A Young Job Hunter’s Advice
Dianez Smith of Silver Spring, Md., spent a year looking for a job with management potential. She finally found one by standing on a sidewalk.

KIPLINGER: You held a sign at one of the busiest corners in Washington, D.C. What happened?
SMITH: I was out there from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on a Wednesday. I got a call at 10:30 a.m. asking if I was available for a job interview in an hour, at Document Technologies, which provides printing services for law firms. I went on that interview and soon got the job.
How many job interviews did you have before that? One, since July of last year. In the meantime, I worked at a bike store.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Why the difficulty? I graduated from college in May 2010. For many of the jobs I was seeking, employers asked for five years’ experience, which no recent grad is going to have.
How did you come up with the idea for the sign? I posted a note on my Facebook page, saying, “Holding up sign, will work for entry-level position.” A bunch of my friends “liked” it. One friend said I should do it for real.
Isn’t going from social media to a street corner drastic? I was fed up with searching the normal way and tired of rejection because I was a recent grad.
What does your new job involve? I’m working at a law firm where I assist paralegals and occasionally lawyers with their projects, but I also work at the front desk. This job lets me use my administrative and customer-service skills in a professional setting. Also, it gives me a foot in the door to a management position. As I move up the ladder, I could become an operations manager. It’s the experience I need for facilities management, which is my interest.
How did you feel about seeking a job so publicly? I’m always looking to try new things. I felt I had been told no so many times that it didn’t really matter if people said no to me again. I’m kind of used to nos.
Did your family support your strategy? I live with my grandmother. She said that if you apply for a lower-level position, you should get it. She didn’t understand that it’s not that simple to get an entry-level job anymore.
How would you counsel other new grads? My advice is: Be bold.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

-
Stock Market Today: Solid Signals Lift Stocks Despite Tariff Noise
Markets are whistling over the White House in an ongoing display of corporate America's enduring ability to survive and advance.
-
Amtrak Joins Prime Day With Deals on Fares — But You’ll Have to Act Fast
Prime members can score 20% off midweek fares — what travelers should know before booking.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online Bargains
Feature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025
Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for Listings
Making Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnb
real estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute Vacation
Travel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?
insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Is Amazon Prime Day? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Apple, Samsung and More
Amazon Prime Amazon Prime Day is four days this year. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals to shop during the sale.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Steps
insurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.