This is frustrating. I've been through all of the websites twice a day for the past 3... 4... 5 months? Everyone talks about how long and arduous the process is, but it's impossible to really get it from a short conversation. You have to feel it. Checking emails and LinkedIn and everything else every day, every hour, hoping to see something. And still nothing. Maybe an interview here or there - just on the phone of course.
The interviews usually go well, and this may be the worst part. You do your research, you see the lines they want. "We work hard, and we play hard," or "We're more than a business, we're a family," or "These are the values we hold to a highest standard..." So you read these blurbs and get ready. You know what they're looking for, and you can be that, no problem. And then the interview happens. You know the "values," how casual they are, what direction they want. You do everything exactly right. And yet... and yet they seem disappointed. Not to your face, of course, they're professionals. But every email comes back with "We think we're looking for different things" or "We don't think you'd be a right fit." And of course, maybe they are being honest, perhaps they are right that you wouldn't fit just right. But it feels like the worst kind of break-up. You give exactly what they want, but they still wanted more.
It's like they're feeding you the lines to give them, but then are disappointed when you play to the script.
But there isn't much a job searcher can do, other than refine their interview skills. look for a job that fits just right. Scour the internet. Maybe look into a headhunter. But there's so much time between interviews. Days can go by without even a good job posting to apply to. Then comes the guilt.
Every video game played, movie or tv show watched, even exercising can all feel like a wast of time. You'll find yourself thinking:
I should be doing... something more. Another website, a different industry, out of state or beyond, might as well keep working on the search.
But here's the thing: You need to take care of yourself. From personal health to performance in interviews and beyond, Self-care needs to be a priority. It's okay to take a break. Just an hour or two, even a whole day if you really feel you need it. It's hard to convince yourself that a break is acceptable, and perhaps it's one of the most important things to learn in high school, college, or beyond.
So take a deep breath. Let it out. Go through LinkedIn, Indeed, whatever other sites you've found for your industry. If you can find even one good posting to apply to, reward yourself. Take a walk, scroll through Tumblr or Reddit. Laugh a little. And remind yourself that it's okay to take a moment - even if it's just a moment - to relax.
