So you haven't landed the ad job of your dreams. You're working in a restaurant, store, whatever. You may not be doing the work you want, but it doesn't mean opportunities don't exist at your current workplace.

Years ago, this unemployed adman found work at a mom-and-pop ice cream store. The owners knew about my background, so I got to do a few promotional things for them, including creating fliers, newspaper coupons, and ice cream flavor names. I did all of this while serving up sundaes and working the cash register. It wasn't great advertising, but it added to my experience. (I created an ice cream flavor called "Tastes Like Chicken." Mentioning it in my letters got me several interviews.)

So is there opportunity for you to be more than just a cashier or waitstaff at your current job?

Would they be open to you being their social media director to help build their customer base?

Could you help them create a customer loyalty program?

Where can your marketing know-how and creativity come into play?

It may feel like they are taking advantage of your skills, because they barely pay you above minimum wage, but you are still getting something of value – you are building your skills – something you may be able to leverage into getting that ad job of your dreams.

Photo: Robert Meij. Courtesy of stock.xchng.