Let me guess.
You’ve been applying for like a thousand internships and full time jobs and even PART TIME JOBS but, you’ve barely gotten any responses back, if any!
To a perfectionist college student, this is one of THE WORST things that can happen during a job search. Speaking from experience, it can feel as if you’re falling behind or you’re not good enough. And seeing everyone’s post on LinkedIn does not make it any better!
And if you’re a dramatic like me, it can feel like nothing is going right, your career is over, you’ve lost control, you’re not smart enough, etc, etc, etc.
But, I invite you here today to stop, take a deep breath with me, and slow down. You are worthy, you are smart, you are worth it, you will find what’s meant for you.
And this is not an easy fix. You’ll probably go through this cycle of overthinking all the time. You just have to remind yourself to take a breath when you do.
Advice for you
Now, what can we do as young professionals trying to get out there?
One harrowing statistic that lives in my head rent free is; More than 70% of jobs are filled through networking, and a lot of jobs are not even broadcasted to the public.
Learning this, and realizing that all of us are competing for what seems like, the same 3 jobs, it can feel frusturating.
So, lets dive into some things that can help.
Network
Try to find opportunities to network with professionals in your desired career. It’s a hassle but its neccesary. This includes going to that special guest lecture you usually wouldn’t go to or attending as many career fairs as possible.
Or you can even (respectfully) message professionals on linkedin asking if they are available for a quick Zoom call. The worst they can do is say no.
Tip: Make sure you follow up with the people you met at the career fair, many people forget to follow up in a timely fashion and they lose a valuable connection.
Apply With Intention
One big part of applying to jobs is choosing which ones you should apply for. I used to apply, apply, apply to anything that was relatively close to my major and because of this I didn’t spend a lot of time on any one application. I even skipped the cover letter for some.
Through my experience, it is much better to apply to one job application and put your all rather than applying to 10 and barely trying.
This includes putting in the work for those job postings that be wanting you to go the extra mile and respond to specific questions they have in their specific word limit.
You’re probably thinking, “they’re doing too much” or “I don’t want to do all that” or “I’ll do it later”, knowing you’ll never.. do it later.
Just think , if you’re saying these things, imagine all the other people who are doing the same. You all leave the job post, making the application pool smaller, and the job posting you barely had to work for, larger and larger. Yea I just read you, (high-fives myself).
Take the time to meaningfully apply to jobs, especially jobs you really want. You’ll passion will shine through.
Tip: Try to apply job postings when they first come out. Even though a lot of jobs don’t say they review apps on a rolling basis, they almost always are. Giving you a higher chance if you’re the first one they see!
Reflect
Also friend, maybe you need to reflect on your resume and interview strategy.
Take your resume seriously and do a deep analysis of what works and what doesn’t. Also one new trend in job applications is writing your job experience on your resume in the S.T.A.R. format.
Expanding on that, review some of the answers you give to the common questions about your resume and why your qualified for the job. Do you reply in S.T.A.R. format or are you just winging it?
Look up youtube videos, articles, or ask successful people you know for their thought on your resume and interview
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’re all struggling out here guys. But we have to remember to keep trying our best, doing the work, and keeping a positive mindset.
What’s for you will not pass you. Believe in the process and you’ll get it done.
Kisses!! Muahhhhh
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