If you’ve been following me for some time, you know that I’m in the hot pursuit of snagging my first full-time job. It’s been nine long months of applying to jobs, interviews, and unemployment. My last job was as an intern in Legendary Entertainment’s Scripted TV Development department last December. In that role, I was expected to read TV scripts, pitch ideas to executives and write summaries on what I was reading. My internship at Legendary was the best one I have ever had. Following that experience, I have searched diligently for another role in Scripted TV and my efforts have fallen short.

After many learned lessons, I have pivoted. This summer, I have opened my sights and considered working at a Talent Agency. Throughout graduate school, I was always encouraged to work at a Talent Agency to get my start in entertainment. I’ve learned that the big three talent agencies are William Morris/Endeavor (WME), Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and International Creative Management (ICM). When I learned that these three agencies were the most popular, I focused all my efforts on trying to snag an interview at one of these companies.

On August 6th, I found the Linkedin profile of a HR executive at WME. This man had a friendly profile picture and a summary that stated he had over eight years of experience in Human Resources. Upon viewing his profile I assumed that if anyone could help me break into the doors at WME, it would be this gentleman. I sent him a Linkedin request to connect and within minutes he accepted my request. After, the connection was made I knew it was important that I messaged him quickly stating my intentions and how I hoped he could assist. My message read:

“Thank you for accepting my request… I hope to join Endeavor one day…Do you know of anyone I can send my resume to?”

I figured my message was direct, friendly and respectful; making meaningful connections and asking for help is what Linkedin was made for, right?

After sending the message, I felt that maybe I overestimated my cold messaging skills because the HR executive never responded. Instead eight days later a HR coordinator from the same company reached out stating that my HR executive connect passed over my resume to him. Mind you, this was news to me because my question to the HR executive never answered.

The next day the HR coordinator and I hopped on the phone for an introductory call where I shared my career goals with him. Our call was fantastic and during our conversation, I learned about the business model of WME and was invited to come in for an in-person interview. Following that call, I booked my flight to LA and anxiously flew from the east to the west, excited to meet with the HR team at the WME office in Beverly Hills.

When I met the friendly gentleman that I had a phone call with in person, it was a pleasant experience. I went to the floor of his office, shook his hand and followed him into his office. When I sat down he told me,

“You know Chris, I’ve reviewed your resume before. I found you on Linkedin a while back and was considering you for a position but the executive I was recruiting for went in a different direction. We are familiar with your work and experiences.”

Our meeting was positive, and I appreciated my time at WME. Unfortunately, I was told during the meeting that the company wasn’t looking to fill any entry-level roles that day but that we would for sure be in touch. This entire experience has taught me some valuable lessons that I must share with you.

My Name is In Rooms That My Feet Haven’t Touched

Before I even reached out to the executive in HR at WME, the HR coordinator already knew of my resume. There’s a quote that I often see on Instagram that states, “your name is in rooms that your feet haven’t touched yet.” I always read that quote and thought it was cool but never really believed it. When the HR coordinator told me he knew of me, had already seen my resume and even considered me for a position before I ever reached out, the quote became real life for me.

I walked away from that meeting inspired and encouraged. I wanted to tell you this story to encourage you to be inspired. It is our job to do our best work and put it out into the world, that is all we can control. We never know who is talking about us or familiar with the work we have done. Following this interaction I’m inspired to keep doing great work and putting it out into the world, trusting that it is being noticed. I hope you do the same.

Relationships Are More Important Than The Resume

The HR coordinator at WME already knew of my resume but it wasn’t until I sent the cold message to one of his colleagues I was afforded a meeting. It is important that those of us who are seeking jobs, continue to make relationships if we want to earn amazing opportunities. You, just like me, may have an impressive resume but relationships are just as important, if not more important, to make sure that someone sees that resume. Big lesson.

Every Applicant Needs An Advocate

I know that my resume is much more impactful in an applicant pool when someone on the inside advocates for it. After this interaction at WME, I will continue to make meaningful connections and look for people to champion my resume. This experience taught me that someone can see my resume, consider me for a position but not take the time to call me until encouraged to do so by a colleague.

Conclusion

Unemployment and searching for a job is tough. The journey to finding a job is filled with false starts, rejection, and patience. What I learned is that I must keep going, continue to add value where I can and making meaningful connections. If you are like me looking for a job, I hope you take heed to my advice and continue to press on.

Be Inspired.