There’s a saying out there that has lasted for decades, yet only those who listen with both ears truly understand what it means: “Nothing worth having in life comes easy,” might just be some of the greatest advice few people ever take.
If you’re like me, you didn’t follow the same path as your parents. I never had any interest in becoming a pilot like my dad nor did I want to be a stewardess like my mom. Yes, they wanted my dreams to fly but they knew I was on a different flight pattern than they were. I wanted to tell stories and write about things that few people have heard before.
So here I am; 22, about to graduate from the University of Alabama and still unemployed. Even after interning for several prestigious media outlets nationwide and gaining over two dozen recommendations from connections across America, I’ve yet to receive a job offer like many of my fellow grads.
Sometimes you get thrown into the fire and have to claw your way out. Over the last several months I’ve come up with a survival guide for life after college. Sure, some may work just for me but I think anyone who has been in this boat can agree that these tips will keep you from going insane.
1. Take A Deep Breath.
No you’re not a failure. And no, you shouldn’t just give up and become a professional couch potato. It’s OK if you don’t have a job right out of college.The economy we live in just doesn’t have the needs to hire everyone who walks into the building and says “hi, I have a degree, hire me please.” Sometimes you have to wait and continue to go through the interview process til something sticks. You can get 1,000 “no’s” in life before you receive just the right “yes.” Don’t complain. Do the grunt work and you’ll find the perfect gig for you.
2. Dress to impress.
Ok, so clothes are expensive and you’re pretty much broke, but make an investment in your wardrobe. It’s an extension of who you are, how you carry yourself and definitely affects the first impression you give, especially in an interview. A tip is to invest but in smart places: spend the money on the blazer instead of the pants and shirt. People notice the blazer more than anything else, so find a solid blue and black blazer for your wardrobe. Also, get it tailored. It could be the cheapest suit that you own, but if it is tailored, you’ll look like a million bucks.
3. Invest In Yourself.
This isn’t a “me, me, me” attitude around your family and friends but you need to prioritize you and your goals first. You can’t always be going out every night like in college, you have different priorities now. Sometimes you might have to blow off a fun night on the town to read a book or catch up on the news. Just because you’re blowing off your friends doesn’t make you a bad person, it makes you focused. Invest in yourself, and make sure you continue to better yourself rather than hurt your career.
4. Invest in a coffee maker.
You might be up at the crack of dawn and on your feet until closing time. A quick pick me up might be the difference from having a good day at work or having a terrible one and possibly becoming a nuisance to your co-workers. A quick cup of coffee to get your motor running might just be the only thing you need to start your day off and keep you focused and alert throughout it.
5. Be flexible with your destination.
Ninety percent of the time, you won’t get the dream job in the dream city you wanted right out of college. You need experience before they’ll call you up to the big leagues. Still, if work is available in the field you just spent four years mastering, don’t turn it down just because of the location. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll enjoy working in a place you never could imagine yourself even visiting. Experience in the field is what larger companies look for so if there’s a position open in Lincoln, Nebraska, brush up on your knowledge of corn and get ready to begin your life out there.
6. Hearing “No” Isn’t As Bad As It Sounds.
I know what you’re thinking. Rejection sucks, this guy is full of crap. Right? Wrong. Just because you didn’t land a job by January of your senior year and it’s the seventh interview in the last month you’ve been in where you left empty handed and you think the world is probably crashing down on you, it’s not. Getting a “no” from your dream company doesn’t mean that you will never get a “yes” from another worthwhile opportunity. Every time you face rejection, take a deep breath and relax for a second. Refocus, set goals, write them out and put them somewhere that you will see them daily. Remember what you are working towards and make sure your actions align with them.
7. Take advice from the people who matter most.
When we are born into this world, we rely on the people in our lives--- whether it’s a mentor, parent or friend-- to teach us the ropes and help us on this crazy path we call life. Sometimes you might have to take this advice with a grain of salt, but don’t just scoff at it. They only want the best for you, so if your mentor is offering tips on how to conduct yourself in an interview or not to wear that color tie, listen closely. They’ve been there before and you haven’t.
8. Leave a positive, lasting impression.
There’s nothing worse for an employer to see than a defeated young college kid who comes in for a job interview. Most employers have told me they knew they were going to hire me from the moment I shook their hand. Do you know why? Because I gave them a lasting impression. Within the first three questions of a job interview, employers are able to tell if they will be giving you a phone call or throwing your resume in the garbage. Coming in confident, eager and with a positive attitude is just as important as having a good GPA or tons of internships. Even if you don’t get the job, the fact you left a lasting impression on a person could be the difference of possibly receiving a phone call down the road or never hearing back from that company again.
9. Listen twice as much as you talk.
My journalism professor at Alabama once told me: “ The best types of journalists are the ones who listen to the entire conversation with both ears and just shut up.” That could go to anything you do in your career. Even if you are a team leader or a boss, it’s always best to listen before opening your mouth. You’re a young newcomer in the field of your choice standing around a bunch of people who have years and decades of experience. Use this as an opportunity to learn and grow by asking questions and listening to your peers. It’s a great way to learn about an organization, how the industry works, and make a great impression.
10. Tell yourself everyday that tomorrow, there is a new day.
If there’s one piece of advice I hope you take away from this article it’s this. Nothing will be handed to you like it may have been when you were younger. Life is hard. You won’t always be given the promotion, the corner office with a view, a big payday or even just a day off. Life is a tough world and it won’t always be nice. Work hard and smart and it will pay you back in spades. Just remember to learn from your mistakes and failures and grow from them. Everyday you get a clean slate and have a chance to make this day better than the last. If you take a positive outlook and grow from your experiences, you’ll be fine and nothing can ever bring you down.
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