10 Lessons I’ve Learned While Job Hunting
Reflections from an unemployed millennial
I’ve been job searching for about two months now. I know that’s really not a long time, but it feels like I’ve been stuck in my desk chair, immobile, as the world continues to spin around me. I’m sure I’m not alone. (I think?…)
Here’s what I’ve learned so far:
1. It takes tiiiime.
I am absolutely guilty of the impatient millennial stereotype. But if there’s anything I’ve learned in this process, it’s that good things take time. Accept it. Embrace it. Settle in and do your best to find the perfect job for you. It’s often more difficult than you’d think.
2. Silence of the lambs.
A lot of your days may be met with silence if you rely on online applications. It’s intimidating, but networking gets results. Either way, it still takes time and there’s lots of waiting in between.
It can be easy to lose focus as the days blur together, but keeping a schedule can help. Prepare for interview questions and get your “elevator pitch” down pat. The more you practice the more natural you’ll fell in your next interview.
Always be ready, you never know when you’ll get a call for the next big move.
3. Job searching is an emotional roller coaster.
We’ve all been there. After a long stretch of silent waiting, you get a call from a recruiter who has found you the perfect job. Perfect location, great salary, and exactly the role you’re looking for. Could it be?!
You start to picture yourself in a new city meeting your new coworkers and living your best life. You’re excited for the first time in a long time. You begin to wonder why you were even worried in the first place. Of course it will all work out, it always does.
….Until you meet the hiring manager and find out it’s nothing you’d thought it would be and you’re not even actually qualified. Oh, okay. Back to the computer. Back to the crickets.
And repeat.
3. Nobody follows up.
It’s cliche and completely expected that you probably won’t hear back from the hiring manager if you didn’t get the job or even that second interview. But it still hurts.
What’s most frustrating is when they tell you, with a very genuine tone, they will follow up either way. And you believe they will. But they don’t. Again.
Follow up, but don’t be a badger. Expect it will happen and know not to put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying.
4. They’ve all heard it all before.
Oh, you have a Bachelor’s degree, love trying new restaurants, and fell in love with food while learning to bake with your grandmother? Yeah, join the club. With such fierce competition, it can be hard to stick out, even if your story has meaning to you. Tell it in a way that sets you apart.
5. Meeting the minimum requirements never seems to be enough.
There will always be someone out there who is smarter than you, more experienced than you, or more accomplished. You have to find something that makes you unique (see above) and use it to differentiate yourself.
Today, it seems it may be better to specialize, rather than know a little about a lot. I’m still experimenting with this one.
6. Don’t let anyone make you second guess yourself.
People can and will take advantage of you if you let them. You have to know your worth and stand up for yourself. Use your support system for a fresh perspective if you start to lose focus.
Confidence will get you far in life. Even if you’re faking it.
7. Know the why behind your what.
People like people who are genuine and have a real interest in what they do. It makes you more human and helps forge connections. Be ready to explain why you have the goals you have set for yourself.
8. Look for the red flags and don’t ignore them. But also weigh the bad with the good.
Every workplace has its downsides, some more than others. You have to realize this and be ready for the reality of the office. During the interview process, be on the lookout for red flags such as micromanaging, low employee morale, and unrealistic expectations.
Know what you want, along with what you’re not willing to put up with. Make a list of your values and the pros and cons of the work environment. If they don’t match up, you might want to rethink your decision.
9. You don’t have all the answers.
Secret: they know you don’t have all the answers! Admit it. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something and lie your way through an answer you’re unsure about. Chances are, they’ll catch you red-handed or you’ll look like an idiot. Either way, not good. Just admit it, move on, and use it to prepare for the next interview. No use crying over spilled milk.
10. It will all work out.
I’m not sure how, but I know it always does. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward. Use your dreams of where you’ll be tomorrow to drive your actions today.
I know you don’t want to hear it but it’s true.
Control what you can control. Don’t stress about the little details you can’t change. Prepare. Smile. Be confident. Make it happen.
I know it’s hard and it’s frustrating, but we’ll get there. Hopefully, now you know you’re not alone.
Bonus: There’s more to life than your career.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned after leaving the workforce to continue my education is that there’s more to life than your job. You have to find fulfillment and happiness outside of work.
I used to think that finding the perfect job was the only thing that mattered, the only measure that you’d found success. A career is important, yes. It will influence many aspects of your life for years to come. But, it isn’t the only thing. Just remember that.
