Selling my worth: How do I put my self doubt aside and apply for my dream job?
I graduated with a masters in Advertising and Design and have spent the last year bringing a company's brand personality to life from research to concept to execution of a new brand system. That was equally as rewarding as it was tough, but nothing compares to the hurdle ahead.
Does anyone have any advice for a creative female intimedated by the prospect of getting back out there? r seem to be able to bring myself to apply for internships with significantly lower salaries. I have great references and experience but fall short when it comes to putting myself in front of the right people.
Any advice for a creative female intimedated by the prospect of getting back out there?
Replies11
- I always believe that if you have the drive in you ( which I bet you do), you can convince anyone to believe in you and prove them wrong if they didn't. You have great qualifications and I'm sure if you have put the effort and time to prep yourself and your CV for your dream job, you would be noticed and if hired, you will excell.The fear of the unknown is always there, so just put yourself out and #SeekDiscomfort. ( I live with this motto, keeps pushing me)Good luck :)
- It only take a few minutes to apply for a job, dream or otherwise. If you can block out the insecurity for a few minutes it is well worth the effort because that few minutes can make a whole world of difference.
- You have nothing to lose- that's why you apply. You haven't got the job if you dont- if you do apply there is a chance you'll get it.You have incredible qualifications- and worse case you dont get it it practice for the right one.Good luck!
- Hello Grace,I would say it’s a mindset thing. Even if you are not ‘ready’ for your dream job what can happen? You learn in the process of applying. Just be prepared for rejection it’s part of the process. I’m sure you have everything for the job the rest of just question if hard work and time.
- Personally I think a *little* self-doubt is ok... but only as long as it's in balance with a healthy amount of self-belief... if that self-belief element is lacking/missing then you really need to make a space for it!I have a feeling this will be controversial for some people so let me explain a little. Unchecked self-doubt can run havoc and can become all-consuming, clearly really no good for anyone, but I think a little self-doubt is a good tool for a creative... keep the ego in check, fuel the hunger to acknowledge what we don’t know, keep us on track by asking if we are making meaningful and impactful work... see what I mean?But this self-doubt element only works when it’s balanced with a healthy amount of self-belief... that you have the talent, skills and drive to succeed, that you already have a BA, MA and over a year of experience under your belt... and that this trajectory is going to continue.In terms of getting in front of the right people... yup, this is a tough one... to some, it comes incredibly easily, if I can offer any advice it is to be both interested and engaged. Discover the organisations or people that interest you... become really engaged in what they are doing and then try reaching out (part of being engaged is understanding who the right person is and why they might be open to meeting with you).If this isn’t helpful just @ me with a few specifics?
- Hey Grace, do you think it would help you to take a deep look at the jobs you are applying for and then cross match with your skills so you see what is the gap. Think how important that particular gap area is to actually do the job (e.g. in small agencies higher skill levels re required because the team is small so everyone will rely on you to have that skill + maybe their trainings are not so developed; in a bigger company whdere they have larger teams and the jobs are more specific, you can rely on your top strenghts and get a chance to learn the rest). Also think about what you really want to do, who you wanrt to work with, in what type of environment. It can also help to put a portofolio together as this says more to an employer in visual industries than your self-selling skills.
- @Scott Morrison *spoken to
- Have you spoke to Creative Equals. They do some great work helping women in creative industries gain confidence and overcome some of the challenges you’ve described.@Ali Hanan is the CEO - she’s brilliant.I’ve run a few sessions for the groups there.Check them out and see what resources they have that may help you.Stay Boom!
- @Grace Feakes Oh Brilliant! Yes her work is fantastic and it really does give you a spring in your step when it comes to getting yourself out there. I feel exactly the same as you, so these resources are sooo good! Good luck! You can do it!!
- @Jennifer Hayashi thanks for this - I have become obsessed with Stefanie Sword-Williams in the space of an afternoon. Her book has officially been preordered..!
- I think you should check out F*ck being humble's webinars. A good kick in the butt when it comes to putting yourself out there and might give you the confidence to just get out there. : https://www.fuckbeinghumble.com/
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