Know Your Job Pros and Cons: Austin Barber’s Career Story

When setting off on a new job hunt, Austin Barber knew what he enjoyed about his previous position and what he disliked about his old job. He used his insights to construct a defined list of his personal job pros and cons that led him on a focused job search. Austin found a new job he enjoys in just six weeks!

What do you do for a career? Who do you work for?

I work for OrePac Building Products, and I am responsible for the education of strategic distribution channel partners on all features and benefits of DuPont™ Tyvek® Weatherization Systems. I am also responsible for creating demand with downstream participants such as general contractors, dealers, distributors and key influencers in the market area.

How long did it take you to find this job?

A month and a half.

How did you find your job? What resources did you use? What tool or tactic helped the most? 

I found it advertised on OrePac.com. For resources, I used LinkedIn and the notes from a presentation Mac Prichard gave at my university. The number one tactic that helped me define the type of job, industry and company I wanted to work for was by creating a simple pro and con table from my previous job and using that as a platform to create key search terms in my job hunt.

What was the most difficult part of your job search? How did you overcome this challenge?

The hardest part was vetting companies either pre- or post-interview to ensure that any career move would be aligned with my goals and aspirations. I employed three tools in overcoming this obstacle in my job seeking adventure. The first was the use of the company’s website before my interview to gain a better understanding of company dynamics, core mission, and values. The second was several company-review websites to look up reviews and gain insight on the interview experience of similar candidates, as well as current employees. The third and final tool was to set up informational interviews with people currently employed with the company or trusted industry peers to get an on-the-ground perspective of what a day-in-the-life would be like in the position.

What is the single best piece of advice you would offer other job-seekers?

Network, Network, Network! Have clear and defined search criteria! Do not make your job search a full-time job!  Doing this will bog you down. It’s okay to take time away to reset and recharge.

Why do you love your job?

I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to pursue my professional goals and aspirations while simultaneously assisting in the construction of quality homes for Oregonians.