Our mission here at The Muse is simple: to help you find your dream job. So, there’s nothing we love more than hearing about it when you do!
Today, we chatted with Alli Littlejohn, Operations Maven (a.k.a., the ultimate fire-putter-outer) at TrackMaven, a marketing analytics software company in Washington, DC. Besides the awesome perk of hanging out with the company corgi, Alli loves how easy TrackMaven made her transition after landing her gig—meaning she had the chance to make a lot of impact from the second she started working.
Read below to learn more about her story, then check out TrackMaven’s offices and see how you can land a great new gig of your own!
Tell us about yourself! Give us your elevator speech!
I’m a 24-year-old college grad originally hailing from Michigan. I attended college at GW here in DC, but moved to Charlotte, NC right after graduation before moving back to the District almost two years later. Prior to this job, I was an Operations Manager at a tech startup called AddShoppers.
What are some of your day to day responsibilities as Operations Maven?
One of my co-workers told me the other day, “I wasn’t sure who else to ask about this, so I figured you would know”—that pretty much sums up my role. No two days are the same, and I handle everything, from day-to-day office management to owning the accounts receivable process to overseeing new Maven onboarding—and it’s always exciting. In particular, working on accounts receivable has been really fun to be a part of. It’s very exciting to collect money and know that it has a direct impact on the company’s success.
What were you looking for in a job?
When I started looking for a new job, I knew I wanted to stay in the startup community, but I was primarily focused on finding a great culture fit. (A casual work environment and unlimited vacation were big pluses as well!)
What attracted you to the company when you found it on The Muse?
Maven, the company’s dog and official mascot! But actually, based on the interviews posted on The Muse, I could tell that TrackMaven was a company full of hard-working, smart individuals who knew how to have fun. That kind of atmosphere is what really caught my attention because it was something I was looking for in my ideal workspace.
Learn More About Working at TrackMaven!
What’s your favorite part so far about working at this company?
My ability to make an impact right away. My first week was a thorough onboarding to the company and all departments, so from the beginning I had a clear understanding of how everything worked. I credit the onboarding with my ability to hit the ground running as soon as I started because no time was wasted in uncertainty.
How did you use The Muse to help you in your job search?
I’ve been a fan of The Muse for about four or five years now, so when I decided that I wanted to start looking, it was my first stop. It helped a lot in finding not only the right job, but the right company with its in-depth profiles.
As for my interview prep, I basically lived on The Muse throughout the job search process. I read articles on everything from resumes and common interview questions to advice on the best time to follow up and how to do so. It wasn’t always brand new information, since I’ve been through the job hunt before, but it helped to reassure me that I was on the right track.
Is there anything in particular you did during your application process that you think helped you stand out and land the job?
I’d like to think that sending a Friday Night Lights GIF in my follow-up email to two of my interviewers helped distinguish me from the rest and highlight my personality. The show was briefly mentioned during my interview, and it was a connection that we shared. It went over really well!
What advice would you have for someone who wants a job like yours?
Don’t rush yourself. I was looking for a while before I found TrackMaven and the Operations Maven position. I know it can get tough, especially if you’re currently unemployed or very unhappy at your current job, but if you stick with it and are patient enough to keep searching for that perfect fit, it will be well worth the wait!