| Back to Home > Bulletin Board > Beginner Issues > Topic: Slow going for career changer- any advice? |
Topic: Slow going for career changer- any advice?
| Author | Message |
| jpo873 | Posted – 11/19/2007 12:05:51 PM | show profile I recently moved to the Boston area and in the process, decided I wanted a career change as well to copyediting/proofreading (and down the road, copywriting). So I've signed up with a few temp agencies but as I don't have the experience on my resume, I've only gotten a few day-long jobs here and there. A friend has asked me to proof his website (a nonprofit small company) so I can add that to my resume as well as the few jobs I've had. But how can I make myself more marketable as a proofreader/copyeditor? I really enjoy it and I think I am on the right path here, but I am getting frustrated waiting for the entry-level jobs to roll in through my agency. |
| dribbledrive1 | Posted – 11/19/2007 12:41:23 PM | show profile I'd say you need to be aggressive seeking out work on your own. Don't rely on the temp agency, because they probably have other people with more experience who are first in line for these gigs. If you want to change careers, you need to knock on doors yourself, and not wait passively for others to bring you work. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 11/19/2007 1:59:16 PM | show profile Agree with Dribble. And update your resume frequently with each new gig. You don't have to specify that it was only for a day, either. Suggest contact regional mags and trade pubs directly to see if they need help. You can also think outside the area, as this work can frequently be done via email. |
| foodlit | Posted – 11/19/2007 6:19:15 PM | show profile Agree as well. When you are looking to shift gears, you need to think outside the box, and be aggressive in networking in any way that you can. Know that temp agencies will focus on your resume and if your experience matches well, they'll call you..otherwise, you won't hear from them. Check craig's list. I've often seen editing stuff listed there. Good luck, Pam |
