Staying Optimistic Whilst Job-Hunting in a Pandemic
The road to finding your first job can be a long and winding one, and there may hurdles that feel tough to overcome. Whether it’s not getting the job of your dreams, or doubting whether you have what it takes, it’s essential to believe in yourself and your abilities.
There’s no doubt that today’s uncertain times has not made the graduate job search any easier. The number of graduate jobs has decreased by 77% and the competition for each role has intensified, leading to a challenging jobs market to be thrown into after finishing a stressful final year at university. However, this is not a challenge you can’t overcome and the right job for you will come along if you keep trying.
I know, this is easier said than done, sometimes it’s hard to pick yourself up after bouts of rejection and feeling stuck not knowing what to do next. However, it’s important to remember that rejection means you are trying and that in itself is a great achievement.
With that said, we have put together some tips to help you stay optimistic throughout your job search and to remind you that it is important to look after yourself throughout the journey to your perfect job.
Take Breaks
Taking breaks whilst job hunting is important for both your mental and physical health, especially if you are job hunting during a lockdown. We know that searching for a job can often feel like a full-time job, and a time-consuming one at that. Writing covering letters, editing your CV and completing online and written tasks require time and concentration, and can be a tiring process. Completing these tasks along with taking part in interviews and assessment days, there is no surprise you may be feeling overwhelmed. Make sure you are taking time out of your day to take your mind off of the world of job hunting, whether that be exercising, reading a book or listening to music, take time to relax, look after yourself and do the things you love.
Don’t Be Hard on Yourself – You Are Not Alone
This one is easier said than done as it’s hard not to feel like you may not be good enough when facing rejection from a job you really wanted. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there are plenty of people that feel or have felt the same way you do right now. Talk to people/friends that have found a job and have had the same experience, they may be able to give you great advice and listen to your worries and concerns. Not getting a job doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough, the job may have just not been the best fit for you, but you will find it. It only takes one!
Remind yourself of your strengths
It’s easy to focus on the negatives sometimes, especially when you’re told you may not have enough experience in a certain area. However, this doesn’t mean you don’t have amazing strengths that you can bring to a job role. Reminding yourself of those skills and the abilities you have will help increase your confidence and you will be able to communicate them more effectively to interviewers. As well as this, focusing on your strengths may highlight areas that you may want to improve upon and provide opportunities to find courses or volunteering prospects to increase your knowledge and experience in the areas you want to develop.
All Feedback Is Good Feedback
All feedback you gain throughout your interview process can be used to your advantage and help you further along in your interview process. Utilising feedback in a positive way is a great way to help you improve your interviewing skills whilst also building your confidence.
