A recent study from Ernst & Young found that resilience is a key factor in getting a graduate job. Employers look for workers who can cope with setbacks and overcome difficulties. So if you’re finding hunting for a graduate job a tough and sometimes discouraging process, take heart – this experience is an opportunity to develop your resilience, and will stand you in good stead throughout your career.
The key to success in your graduate job hunt is to keep going, however difficult this seems at times. Our top tips on staying motivated and focused will help you take stock and move on.
Remember you are not alone
Plenty of others are either going through the testing process of applying for jobs, or have been in the same situation. Sharing your feelings can help to diffuse them, so do talk to your family and friends, and seek advice and help from your university careers service. Make sure, though, that you only confide in people who have your best interests at heart. The people you turn to for support may change over time; you and your friends may all be in the same boat for a while, but it can be difficult if they land jobs before you do. Don’t get sucked into complaining about your situation rather than taking steps to change it.
Be realistic
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, set yourself small, manageable, time-limited tasks that you can achieve on a regular basis and that will take you closer to your overall goal. If job hunting daunts you, break it down until it’s doable, and then start doing it. For example, instead of thinking ‘I must get a job, but I never will,’ think ‘I’ll spend an hour researching jobs and making a shortlist of positions to apply for’. Focus on the process and you’ll move towards your goal.
Take control
There are many aspects of the job hunting process you can’t control – and some that you can: your employer research, your applications, your attitude. If recruiters are willing to give you feedback on your interview technique, make the most of the chance to find out if there’s anything you could improve. If you have a tendency to procrastinate, cut corners or approach job applications with self-defeating pessimism, think about ways of rewarding yourself for changing your habits.
Let go of what you can’t control
If some recruiters don’t so much as acknowledge your painstakingly completed applications, or you can’t get any useful feedback, don’t dwell on it. If you’re living back home with your parents it may be hard to adjust, but chances are you’d be worse off elsewhere, so try to count your blessings (and remember it’s not forever).
Take care of yourself
Make time for activities you enjoy as well as work or study and job hunting. Don’t beat yourself up. If your peers get jobs before you do, don’t let it knock your confidence, and don’t waste your energy on envying them. Remember, the more you keep looking over your shoulder, the harder it is to focus on where you’re going. If you’re not working, keep busy, and create a structure for your day.
Give yourself credit
Think back to other stressful or worrying times. How did you get through them? Build your self-esteem by reminding yourself what you’ve already achieved. Be proud of yourself.
Hold onto good moments when things get tough
When you find yourself feeling anxious or fearful, remind yourself of times in the past when you were relaxed and confident. Examples that you can relate to the world of work may be particularly helpful. Did you have a good time on work experience, or earn your manager’s praise at your part-time or vacation job? Do you enjoy team sports, volunteering, or getting involved in extracurricular activities? Remind yourself of any positive feedback from job interviews. Giving your attention to anything helps to amplify it, so focusing on your successes will help to minimise your fears.
Develop insight
Ask yourself what you can learn from your situation. How do you cope with pressure and disappointment? What helps you most? You can learn much more from situations that challenge you and throw you back on your own resources than from times when everything goes your way.
Source: Alison, Targetjobs.co.uk, Thursday 16th February 2012
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