The job search is stressful for everyone. Millennials are especially at a disadvantage, with the least amount of experience, and fierce competition from the large number of qualified professionals in the workforce. It can be easy to let pessimism get to you and feel discouraged. Resist that dark tunnel of negativity. Be tenacious and follow these tips for staying positive while job searching. It’s not easy – but if you refuse to let rejection get to you, the job search can be the opportunity to become a stronger person and a more polished professional.
Taking things personally when it comes to your work is a dangerous habit to start. Rejection just means that you weren’t the perfect fit. It doesn’t mean that you’re an incompetent person, a bad employee or that you’re not intelligent. It’s really important to remember all of the positive qualities that you have to offer. Not getting the job is just a natural part of the job search – it’s not personal.
If you’re finding that all of the entry level positions in your industry are looking for professional experience, an internship abroad is the perfect option. It offers real-world, professional experience in a foreign country. That kind of insider information is exactly what you need to set you up for the job interview process.
So you’re looking for the perfect job… who isn’t? It’s a good goal to have. But you have to keep in mind that it takes time and it may not be your first job out of university. Be a little less picky and think about what you need, not what you want. What you need at first is something related to your industry.
Your resume shouldn’t be why you aren’t getting a job. It’s something that you have complete control over. Everything must be spelled correctly and all relevant experience needs to be at the top. Have a trusted friend review it a few times to make sure everything looks peachy.
Critique yourself, ask for feedback… that job will come but it may take longer than you want it to. You have to look forward, think about the different interviews as an opportunity to learn about a company and sell your skills and value to somewhere new. Even if they don’t end up choosing you, you’re practicing your interviewing skills which will be always be useful.
Networking can be a very useful tool while on the job search. Take time to have conversations with people in your field who are established professionals. They will have solid advice on how to get through the job search, where to find jobs and how they got their start. They also might hook you up with an interview, if you play your cards right.
It’s important to realize that as a professional, you have a unique set of skills and qualities. You’re not better or worse than anybody else, just different and in a different place in your career. Try to focus on making yourself a better professional and focus on what you can control as you look for a job, rather than worrying about everyone else.
Photo 1. based on smile, by Luciane Lazzaris, CC-by-ND 2.0
Photo 2. by The Intern Group
Photo 3. based on coffee shop, by zoë biggs, CC-by-2.0