Jay Smith

Thanks Frank, I agree with you. And I think once I’m able to sit down face to face with an employer that I’ll be able to satisfactorily explain my gap and the things I’ve done during that time. I’m just trying to figure out if its better to explain this gap in some fashion on the cover letter and/or resume, or wait to do it in person. The problem…[Read more]

Well that really doesn’t answer the original question Nick. Without posting a lot of personal information about my situation on a public forum, I will say that I’ve been busy with a variety of things, some related to L.A., some not. But difficult to summarize on a resume. The question is, are people who have been out of work a long time during…[Read more]

“Well for one, how do you expect to represent this gap? I would never put “Unemployed April 2009-Present” on a resume”.

I just don’t want a potential employer to ‘read into’ the gap too much. I’m thinking if I up front the situation and some how list a few activities, either on the resume or cover letter, that I have been doing during this time,…[Read more]

I agree with a lot of what Valkenburg said in that article. This is definetely a time to explore other interests, to be resourceful, etc, etc. But, I’m sorry, I just can’t help but feel somewhat annoyed by people handing out advice who are not out there right now trying to find a position (I’m speaking of Valkenburg). There were some very…[Read more]

Good to hear about your responses Aceto. I’ve been looking at some of the allied fields myself. But so far I haven’t found anything.

Yeah I’m just not sure about the unannounced visit approach. I always hear a lot of pros and cons to that approach, so who knows (nothing to lose I guess). Right now I just need income, so I’m probably going to hit…[Read more]

Thanks David. I’ve often felt the ‘cold contact’ approach is worth pursuing, so it’s good to hear. Going door to door is really the only thing I haven’t tried, so it looks like that might be my next step (although I’m somewhat limited to only doing that in my area, as travel is expensive). How often do applicants show up at your firm…[Read more]

Nick S, I agree with you about the alternative career thoughts. It’s something that I’m constantly thinking about. These cyclical swings that seem to hit our profession very hard are very unsettling. I’d like to think of having a family one day, and I’d hope that I wouldn’t have to worry so much about the next ‘big one’.

Nick and Nick, what are…[Read more]

Ryan, thanks for your encouraging words. I’m curious about the ‘showing up’ method though. Can you elaborate somewhat on how that worked for you? Did you show up unannounced to random firms? Did you know anyone in those offices? How was your unannounced arrival received? How many places did you visit in this fashion before someone showed a genuine…[Read more]

Hey Charlie, any advice as to where one would get started in looking at jobs in Australia? Did they require you to have your papers in order prior to applying?

Good Points Aceto.

Nrschmid, I don’t know about my reputation being soured that way. In this economy I’m sure its fairly common for multiple firms in the same town to receive materials from the same applicant. There’s nothing unusual about that.

I will agree with you that I’d probably have a better chance at finding a position through networking, but like I said…[Read more]

Hey Nick,

You’re right, its tough. What I have found is that more firms want licensure right now. (Something I do not have. The best I can do is assure them I am working towards it). Many firms also want 3-D modeling experience. (Something else I don’t have. I’m trying to teach myself as much as I can online, but I just don’t have the experience…[Read more]

I hear what you’re saying. But the only downside to spending that much time tailoring one’s application to a specific company is that you are not making contact with as many firms. I think both methods ‘increase the odds’ of getting a call back, but it’s hard to say which way is more worthwhile. A couple of years ago, I would occassionally test…[Read more]

I do do my homework on these firms and weave it into the application package. However, like I said, there is only so much you can learn from the net. Often times websites offer a very broad overview of a firm’s services and project-types. And more often than not, these websites aren’t updated to reflect a firms current focus during this unique…[Read more]

I hear what you’re saying about the volume, but this method has worked quite well for me in the past. I do try to tailor the cover letter to the firm I’m applying for as much as I can. But most often, information about that particular firm is limited. Unless you happen to know someone who works there, your information on a firms needs can be…[Read more]

Thanks guys for your replies. I’m also curious, did these companies help you obtain the proper visas/paperwork…or did they require you already have the necessary paperwork in place PRIOR to interviewing you?

Trace, how many LA’s do you know making anything close to 100k? That doesn’t sound right to me at all. Are these people partners in firms? I have 8 years of experience and I would be suprised to be offered more than 50-60k in this economy (if that!). Perhaps you are thinking of high cost of living places live NY and SF?

I have also been seriously considering either a career change or a backup career/source of income. I’ve been looking for work as an LA for almost 18 months after 8 years in the field. I’m relaunching my search this week with a new portfolio/website/cover letters etc. I really hope the fish start biting this time around. The recession seems to be…[Read more]

Nick, that’s a fanstastic product you’ve got there. I commend you on your efforts. If there’s one thing I’ve realized during this recession, is that after I’m employed again, that I need to spend more time keeping an up to date, cutting edge, portfolio. In my past job I didn’t take many pictures or spend any time on keeping up a portfolio. And…[Read more]

nrchmid, although I’m not a student, I appreciate your reply. Just to clarify, its not really the ‘work samples’ that thieves are interested in. Apparently, most resumes have enough information on you for a criminole to steal your id, get credit in your name, etc. No, were not talking ss#’s and birthdates. Rather your full name, address, schools…[Read more]