get the phone to ring
So yes, it’s not lying. It’s telling them: I fit right into the profile you’re looking for. Want to know more? Call me. It’s during the interview that I get to expound on my profile. This makes my profile more dynamic and the interview more interesting because I have more to offer than what is written in my CV.
Yes, you can fit everything on one page in a readable font size
I learned to keep the most relevant items related to the job announcement and to let go of the rest, no matter how proud I am of an accomplishment. If it's not relevant, it doesn't count. It helps that I built an online profile to redirect them to my complete professional timeline. Multiple studies will show you that recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds per application, so stick to the keywords. Pay attention to what really and truly is relevant to the job posting. Remember, your CV is not your biography. Its purpose is to land you an interview.
Prepare for an interview, write it down
I am primarily confident in how I deliver any presentation verbally. But since I was vying for a bilingual position, I couldn’t afford to screw up. I came up with an interview template where I filled out important information about the company/institution I was applying for and my answers to questions about myself and my work ethics. At first, I thought it was enough to place in keywords because I thought I knew myself enough. Boy, I was wrong. I kept stuttering. And I couldn’t afford to stutter because my language and communication skills are my greatest asset. So I later decided to write everything down. I need not memorize the sentences word per word, but I get to organize my thoughts before D-Day.
Practice, it pays to be overprepared
After each interview, I always laugh at myself, thinking how I overprepare for a 30-minute (which usually lasts an hour) interview. I spent hours, days writing, studying, reviewing, revising, practicing. In reality, out of the 30 questions I have prepared to answer, I’m only probably asked the classic five. Even then, I’d rather have it and need it than need it and not have it.
Prepare a 2-minute spiel
I noticed recruiters would always start with tell me about yourself. I used to cringe at this question because I never know what to say about myself. But I learned to use this question to play the ball in my court. Since I set the parameters and information I am willing to share, there’s a high chance that we will talk about topics and areas I am most comfortable with and knowledgeable of. It will not always be the case, but at least I get to gather enough courage and confidence during the first two minutes of the interview to have enough face to save for the more tricky questions.
Boy, have I a whole lot more to say! But maybe we’ll save it for another day. Let me bask in the glory after four months in the dark. What a way to celebrate month five!
Do you have any tips to add to the list? I’ll be going through the experience of my job hunting in France in the next posts. I hope I can keep up!