ThoughtsOnPaper Presents: Writers May Need a Day Job Too

It's another season of the fun-filled Wattpad Block Party - Winter Edition IV. Another huge 'THANK YOU' to KellyAnneBlount for organising and hosting this biannual event! This is my fifth time in a row to have the honours of participating in Wattpad's biggest party.

On this post, I will not be listing Writing Tips like I've done in The Wattpad Block Party - Summer Edition II and The Wattpad Block Party - Summer Edition III. Instead, I will be listing tips on job hunting. Yes, JOB HUNTING. Why is this relevant? Let's face it, most of us here are aspiring to be successful authors. When I say 'successful', I mean we can sustain ourselves financially by doing what we deeply passionate about–write and tell stories. That would be an absolute dream come true! Sorry to burst some writers' bubble, but unfortunately, it may take a while for us to reap the rewards of what we sow. In sadder cases, our passion for writing may not fully sustain our needs. Thus, we need to find other sources of income. We need a job that will pay the bills while we toil on that potential bestseller.

Some may be lucky to score a publishing deal that is paying the bills, but some successful authors do fall. A writer's job is just as vulnerable as any other jobs out there. Unless you've reached the same level of J.K. Rowling, Stephen King, and other authors who are rolling in royalties, then you don't have to worry about having a job to fall back on. However, for those who are still working on reaching that level, whether you are already employed or not, this post is for you because we all need something to fall back on to meet our financial obligations.

The process of job searching has many elements. Each element can be overwhelming for those who are entering the workforce for the first time. I will try to keep it as simple as I can. Feel free to ask questions as you read along, and I'll try to answer them as soon as possible. Let's begin...

Have Short-Term Goals To Get You By

We may already know what our long-term goal is. Be that successful author, perhaps? Have a flourishing career in your field of study, maybe? Or, something else. Whatever it may be, there are steps and processes in place before they can be achieved. In the meantime, while your long-term goal is still out of reach, consider other opportunities, even though it may seem irrelevant to where you want to go. Remember, a job is a job. It pays the bills. You gain knowledge. It strengthens your network. You gain transferrable skills that you can apply on the next job. You are more marketable and attractive to a future potential employer while you are working.

Learn How To Write A Proper Curriculum Vitae, Resumé, and Cover Letter

There are many resources over the internet on how to write a Curriculum Vitae, Latin for 'course of life', a Resumé, and cover letter. DO NOT BE LAZY! Research on tips and formats, read samples. Take time to write all these documents properly. Yes, you need all three. An employer may not ask for both CV and resumé, but you will need to have them on file, and always have a cover letter.

 What's the difference between the CV and resumé? The CV lists everything you have done in detail–education, career, achievements, etc.–in chronological order, and can exceed more than 2-4 pages. The Resumé is a summary of your skills and experience. It is preferred that the resumé doesn't exceed 4 pages; less pages, the better. The resumé doesn't have to be in chronological order. Also, it is highly adviseable that you customise your resume according to the job ad.

With regards to the Cover Letter, customise it according to the ad. Make it stand out by outlining why you're the best person for the job. Make them tick every box of what they're looking for as they read your cover letter. Again, there are so many tips on how to write a cover letter online. Research!

Speaking of research, there are tons of resources on the internet. There are millions of tips. Bear in mind that there are no right or wrong formats, or templates on how to write these documents, it's what works. So, experiment on various formats. If you're not getting a response on your application, then your documents aren't working. Just like your manuscripts–review, revise, edit.

You know that your documents are working for you when your applications are catching the employers' attention, and you're getting job interviews.

What if you're getting your job interviews left, right, and centre, but you're not getting the job? That's on the next item.

Referees and References

Supply future employers with at least 2 work-related referees/references, preferably a direct manager and/or supervisor. When you nominate a referee, make sure that the person is aware that potential employer may contact them for a reference.

The Job Interview

Going for the job interview is all about preparation. How you prepare yourself will reflect on how you will conduct yourself at the interview. I will list down basic things to help you prepare and conduct yourself at the interview.

Research on the company you're having an interview with. Knowing who your potential employer helps in preparing you for the interview. Other than their location and hours of operation, be aware of what the business is about. Read as much information about the business as you can because you never know when, and if, the question, "So, what do you know about <insert company name here>?" and "Do you have any questions?"

How you answer those questions will give the interviewers the impression that you are interested in their business by taking time to learn about them.

Research on possible interview questions for the role you're applying for. A great way to be prepared for an interview is already knowing how you're going to answer a question should it arise. Take note of questions that might be difficult and/or tricky to answer like the famous "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" If there are questions that you're not sure how to answer, read up on the answers that others have given. If this is not your first job interview, take note of those questions from previous interviews where you've thought you could have answered better. Being able to answer questions without falter will give the employer a good impression. If there are questions that are new to you, take note of them so if you're asked in future interviews, you'll be more prepared.

Outfit of the day. Depending on the job you're going for, you need to know how you should dress at the interview. If you're going for a professional/office-based role, go for the classic business attire. If you're going for a blue collared role, a clean pair of pants, closed shoes, shirt are okay.

Make sure that your clothes fit you well. If you're not comfortable with the fit, it will reflect on your body language.

Grooming. This may be common sense, but there are people who turn up at their interviews with poor presentation. So, please, have shower, brush your teeth, wear deodorant, keep your hair neat, and iron your interview clothes! Do not wear too much perfume/cologne that the interviewer can feel the scent of your fragrance clawing at their nasal lining. If you decide to wear make-up, don't turn up as if you're going to a night club. At the interview, while you're not yet aware of what the dress code and the work culture is, remove facial and extra ear piercings. Always assume that your interviewer is old-fashioned and conservative.

The Interview Survival Pack. Have the following items with you.

1. At least 3 copies of your CV, Resumé, and Cover letter in case you need to provide a copy on the day. Also have a copy for yourself. Even though you may know what your work history and skills are, it's still good to review as people respond to stress differently.

2. Copies of certificates. When you get the call for the interview, it is best to ask them if there are other documents you need to bring on the day (ex. ID, birth certificate, police check, work-related certificates, etc.)

3. Deodorant, perfume, make-up if you think you'll need to touch up. Again, don't overdo it with the perfume and make-up.

4. Breath mints/spray. Be mindful of your breath.

5. Hair brush/comb

6. Tissues or handkerchief.

7. Bandaids (in case your shoes are new).

8. Writing tools–pen and paper. Not exactly to write the next scene on your WIP, but to take down notes/instructions during the interview, if required. But, hey! If inspiration suddenly hits you while you're waiting at the lobby, why not?

9. A list of questions. It's not necessary, but it would be good to have questions that you can ask the employer. It reflects that you're interested in the company and would like to know more about the business, and the role you're applying for.

10. Water. As I said, people respond differently to stress. Even though you think you're not nervous, stress can make your mouth and throat dry during the interview. As a result, you will feel uncomfortable, may have trouble talking due to the dryness, stammer and/or clear your throat several times. Your interviewer may read into this negatively by thinking that it's a result of poor confidence, lack of preparation, not knowing what to answer, and the list can go on. Having a sip of water will help hydrate you. Apart from hydration, it's a good delaying tactic. How?

"Tell us, Mr. Applicant, when you've dealt with a difficult customer, and how were you able to resolve the situation?"

"Well..." Mr. Applicant pauses as he reaches for his water bottle, and draws the spout to his lips. As the refreshing taste of cool water fills his mouth, his brain frantically searches for the answer. He put the bottle back on the table. He nods and smiles at the lady sitting at the opposite side of the table. "When I was working at..."

Of course, it's always good to ask the employer if it's okay to have your water with you as courtesy.

If you're asked or offered some water, don't be shy to say 'yes'.

Be confident about your skills. During the interview, it is your opportunity to highlight what you can offer the company, and convince them why they should hire you, what benefits will they gain for hiring you, and why you're the best candidate. It's not bragging. You are selling yourself for a job.

Follow Up On Feedback

Always be pro-active. After the interview, I'd encourage you to ask, when you can expect feedback, or when you can call them to follow up on the feedback and outcome of the interview. If you haven't heard back after 3 days, or after the time they said they'd contact you, give them a call.

While you are waiting on a job offer, keep sending out your application.

Other Things to be Mindful Of When Job Hunting

As aspiring authors, we are very familiar with the need to engage in social media to get our name and product out there, establish a network with other authors for support, and tap into opportunities. Whether you're already working and looking for a better opportunity, or trying to get back into the workforce, there are things that you need to keep in mind while using social media.

Be careful on how you behave and conduct yourself on the internet. Stop using the excuse of "Freedom of Expression" to justify abrasive behaviour. Though we are all entitled to our opinions, and we have the right to express them, there are better ways to send the message out without being rude, offensive, and abusive. Be selective of photos you post of yourself. Some employers will look at your social media profile, and see how you represent yourself online. Companies have reputations to uphold, and their employees represent the company. I'm sure you've already read about people who get fired because of irresponsible and offensive posts. Remember, you are not only on the market for a job, you're also putting yourself on the market for potential publishers and readers to buy your work. 

        Do NOT badmouth a current or former employer. Irregardless whether your managers and colleagues are awful people to work with, do not speak negatively about them to a potential employer. Talk about your job, skills and experience. Any information about a current or old employer should remain short. Do that, and you'll come across as a backstabber. To a potential employer, if you can do that to a past/current employer, you could possibly do the same to them. Would they want to hire you?

Why Would it be Great to Work?

Other than the obvious reason of paying the bills, gaining skills and experience, and having that social interaction, it will contribute significantly towards our craft by:

1. Not all our characters are unemployed bums. Having that work experience allows us to put dimension towards how our characters behave and interact within the workforce. We are able to write what we know.

2. Our interaction with our colleagues contribute towards our character development.

3. Conversations that happen in the workforce make dialogues interesting within our pages.

There you have it! I hope you've found this post useful. I wish you all great success in your future endeavours! Thank you so much for reading! I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

For this party, I'm giving away an eBook copy of our newly released Romantic Anthology, 12 Months of Romance | 24 Reasons to Love to a lucky Wattpadder out there!

There are more Giveaways going out the door so check out the posts from other authors, interact with us, and have fun!

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