Not Getting Job Offers? Several Reasons Why

July 18, 2017Posted inAll articles, How-to succeed

Owl - get job offers from animal organizations

By Paula Fitzsimmons

Rejection stings, especially when it involves a job you really wanted or thought you’d be perfect for.

It’s essential that you learn to not take rejection personally . . .easier said than done, I know.  But getting turned down for a job isn’t a reflection of who you are or what you have to offer.

For one, you’re competing against dozens and even hundreds of other applicants – one hiring manager at an animal nonprofit recently told me she and her coworkers receive thousands of applications per year.

There are any number of other reasons why you may not be getting your dream job or called back for interviews. I’ve outlined a few of the big ones below.

Urban Coyote Ecology – an Emerging Field

June 29, 2017Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Urban coyote ecology - careers with coyotes & urban wildlife

By Paula Fitzsimmons

Wild animal species once largely restricted to rural areas have become regular urban denizens. In my own mid-sized city, it’s no longer uncommon to see foxes, coyotes, and turkeys roaming freely in residential areas. Several months ago we even spotted what appeared to be a bobcat on the arm of a busy highway. These kinds of sightings were rare as recently as a decade ago.

Caring About Animals Shouldn’t Hurt: How to Protect Your Soft Center

May 22, 2017Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, Inspiration & ideas

Self care tips for animal caregivers and advocated

By Paula Fitzsimmons

As animal advocates, we’re exposed to some pretty nasty stuff. Failure to properly shield ourselves emotionally may lead to problems later on, sometimes with disastrous results.

Veterinarians, for instance, experience a higher suicide rate than that of the general population, according to an article in the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education. Shelter workers, vet techs, disaster workers, and anyone in regular, direct contact with distressed animals are susceptible to compassion fatigue.

Those who work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to protect animals and the planet are not immune from the hurt, either. Working on legislative bills that don’t pass, dealing with harsh critics, and having to constantly raise funds can also be brutal. And yes, volunteers are also vulnerable.

Purrfect Work: Career & Business Ideas for Cat Lovers

May 9, 2016Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Career & business ideas for cat lovers

By Paula Fitzsimmons

Have you ever thought about turning your passion for cats into paying work or a profitable business, but weren’t quite sure how to make that happen? You may be surprised at the variety of options available to you – and at the number of organizations seeking your passion and special skills.

I know, because opportunities working with cats and other animals regularly get posted on the Animal Jobs Digest jobs page.

Essential Job Skill: Speaking Up for Animals

April 25, 2016Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, How-to succeed

Essential job skill - speaking up for animals

By Paula Fitzsimmons

If you want a career advocating for animals, you’ll need to get comfortable speaking out for them. Being their voice is an enormous responsibility, and can feel intimidating, but learning a few basic skills can help you speak out effectively . . .without losing your sanity in the process.

Some careers require more advanced communication skills than others – a public relations manager will obviously need to speak out more than an animal caregiver, for instance. Regardless of your position, you’ll need decent communication skills, because you’re representing not only yourself, but an entire organization.

Practicing even one of these tips can make a difference.

Overcome the Barriers in the Way of Your Animal Protection Job

April 1, 2016Posted inAll articles, Featured articles, Inspiration & ideas

Panther in Forest - Overcome Barriers

By Paula Fitzsimmons

What do you believe is holding you back from finding your animal dream job – No college degree? Lack of experience? Your location? What may seem like a barrier may very well be nothing more than a minor setback, or even perhaps the prelude to an even better opportunity.

You may very well have legitimate reasons for not being able to accomplish what you want to do right now: Vet school is too competitive; family obligations are preventing you from pursuing that advanced degree; you can’t accept an internship because you’re working two jobs. Situations arise . . . I get that.

The Freedom of Flexibility: Customize Your Own Animal Welfare Career

March 23, 2016Posted inAll articles, Career options, Featured articles

Tree with butterflies - customize your own animal welfare career

By Paula Fitzsimmons

Like it or not, we’ve entered a new economy. Today’s workforce looks different than it did a decade ago – and remotely resembles the one-career-for-life model of the pre-1990s. An increasing number of workers are cobbling together part-time jobs, freelance gigs, and small business ventures in order to eke out a full-time living.

Reach Out to Potential Employers with a Letter of Introduction

March 15, 2016Posted inAll articles, How-to succeed, Tools for success

Letter of introduction - Use LOI to find animal welfare job

By Paula Fitzsimmons

Searching for a solid way to reach out to potential employers? Consider sending a letter of introduction. As a freelance writer, I use LOIs to reach out to editors and clients, and ultimately land paying gigs. They’re an essential part of the professional freelancer’s arsenal, but they can also be used to land a job in just about any field, including animal welfare and care.