Alexandra is a 29-year-old New Yorker with an MA in nonprofit management. Once lacking steady employment after completing her degree, she is now a full-time membership manager at an arts organization. Alexandra received a job offer in her field of choice within two months of the last LYJ class. Here are the secrets of her success:

1. How long were you actively jobseeking?

I enrolled in Suzanne’s Love Your Job Search class during a difficult period of transition in my life. I had finished my master’s and after four months intensely applying for work I found seasonal employment. I enjoyed what I did but the small organization I worked for was not able to take me on year round or provide me with benefits. After six months of work, I was unemployed again and was looking for the next step in my career. I was afraid I was going to be forced to move out of the City to find employment and was surrounded by negativity about my job search due to the economy. I thought Suzanne’s class would be a great investment.

2. What was your job search strategy during this period?

The class gave me much needed structure in the weekly meetings and an outlet to talk about shared struggles with other women. It also allowed me to prioritize what was really important to me in my search. Fear, hesitation, and baggage from previous work experience were put aside. I realized that ingenuity and challenge are very important to me in my work place and that my commute and the social and environmental attributes of my work place are almost as important to me as what I do on a day-to-day basis.

During the first few weeks of the class I began to go on many interviews and got to the third interview for several positions. It was difficult to get my hopes up and face eventual rejection, but I tried to stay focused on finding the job that was right for me.

3. How did you ultimately come to obtain your current new job? (Through a friend, cold application)

Within two months of the class ending, I got an interview for my dream job for which I hadn’t even applied. I was referred from a different job for which I was not hired at a related organization. After my interview with my current employer, I called my mom and said this is my job! I was made an offer the next day and accepted.

4. What do you think were the secrets to your success?

I have now been with my current employer about 3 months and enjoy an incredibly fast-paced and challenging work environment, somewhat irregular schedule, a fairly short commute, and good benefits and salary. I have even made a few friends here. I do not think I would have had the same focus, self-reflection, or persistence without Suzanne’s Love Your Job Class being a part of my life. I also think perseverance was a big factor in the result of my job search.

5. What advice do you have for jobseekers out there?

Try to stay positive. There are many stories out there of highly-educated and qualified people who do not find jobs for long periods of time. Remind yourself that those people didn’t necessarily use your approach to job searching or have your skill set or versatility. Find a way to give your job search structure with a partner or class and apply to as many jobs as possible. Decide what is negotiable and what isn’t. Ask friends and use other connections to find out about any jobs in your sector. You can look more efficiently for a job than most people and increase your odds. Remember that you may have to hold out a little longer than you want to find a job, but your persistence will pay off in the end.