The Woes of Job Hunting

I have learned very quickly, and harshly, that you usually do not get your dream job fresh out of college. Since graduating in 2016, I have worked 7 jobs. Those 7 jobs have truly run the gambit...

1. Writer for a non-profit online magazine
2. Administrative assistant/payroll clerk at a construction company
3. Bartender at one bar, while training for the opening of another bar
4. Sports social media content creator
5. Radio host
6. Volleyball coach
7. Sales representative

Now, granted I have learned a lot from my experiences at each of these jobs. The lessons and skills I have been taught will eventually come in handy (or so I hope the Editor in Chief of Vogue will be perusing my article and ask me for a Dirty Martini). Regardless, I'm blessed with the experiences I have faced.

BUT how do I not lose hope that one day my dreams will somehow develop in front of my eyes and I've gone from youth volleyball coach to ESPN sideline reporter? Or from presenting software to school teachers to pitching article ideas to a team of editors? If I am being completely honest with you, it's really hard not to. Each day I wake up and drag my feet to work where I sit at my desk frantically working and completing each task, no matter how much anxiety it gives me. From there, I trudge back to the subway where I meet the faces of everyone else who's had a long day at work and commute home in time to get changed, eat, watch one episode of something and crawl into bed.

Let's be honest, it's hard chasing your dream job and it's harder doing so when you are stuck working not-so-great jobs. But what's hardest is giving up on that dream of yours, and committing yourself to a life a misery; slaving away at a job that sucks the life out of you, just waiting for each paycheck.

So, how exactly do you find the stamina to keep going? I wish I could offer some great nifty trick I have found or a cure-all equation for someone to use when they find themselves working a job they despise. But alas, I have not. All I can offer is how I have dealt with my frustrations that you too are bound to face when searching for a new job.

First off, think about how many hundreds, potentially thousands, of candidates have applied for the position you just submitted your resume for. These days companies use programs to hyper speed-read through all of those resumes. Oftentimes those selected are simply the resumes that have matching keywords (which I will discuss in a later post). Although it is more tedious to edit your resume every time you submit it, you have to do it to increase your odds.

If you are selected for an interview, you know you need to research the company prior. This is important because it shows the interviewer that you actually care about the position, and it reflects the preparation skills they can expect from you if hired. In the interview setting, be your freaking self. Don't be the receptionist you just walked past, don't be your best friend who has this really cool job, don't be your dad who is a finance guru. Be yourself. They have seen your resume, they'll ask you about your past working experiences. Don't be afraid to load up your answers with your personality. More often than not, they have brought you in because something about your resume stood out to them, now they want to know the person they're hiring and how they'll fit into their company's culture.

Finally, it comes down to who you know. If you none of your immediate connections can help you, try perusing their connections and then those connections and keep reaching for those contacts no matter how far stretched they may be. Realistically, everyone who is currently at the top started exactly where you are.

I do want to clarify that it is inappropriate to use people specifically for their connections. Yes, you need them to get jobs you want. But, don't come at them guns blazing to be hired. You have to view these connections as mentors, no matter who they are or how old they are; whatever they did worked. Regardless if they get you a position, their insight will be very beneficial.

At the end of the day, no matter how lackluster I find the job applying process to be, no matter how many times I hear that infamous "no, we're pursuing another candidate," no matter how many times I feel defeated, I must keep going. The day I give up will be the day that I have found a job that supports me monetarily, and provides a positive outlet for me.