As I mentioned in a previous article I wrote, I will be graduating this spring from college and I will be searching high and low, over mountains and through valleys for a job, or preferably a career, in the field that I just spent the last four years studying in school (YAY…). So, for all of you out there in a similar boat, maybe you can relate just a few thoughts, feelings, reactions and physical actions I have been experiencing while doing so.
1. Where the heck do I even start looking for a job?!
2. “3-5 years experience in the field...” *clicks "yes."*
3. “Looking for recent college graduate with a degree in (insert field name here) and 2-4 years experience working professorially in the field,” Well, that’s feasible.
4. I would much rather be eating than doing this application…
5. Scratch that, I would much rather be doing ANYTHING besides this application…
6. Can I list “great at doing an Australian and Irish accent” under my skills?
7. Seriously, where would that “3-5 years experience in field” come from? 5 years ago, I was in high school!
8. Can I list “great at balancing books and other objects on my head” as a skill?
9. “Able to work 80+ hours a week, lift up to 200 lbs. and juggle fire” You have got to be kidding me…
10. “$27.50/hour… *scrolls down* $10/hour starting.” LIARS!
11. Do I REALLY need this job?
12. Could I consider moving home with mom for a year?
13. No, definitely not.
14. Is becoming a stripper REALLY that frowned upon? They can make a lot of money…
15. Yes, it is.
16. Mom will make me move home before I become a stripper.
17. “Please submit your resume, cover letter listing why you would be the best choice for this position, previous work from your 2-4 years experience working on the field, and proof that you are a certified Mandarin Chinese translator” You have got to be kidding…*pass*
18. How many more of these do I have to do?!
19. *Checks email* no replies. UHG.
20. You mean to say that “not wanting to be broke all the time” isn’t a good enough answer for why they should hire me?
21. *Buries face in hands*
22. *Quietly sobs to self over inability to have enough focus to carry on with applications*
23. *Quiet sobs turn into hysteric crying and reevaluation all life choices*
24. *Takes Facebook break*
25. Aww, what a cute puppy! I really want a puppy…
26. *Remembers owning a dog costs lots of money*
27. *Goes back to job application website*
28. *Repeats stages 2-27*
Now, for all of you worry-warts like me out there, struggling along the application process, my best advice I can give is to take a minute and breathe and remember why you are doing this. When you feel like you have filled out every applicable application out there and you don't want to do any more, try one more. Don't get discouraged if some listings don't get back to you right away. It can take some time. Keep a positive outlook on your future and positive things will happen. And for safety, always have a backup plan, just in case.
Here's a link to my other article with advice, tips and more thoughts on the post-grad application process.
And for starters, I have found Indeed.com to be very helpful with job listings!
You've got this.
