Getting your first job as a Gen-Z job seeker is becoming more intense each day. However, Kinjil Mathur, the Chief Marketing Officer at Squarespace, thinks otherwise. Her journey of a finance student making cold calls to a CMO of a $6 billion company is something that every aspirant can draw inspiration from.
CMO Kinjil Mathur’s Career Journey
Kinjil Mathur’s career didn’t start right off the bat. It all began with a phone directory at home. She entered the workforce at a time when jobs were scarce. Instead of waiting for the right opportunity to come towards her, Mathur dove right in the pool. Her approach was simple but effective: pick up the phone, call companies, and offer to work for free. This tactic led her to an internship at Travelocity. She gained her first real work experience at the online travel agency. From there, her career snowballed into opportunities at top companies like Conde Nast and Foursquare that eventually led her to the C-suite at Squarespace.
Cold Calls and Bold Moves
According to Mathur, the first big lesson for Gen-Z job seekers is to take the initiative and dive right in the market. Many aspirants are shy and don’t feel confident enough to take matters into their own hands. Her strategy at that time was to cold call businesses listed in the Yellow Pages. It may seem outdated today but was revolutionary at the time. The lesson here is not about using the phone book but about being bold. In today’s context, that might mean reaching out directly to potential employers via email, social media, or even attending industry events with the resume in hand. The key is to make yourself known and show that you’re eager to gain experience even if that means starting right down at the bottom of the pit.
Building Momentum
Mathur did not rest after getting the internship. To her it was just the start. She understood that each opportunity was a stepping stone to the next great one. The experience she gained from one summer job helped her land the next and created a snowball effect. By the time she was a junior in college, Mathur had enough practical experience to speak confidently in interviews. She could discuss business matters with insight and relevance. And that made her stand out among her peers. This momentum of constant growth led to a full-time job offer as a technology consultant before she even graduated.
Modern Hustle in the Modern Age
The methods and the practices may have changed. But the hustle of a fresher remains ever the same. Gen-Z job seekers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. LinkedIn, Instagram, and countless other platforms provide far greater reach and exposure. Mathur thinks that these tools should be used proactively and more professionally. She insists instead on not waiting for job postings and reaching out to companies directly. She also thinks taking time to perfect the introduction pitch is a very useful routine. The modern hustle is about making connections and creating opportunities where there is none. It may come through cold emails, networking at events, or even turning a part-time job into a networking opportunity,
Forget the Checklist
To Mathur, Gen-Z mindset and approaches to job hunting needs to change. It’s tempting to have a checklist of requirements for the perfect job. Remote work, high pay, work-life balance – all in one package might sound dreamy and worth waiting for but Mathur suggests letting go of this list, especially early in your career. Instead she emphasizes focusing on gaining experience. Being open to different roles, varying hours, and even lower pay will pay off in the long run. The first job landing might not always be the dream job. But every job can teach you something valuable and bring you one step closer to career goals.
Bottom Line
Kinjil Mathur’s journey is a masterclass in adapting to the market and taking the reins of your career in your own hands. Her advice for Gen-Z job seekers boils down to three major points: being proactive, willing to start small, and being open to learn from every opportunity. The job market is always tough and competitive. But, with the right approach and mindset, anyone can eventually carve out a path to success. Mathur’s story clearly shows that those who hustle and take initiative will always find a way to succeed.
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