Getting a Job in NYC (Newtonyc.org)

Getting a job in New York City is all about bringing your "A Game." The expression, "If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere" exists for a reason. While the New York City job market is one of the strongest in the country, it's also extremely competitive. Here's three important things to remember while hunting for a job in the big city:

First, play to your strengths. You're going to need at least one or two internships or previous related work experiences on your resume to get considered for an interview. If you've always wanted to work in advertising, but you've got a lot of experience in finance, right when you move to New York isn't the time to make a career switch. Stick with what you know at least to start.

Second, make an exhaustive search. Send your resume to as many places as possible. For every ten places you send your resume, you're lucky if you hear back from three. Craig's List is a good place to start. Make sure your resume is in great shape before you begin, and get it in front of as many eyes as possible. Don't stop at Craig's List though. Check newspapers, other job websites, and most of all word of mouth. Take full advantage of any and all networking opportunities available to you. That means friends, relatives, people you meet on the subway. You never know where you're going to find a job.

Third, nail your interviews. If and when you get called in for an interview, your potential employer is either choosing you out of literally hundreds of people who responded to a classified ad, or doing whoever got you the interview a favor. You have to make the most of the opportunity. Here's some job interview tips:

-Dress to impress-you will be judged on everything, including your appearance. You can never be overdressed. Wear a suit, nice shoes, and style your hair. Show you take the opportunity seriously.

-Get there early-showing up late will guarantee you not getting the job, but getting there early will guarantee you're on time with time to spare to get your affairs in order and focus on what you need to do.

-Bring extra copies of your resume-your interviewer will ask you for it, and if you don't have it, you'll look unprepared, which is very bad.

-Convey positivity-Be interested and engaging, look your interviewer in the eyes, give a firm hand shake. Your aim is to connect with the person.

-Before you go in, take a minute to clear your head. Listen to some music, meditate, go over what you want to say in your head. Get in the right frame of mind to make the lasting impression you want to make.

Getting a job in New York can be a long, difficult task. Don't get frustrated if you don't get hired right away. The longer you stay at it, the closer you are to success. When it comes down to it, a lot depends on luck. If you stay at it long enough, something will work out eventually. It's hard to stay motivated when nothing is working, but remember, this a tough city. Persistence will be rewarded.