Before I jump right into the somewhat crass post that is coming, let me just say that I too have dreams. Specifically, when I was 20 years old, I wrote "What do I need to do to get to New York?" on a note card. Since then, I've worked my ass off, took a leap of faith, and am now living and working in New. York. City.
Coming from Middle America and going to college in the midst of an awesome and self-contained, albeit smaller, advertising community, a lot of people talk about moving to New York. Let's be honest, if you work in advertising, it's Mecca. Everyone wonders at least once if they could hack it in the ad city...but few people actually make the move.
Let me also say, that I am oh so appreciative to all the people that gave me advice or helped me in my job search before and after I moved here. Now, down to brass tacks.
Having completed the journey less than a year ago, I feel it is my duty to pass along what I've learned. To anyone that is looking to make the leap to New York, here's what you need to know Before you ask me for a job:
While advertising is a particularly "who you know" industry, don't schmooze.
It is probably a testament to my upbringing, but I wholeheartedly believe that if you work your ass off, the right people will notice and things will fall into place. A connection may get your foot in the door, but that's all it will get you. People will notice pretty quickly if you're just a smooth talker that doesn't really like to get her hands dirty. Work hard. Be efficient. Be a perfectionist because your work reflects on you. Do good work every single day and someone will notice.
**And after that first one notices, they'll tell other people how awesome you are...and thusly your network of people that know you work your ass off has begun**
People are selfish - ask for advice.
I'll be the first to admit I've cyber-stalked my heroes on LinkedIn or dreamt of the day I might corner Dan Wieden and beg for a job...But that's not really the way to get what you want. Inherently, people are selfish. Particularly people that have already "made it" in the ad industry. But, something selfish people like to do is talk about themselves. Tell their war stories, talk about how when they were looking for their first job they had to walk 4 miles uphill both ways to chisel their resume into a stone tablet. People like to talk about themselves - so let them. Glean every single piece of information and insight you can off the people you meet. Ask them how to start, how not to start, what their day is like, what they hate about their job, whatever. Just start a conversation. I promise you'll get a lot further than if you come right out with the question you're dying to ask (you know, the canIhaveajobplease one). Who knows, maybe your conversation will turn into a job, but at the very least you'll end up with one more person in your "network".
People are busy - don't waste my time. Or ask me to waste anyone else's time.
Not to seem too self-important, but people (particularly in New York) are busy. We work 10 hour days when we're not busy and most days making it to the gym and finding some semblance of dinner after work is all we can manage. Thusly, if you're going to try to use me to better/start your career, read the first two items on this list & then try not to waste my time. By all means be audacious & follow-up. If you don't hear a response, wait a week and email again. But don't ask me to set up an informational with one of my bosses. Don't give me a list of dates and times when it is convenient for you to meet and let me accommodate your schedule. Recognize that people are busy and value their time. It'll go a long way - plus it's very good practice for your entire career.
Do your homework.
For the love of pete, do your homework before you start the networking conversation. Know the agency you're asking to have your resume sent to. Know who you're talking to. I can't tell you how many people have said to me "Can you pass my resume on? I want to work in digital." Welp, my agency doesn't do digital. Sorry 'bout it. And don't say things like "I want to work in account management, or planning, or production, or creative" - those are very different things... You might be a very smart person, but statements that make you seem ignorant to the industry you're trying to join makes me less likely to help you do just that. You don't have to know everything, but do some research - it shows you really do care enough to invest some energy.
Last, but not least - for the love of Christ - remember the first rule of networking.
Before you ask anyone to pass along your resume, know this: when I do, I am vouching for you. My wagon is hitched to yours. If you turn out to be a sucky sucky schmoozer, my reputation will suffer because I'm the one who brought you into this place. Some people will pass your resume along anyway, but when you're on the lower end of the totem pole, any amount of clout or bonus points you can hoard are precious. Wasting that by going to bat for someone you went to college with, but actually think is a worthless tool-bag, will not work in your favor. Which is why it is ultra important to use items 1-4 in this blog post. If you get to know me, ask my advice, respect my time, and do some homework I might willingly go to bat for you.
With all of that said - do email/tweet/linkedin me or any of your heroes. Ask questions. Start a conversation - you never know who we might know that could help you get to where you want to be.
