I am a soon to be graduate and I have a few things to say that can hopefully calm your anxious nerves. I don’t have a job lined up directly out of school either. It’s okay. Really, ignore the pressures from your parents, professors and friends and just take a step back.
For starters, re-evaluate. Where all have you applied? Me? I applied for a field that I have zero experience in and I also started applying six months before graduation. Although employers are keeping track of resumes they aren’t exactly looking until a month before or a week before the position opens up. Also, previous internship experience? Shoot for jobs that you have networked with previously or worked in the same field that they’re hiring for.
Next question, are you trying to relocate? Say you want to take a big jump to New York City or Atlanta, or LA. Make it clear to your employers you are ready for the move and to do whatever it takes to land the job. Sometimes it’s easier to move without the job, get a crappy part time job until you land the big boy pants job. This is scary, and may seem reckless but employers want to interview quick and throw you in the mix as soon as possible to see if you can thrive.
Think quickly, and be clever. The places you’ve been applying to; peek at your resume, do you have experience that’s valuable to this company? After you’ve applied have you tried reaching out again through their HR or Talent Recruiter? It may seem like you’re being a bother, however, it’s better to show you’re passionate about the job rather then being some run of the mill ‘joe shmoe. ‘ Prove your worth, let your strengths show and don’t be upset when you’re not madly in love with the first job.
Mad because you aren’t landing your dream job? Guess what. It takes time. You’re either really lucky and you’ll land it first time around or you’ll have to be an everyday post grad student like everyone else and work your way up the career ladder. Don’t hate the first job too much; nobody really is madly in love with the first entry-level position. Do what you need to do to pay off those student loans and gain as much knowledge as you can with real world applications from that company. Then, shoot for bigger jobs once you’ve put in the time and networked enough.
Breathe. Everything happens for a reason, don’t freak, you’ll land that job eventually. Don’t be too discouraged when a few turn you down. Keep in mind that one quote “fall down seven times, stand up eight.” Keep working hard and eventually you’ll achieve that success you’ve been working towards.
