I just graduated from college about a month ago. The impending doom of the job-hunt has been stressing me out for months, like as in months before I even graduated. The past few weeks I have been searching the Internet for jobs, applying to multiple a day, and was getting discouraged whenever I received the “Thanks for applying, but no thanks” email. But I decided that it was time to let all those bad vibes go.
Why am I not letting all this negativity bring me down? Because it’s not going to help me at all in my job-hunt. Sure sometimes I want to curl up in a ball and just wait for the universe to hand me my dream-job. Yes, I’m tired of writing cover letter after cover letter, pretty much begging for someone to hire me. It is tedious and can be disheartening, but everyday I wake up and push through it, because if I didn’t, all my windows of opportunity would close. Here are some tips I’ve used to remain positive, even in the most stressful of situations.
Don’t let “NO” bring you down
This is the first time in my life that I have ever, and I mean EVER, been rejected for a position I wanted. At first I took it personally. What’s wrong with me? Why don’t they want me? But in reality, it isn’t personal. I realized I don’t actually know what my competition is, and there are probably people applying to the position that are much more qualified than I am. Yes, it sucks, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not going to find a job the suits me in the future. Everything happens for a reason. Seriously.
Practice
The other day I had an interview for a position I wasn’t even interested in. But I still went. Why? Practice makes perfect. Take every opportunity you can get to practice your interview skills. That way when an interview rolls around that you want to nail, you know how to prepare. Even with interviews that don’t turn out the way you want. Think of it is a learning experience. Look back and wonder what you could have done differently. Could you have prepared more? Did you dress appropriately? The lessons you learn from previous interviews are important, even if you don’t get the job.
Feeling Defeated does NOTHING For You
I know it is way easier said then done, but do not let rejection bring you down. There is no reason to hold on to that feeling, it only makes the situation worse. Relish in it for 30 minutes, feel sorry for yourself, and then move on. The only way you can persevere in the career world is by putting yourself out there with a confident attitude, and holding on to a defeated feeling will keep you from doing this. I like to think of everyday as new. Literally this last week I have gone from feeling like I’m on top of my shit, to feeling like a complete failure. Guess when I was the most productive? Exude confidence, even if you’re by yourself in your room looking through Craigslist ads. The only way to stay on top is by feeling good about you, despite what happened earlier in week, day, etc
Don’t fret, you will eventually find a job. These things take time. Just keep searching, keep your head up, and think of everything from interviews to cover letters as opportunities that are leading you in the right direction.
Caitlin Hatch is a recent graduate of The University of Texas with a degree in government. She has a passion for politics, yoga, and social media. She is currently training to be a yoga instructor through Black Swan Yoga in Austin, TX.
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