My first advice would be to really understand where you are today and the skill and experience gaps you feel are holding you back from getting the opportunity you’re after. Write it out. Figure out clearly and precisely what you can influence and what you can’t. Then find ways to chip away at what you can control and slowly close the gap. There are tons of free resources online. You might be surprised at how much you can improve without any formal training – maybe even enough to land an interview. Employers love nothing more than enthusiasm, positivity and an understanding of your growth points.
Once you’re ready, you should start applying. Be sure to craft your applications carefully and thoughtfully, but don’t take it personally if you get rejected – it’s just part of the process, unfortunately (I got rejected by more places than I can count when I graduated, but I gave up and focused more on It’s Nice That).
In fact, we know that confidence can be a huge stumbling block, which is why we at Creative Lives in Progress have put together a bunch of helpful step-by-step guides for writing a great cover letter and putting together a great resume.
Finally, don’t be a perfectionist. Stop trying to put together the perfect resume or application, or searching for the dream job that ticks all your boxes. Instead, open your eyes and broaden your horizons to jobs you may have passed up before. Look for work that gives you a glimpse of what a creative career might be like. You don’t have to stay there forever, or feel like it’s the perfect fit for you. Any experience is a good one to start your journey.
In general, I highly recommend subscribing to the Creative Lives in Progress newsletter and social media. It’s free and you’ll get inspiration, guidance, community, and support during your career exploration. Good luck!
