So, now you’re getting out of the house and you’re getting involved in some activities you enjoy. Good work. Now that you are in a better state as a person, we can begin to broaden our thoughts.
I’ve been toying with the idea of compiling a disclaimer. Sometimes life could use a few less disclaimers (CAUTION: THE HOT BEVERAGE YOU JUST ORDERED? YEAH, IT’S HOT. SO PLEASE TRY NOT TO SPILL IT ON YOURSELF, OR MAYBE WAIT A FEW MINUTES TO DRINK IT. NOT THAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT, BUT WE GET SUED IF WE DON’T.), but maybe some circumstances could use a disclaimer. So here’s my post-grad, here’s-what-you’re-getting-yourself-into-looking-for-a-job disclaimer.
1. Looking for a job is hard work.
Yes, it is. Looking for a job is a full-time job. Maybe not exactly 40 hours a week, but really engaging the marketplace takes time.
2. Looking for a job does not have to suck.
Okay, I’ll give it to you, looking for a job is not a cakewalk. However, looking for a job does not have to be the most miserable period of your life. Looking for a job affords more time for networking, for one. As a new grad, if you like to learn, this can be a great opportunity to meet with people to explore what they do. Maybe you have an extremely specific position in mind, maybe you’re more flexible. Regardless, you can seek out people who do something you might want to do, and connect with them. See if you can job shadow, or just get coffee. When you start working (yes, when, think positive), you won’t have as much time to seek out and meet up with people.
3. Rejections Happen
Maybe you’ve never been rejected before. Maybe you’re that person who’s never gotten lower than an A in his or her life. Well, here’s the dealio: yes, rejections happen. That’s life. If you are actively putting yourself out into the marketplace, chances are that at least a few things are not going to match up for one reason or another. Bottom line: a rejection is not a failure. It’s not something you should take personally.
A rejection is a combination of a learning experience, a character building exercise, and a good thing. You should always try to learn from a rejection: was it simply that your experience didn’t fit their needs? Was there a better way you could have sold yourself in the cover letter or interview? Think about these things, but don’t dwell. It’s character building because, let’s face it, no one likes to hear, “thanks, but no thanks.” With every one, you get a little better at embracing being an imperfect human being.
Finally, you may be wondering why rejection and good were used in the same sentence. Honestly, a rejection can be good. It’s better to be hired into a company that values you as an employee, and that values the skills that you will bring to the organization. Maybe you had all the right skills, but the culture of the company isn’t quite right for you. You won’t do your best work if you are miserable. Let yourself be set up to succeed, not struggle.
4. It shouldn’t end when you land a job
Well, I haven’t reached this point yet, but it’s something I’ve heard repeatedly. Connecting with people, even when you aren’t looking for a job, is important. It can lead to opportunities for you to give back–to other new grads, to the people who helped you, family members…whoeever. It doesn’t hurt to know people. It’s always nice to have someone to eat lunch with, too.
Obviously, this is not exhaustive, and could probably use some insight from any of you who have been through it before, or are in it now. Feel free to leave your additions or suggestions.
July 21st, 2011 → 10:43 am
[...] already addressed rejections in earlier posts. Summary: rejections happen. They do not indicate that you are a bad person, [...]