Many times throughout my search, I heard some variation of the following phrases: “It’s all about finding the right fit.” “You’ll find the job that is right for you.” At first, these felt like wonderful ideas! Here I was, a new graduate entering a field that is very structured in providing outlets for one to find jobs as well as job classifications meant to support entry-level applicants like myself. I dove into TPE and HigherEdJobs.com with excitement to see what my future could hold.
Dozens of resumes, cover letters, and interviews later, this excitement faded. How could I not have been the “right fit” for so many of the jobs I had applied to? You wanted an entry-level candidate, with a degree in higher education, and experience working within these functional areas. I had all of those requirements.
My Search
Of course, I knew the cards against me. My graduate institution was the same as my undergraduate institution, giving me a depth of knowledge from working at that institution, but not a breadth of knowledge on different institutions across the country. I had also changed graduate assistantships during my program, giving me less experience in any one functional area. I lacked supervisory experience, but I had worked closely with many of our student leaders. My ACUHO-I internship brought me to a different institution (a major plus for my skill set), but saw me working in the IT department for the university’s housing division. (Granted, this is where I currently work, so what might have hurt me in my search for a student affairs position helped me tremendously in the end.) Finally, as my disclaimer states, my perspective on higher education and society in general was that of a white, cisgender, heterosexual male, albeit one with liberal and social justice tendencies.
Despite all of this, I knew I was a competent professional. I excelled academically, and I believed I could learn any experience I lacked on the job. Previous supervisors had praised me for my work, and I had developed wonderful working relationships with students, coworkers, faculty members, and other similar entities. I believed my passion for technology could potentially give me an edge over other candidates. I spun my lack of experience in diverse institutions as a desire to gain some level of expertise, hoping this would show employers that I would be loyal to their institution and would work to see projects to their end. I stressed my belief in being a reflective practitioner, or one who is constantly looking for ways to improve processes and programs, as this value was greatly instilled on my from my undergraduate program.
Taking my strengths and my weaknesses together, I still did not understand how I was having so much trouble finding work. How tight of a “fit” were employers looking for? Was there simply an overabundance of applicants and considerably fewer entry-level positions, making only the absolute best candidates able to find positions? I did not believe I was the crème de la crème, but surely, I was at least in the second quartile of applicants.
All about Fit
“Fit” began to feel like more of an easy excuse. “Fit” suggests that I was a perfectly fine candidate with relatively few flaws other than that I did not quite fit what they were looking for. This is encouraging for the first few interviews, but after dozens of interviews, I wondered if I was even the right fit for anything.
Moreover, my search was becoming less and less about “finding the right fit.” I was no longer looking for a position where I could follow my dreams into this magical field we call Student Affairs. I was looking for something to pay the bills. I had moved home with my parents. I had worked a rather stressful and frustrating job at my previous institution, and had moved on to hold part-time jobs for a local accounting firm and a large retail store. When the retail store announced a full-time opening in the works, I briefly considered applying for it just to secure some level of financial security. This is not to say that I believe I have “settled” in my current position. While part of me is disappointed that I was unable to find the kind of position I was looking for, I am blessed to have a job that has challenged me to explore an entirely new discipline that functions to support a traditional student affairs department.
Time and money are the enemies of “fit”. If/when I happen to search for my next position, I would hopefully be able to hold my current job. Thus, I would have the funds necessary to visit placement exchanges without wondering if the substantial investment would even be worth it. I would have money to live on while I searched, allowing me to take my time, research positions and institutions that interest me, and be more selective and intentional in my search. Even if I was in a position where I was unable to hold my current job, I would be able to put money aside in preparation for my search. I would be conducting my search from a position much higher on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. I would be looking for positions that fulfill my need for esteem and self-actualization rather than finding anything that can provide for my physiological or safety needs. I do not see myself leaving my current position in the near future, but I cannot help but see how much easier my next search will be.
Let us take a step back from this to the employer’s point of view. Given two candidates, one who seems to have taken great in identifying how they can fit an organization’s goals and another who may hint on this but only in general terms. Surely, one candidate may seem more prepared, but could the other simply be acting from a position of mild desperation, doing everything he/she can to kickstart their career while struggling to make ends meet?
Introduction
Context for each of these posts, as well as some necessary disclaimers.
“Trust the Process”: Efficiency v. Effectiveness in Job Applications
Searching for efficiency in creating job application materials.
“What Kind of Musical Instrument Are You?”: Fluffy Interview Questions and Wasting Time
Why I don’t mind “fluff” questions, and neither should you.
“What is your perfect Sunday?”: Describing Your Needs
The struggle in opperationalizing and communicating your needs as a new professional.
Conclusion
Final thoughts on this project.
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