[Andrés Felipe Fajardo]

Truest words spoken. Thank you for telling the truth. 

[Andrés Felipe Fajardo]

What advice this is. I had to wait two years after I graduated to find my first real job in this profession. I found reading your advice helpful for a entry-level professional, like myself. Thank you for sharing. 

[Andrés Felipe Fajardo]

The job market for us is very tough! I graduated in May 2011 and until last week I was able to score my first job in the profession! 

Keep your resume and portfolio up to date. Take advantage of technology. Put your resume and portfolio online (issuu.com is great). Keep learning and don’t stop searching for jobs. Learn to accept rejection. It can get pretty depressing very fast. Just don’t give up. 

Search for jobs and using the best of your social capital (who you know). Apply for jobs that you don’t qualify for, but let them know you are looking for any entry level spots if available. Their response will give you the hiring contact info, which you can later use in the future if you qualify. 

Create your own networking/business card. Make sure the card, your resume, and portfolio all match. Sort of like branding a product, you are marketing your skills and talents to potential employers. 

Be very organized in your job search. I have a few email templates depending on the firm and their job posting. Here is one example I use:

Hello !

My name is Andres Felipe Fajardo and I graduated from ASU with a Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture ‘11.

The purpose of this email is to inquire over any possible career opportunities with this firm. I would like apply for any entry-level positions that may be available. I have attached my resume,  a link to view my portfolio, and another link that further explains who I am.

I do have work experience for when I worked for the Office of University Architects at ASU with Byron Sampson and Norman Yatabe.

To view my portfolio online, please go to : http://issuu.com/fajardo_andres/docs/portfolio

If you would like to know a little more about me, please go to :

https://www.vizify.com/andres-fajardo 

As for my current aspirations, I am currently earning a Certificate in Small Business Start Up at Rio Salado College, and I plan to earn my masters in Urban Design and Real Estate Development.

I appreciate the time you have taken to read my email, and my information.

Thank you,

Andres Fajardo

Arizona State University – B.S. Landscape Architecture ‘11

Oh , I also attached a file you can use to help you stay organized in your job search!

If all else fails, get a certificate at a local community college. It took me 2 years to find my job! I earned a certificate in small business start up at my local college to compensate for that time gap. 

Some things to think about. 

Much luck!

[Author]

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