Dear Diane,
I have been looking for a job since I graduated in December. I have yet to find a position in my field and I’m getting discouraged. There are days I sit around and feel sorry for myself and I know I have to snap out of it. Is there anything I can do while I’m trying to find full time employment. Thanks for your help.
J.K.
Dear J.K.,
I understand how discouraging it can be to spend so much time in school training for a job you are now having difficulty securing. Every college student hopes to quickly secure a full-time job upon graduation. However, the reality is it takes an average of six weeks for the job application process to run its course. For every job posted, hundreds apply, and only one gets hired. The cycle often continues and graduates must plan for an option B which may involve accepting a temporary position while pursuing a full time career of their choice.
Don’t lose heart. This is part of the job hunting process and you will find a job. It will just take some time to find the right fit. In the meantime, here are a few ideas to stay motivated.
Volunteer in Your Area
If you intend to find a job in your city or town, it’s essential to your job search to build relationships within your community. Find a nonprofit which could benefit from your knowledge and education. You will gain experience that will boost your resume. Allow your supervisor to witness your work ethic first hand. You may find yourself in a full-time position, or at least make a good contact for a future reference.
Utilize Your LinkedIn Account
Don’t allow your mind to stagnate. Research a topic that interests you and you feel passionate about. Develop your own original articles and post them on LinkedIn. Connect with likeminded professionals. You may catch the eye of a hiring manager or recruiter if your articles are shared.
You may also reach out to those you would like to meet and ask for 10 minutes of their time to speak on the phone. Ask pertinent questions and inquire about their professional journey. People are more likely to speak with you when you show an interest in their success.
Exercise and Eat Healthy
Don’t neglect your physical and mental health. It is common to get discouraged when you haven’t found a job as quickly as you might have hoped. Losing your sense of confidence can prove detrimental to your job search. You can negate these feelings by staying active and eating balanced meals. Exercise releases endorphins, which assists in mood stabilization. Your unemployment is temporary and you must stay strong and ready to jump into a new job.
Keep Up With the Latest Technology
Different positions require different software. Find the most commonly used in the field you are interested in working and learn it. Don’t wait until you are hired to acquire a skill you can familiarize yourself with now. Even if it’s not the exact program, it never hurts to add an additional skill to your resume.
