[Originally posted a year ago, I've revised this post for 2010.]
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about job-hunting, it’s that companies obsess over experience and no one wants to give it. Almost every job I’ve applied for over the last year has required at least 2 years of related on-the-job experience, and almost none (save Target and that pyramid-scheme marketing company) offered entry-level work. Now here I am nearing the end of my seasonal job at my local Target.
The hardest part of job-hunting is that too many companies never consider the person behind the paper. I understand it would take an awful long time to personally interview every applicant, but so many organizations miss out on potentially great employees when they skip the face-to-face or phone interview. You see, I can’t help that I passed on some work experience to get my graduate degree. I can’t change that, no matter how much I wish I could. I can’t change the fact that I’m not interested in being a pastor, and that my seminary education is still useful in any non-profit workplace. I may have never been paid for working with WordPress, Twitter, or Facebook, but I can tell you I know plenty about them. I have never written an article for a newspaper or magazine, but I once had a photo of a New Orleans Sunset used by Intelligent Travel (a National Geographic blog).
In other words, I may not be able to put a lot on my resume, but I bring a lot to the table. I’m a funny guy. I’m intelligent and I learn quickly. Some of my closest friends tell me I write well, and that I’m a pretty good photographer. I still have two degrees, and I think that even if they’re not entirely relevant to the position I’m applying for, they still reflect that I’ve worked hard and accomplished something. They prove I’m a dedicated worker. They prove I finish what I start.
So if you’re a potential employer checking up on this “Joseph L. Kennedy” fellow who listed a website on his resume, here I am. I think you’d like to have me around. I’d sure love to be given a shot. (In case you didn’t get my resume, here it is for you.)
[Profile]
A long-time resident of Mobile, Alabama, I received a Bachelor of Science in Communication from the University of Mobile and attained a Master of Divinity in Urban Missions from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Hurricane Katrina struck Gulf Coast while I was working toward my master’s degree, and upon my return to New Orleans I added extensive experience in community relations through my church and the seminary. That work often involved meeting and assisting community members whose homes were damaged by the flood, gutted by Christian volunteers from cross the country, and rebuilt during the ensuing years. In addition to acting as a community-church liaison, I honed my photography skills and started a side business.
[Experience]
Freelance Photographer
Words Are Not Enough | Mobile, Alabama | August 2006 – Present
I became a freelance photographer, shooting engagements, weddings, and portraits. In 2007 I was approached by Invisible Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to telling the story of war-affected children in East Africa. I took promotional photos of the Displace Me event site at Tulane University in New Orleans. I also worked as a photographer at various ministry events and conferences in New Orleans and Fort Worth, Texas.
Church Planting Intern
North American Mission Board | New Orleans, Louisiana | January – May 2008
I worked as a church planting intern in the Gentilly and Filmore neighborhoods of New Orleans. I assisted in meeting with families and individuals whose homes were gutted by volunteers from Edgewater Baptist Church after Hurricane Katrina.
Community Missions Intern
First Baptist Church of Tillman’s Corner | Mobile, Alabama | May – August 2003
For the summer of 2003, I served as the community missions intern for First Baptist Tillman’s Corner. I organized community events for the church, including a Backyard Bible Club, apartment outreach, and an apartment Bible study. I also used my graphic design skills to promote outreach fundraising events within the church. I remained with the church as a volunteer for the youth and college ministries once the internship was complete.
Associate/Barista
Books-A-Million | Mobile, Alabama | March – August 2001
While working as a barista and associate at Books-A-Million, I gained retail experience. I prepared drinks and food for customers in Joe Muggs Café while filling in for customer service during breaks. In addition to working in the cafe, I also helped restock the bookstore, participated in inventory, and worked the floor as needed.
[Education]
New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
New Orleans, Louisiana — Master of Divinity (Specialization in Urban Missions), 2008
University of Mobile
Mobile, Alabama — Bachelor of Science in Communication (Advertising and Public Relations), 2004
[Skills]
I have worked extensively with Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, and I can work on both Mac and Windows operating systems. I am very familiar with social networking websites, including Facebook, Twitter, and WordPress. My camera is a Canon EOS 40D.
by Joe Kennedy
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