Job Hunting may be the most stressful part of being a college senior. On top of all the emotions college seniors are going through during their last few months as students, adding the weight of finding a new job is a lot to handle. For many of us, our whole lives have been planned out for us: preschool, grade school, college. Now, for the first time in our lives, we have to fill in the blank and choose our next step. I thought getting good grades, being involved on campus, and working multiple internships would have made this process easier, but to be honest, even if I don't always think so, this process is difficult for everyone. Here are 5 ways to make job hunting a little bit easier.
1. Don't Compare Yourself to Others
Easy to say, hard to do. I believe the hardest thing about job hunting in college is being surrounded by other people who are doing the same thing that you are. It is discouraging when you hear other people applying to one job and getting it. After applying for thirty already (yes, I have done this) you begin to question yourself. What do they have that I don't? Is it my resume or my personality? It is difficult, but as everyone always tell you, you are your own person. You are not a mind reader and employers aren't either. Even when you see your friends posting a Facebook status about how they landed the dream job next year, just remember there are many people in the same boat as you and who are feeling the same exact way.
2. Keep Track of Your Applications
Knowing where you stand is better than assuming. If you keep applying for jobs on LinkedIn but don't keep track of what you applied for, it may be more of a downer when you don't hear anything back. Whenever you send an application or email to an employer, write it down on a list. Look at the list and see that you have been trying. If you get a response back, whether it's good or bad news, write a note next to that job and let yourself know what you can improve on and what you are doing well at.
3. Don't be Picky
College helps us form our dreams, but we have to realize that dreams do not come in a blink of an eye. As exciting as it is to get in the career world, we can't start at the top, but work our way up. That internship in a random city or an entry level job only few miles away may not be ideal, but you have to start somewhere. Do not only apply to jobs that require years of experience or are popular in the job market. A job is better than no job. Keep your options open.
4. Apply for Something you Never Thought you Would
Be adventurous when job hunting! Sure your major was specific, but your job doesn't necessarily have to coincide. What you may have thought you were going to do after college may not be what you want to do right now. We are still young and there are a lot of opportunities out there. Even if there are dream jobs on the market, apply, apply, apply! It doesn't hurt and no one knows what employers might presently be looking for.
5. Talk About It
Keeping your feelings to yourself during a stressful time can cause a lot of damage. Getting declined is hard and it can really take a toll on your self-confidence. Talk to a friend who is in the same position you are. It is comforting to know that you are not the only one and that someone else is going through the same emotions. Also, find a friend, family member, or even old boss that will talk to you about your job hunting journey. Hearing someone boost your self-esteem and give you positive words of encouragement will make all the difference.
