What’s the Number One Problem We Face on our Job Search Journey? | Job Seeker Selfies
Written by Ella MacQuillan
Uncertainty.
What is lurking out there in the scary corporate world?
It’s an overwhelming feeling. A feeling that enhances the spread of procrastination when faced with the daunting task of distinguishing oneself in the workplace and landing that dream job.
These last few years, I’ve struggled in finding a drive to fully apply myself in the Job Search. I’ve been, ‘putting it off,’ always telling myself; “I’ll do it later,” or “I have time later in the week!” and instead have prioritised other activities. I always find I focus more my employment attention on the retail and hospitality sectors, sectors that I’m comfortable in and know the extent of my skills and abilities. The search for jobs in my undergraduate field (Marketing or PR positions) has taken a backseat- it’s become something fuelled with hesitation.
I question whether I’ll ever be ready for a corporate position. And this is in part due an undeniable sense of uncertainty I feel: about myself and my skills and about the corporate world in general. What is needed of me, and will I be able rise to the challenge.
What distinguishes me from the thousands of other emerging marketers competing for similar positions?
“We only fear what we don’t understand.” — Andrew Smith
These fears are warranted: it’s a foreboding world out there that University can’t fully prepare you for. Online quizzes and lectures you listen to in 2x speed are not what is needed to cultivate appropriate and high-quality skills needed for the workforce. Which in turn plants the seeds of doubt that hold me back from fully applying myself.
… However, these fears can be mitigated.
UseVerb, an online recruitment software, is an app that can prepare you for your future endeavours. Their Job Search Secret Course takes you step-by-step through the hiring process, reducing any fears or anxieties you have about the application and interview stage. Nothing could prepare you better, eliminating these fears. Some important pointers I learned from the course include:
- How CV’S that aren’t relevant or don’t contain key words are filtered out immediately — on average, recruiters only spend around 6 seconds looking at your application!
- How to determine your market value when being recruited so you can negotiate your offer to suit you — asks questions such as, “is superannuation included?” to obtain a full grasp of the financials.
- The importance of choosing the right job for you and how this can affect you in the long term.
Find the course below 😁 Really recommend it!
https://useverb.com/courses/jobsearchsecretscourse?ref=ellamacquillan
Fears of Failure
Fears of obtaining a corporate job have many facets. Uncertainty also stems from a fear of failure. A fear of disappointment from your superiors that chose you.
“Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. “ — Jody Blume
The best way to minimize your fears is sometimes to just simply do. Expose yourself. Take baby steps to move past the procrastination. These could be as simple as searching for entry-level jobs or internship opportunities in your area, or perhaps creating a reference list. Doing one thing will flow onto to the next as motivation builds
Whilst I still struggle with worry of failure in every new job I start, here are some thoughts I like to focus on to help minimise this:
It’s all about perspective…
I constantly find myself stressing about failing at the workplace or when I’m the new girl at work and feel pressure to give a good impression. In my experience, the best way to minimise these worries is to consider the larger perspective. All this matters less than you think. Find your stress melt away. It takes away the pressure that builds in you when you overthink on a blunder, believing everyone is judging you, when in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t really matter. If you make a mistake at work that you find yourself dwelling on, think to yourself, “will this matter in 5 years? Will I remember this in 5 years?” 9 times out of 10 it you truly won’t. Focus on this and remove that burden.
A little perspective:
Positive affirmations…
The purpose of positive affirmations is to help you overcome negative thoughts that foster self-doubt. Daily positive affirmations are meant alleviate negativity and promote a sense of esteem.
You’re worth more than you think…
Don’t just focus on the bad you’ve done. Most of the time, you’re absolutely girl-bossing in every task your manager assigns you. While I know it’s only natural to fret on things you wish you could change; think about all the good you did. Think about the personality and spark you bring to the table.
The stress of applying
Another aspect to the procrastination I’ve been facing is the immense work involved in applying and creating a CV and a cover letter that can stand out amidst an endless sea of qualified applicants. The stories I’ve heard about the stress of applying! Three-page essays for cover letters and hours wasted adjusting resumes to specific employers. The amount of work involved only serves to enhance the procrastination I feel.
That’s where I believe UseVerb comes in. Giving you back lost time, the 27 second Verb applications can show more to employers than a resume could ever dream of. Instead of just simply being mindless words on a page, it lets your personality speak for itself. Show them who you are and cultivate a connection with your future employer a standard CV could never dream of.
Do I have what it takes?
It is best to imagine everyone doesn’t truly know what they’re doing. Everyone’s in the same boat when starting out. With time, experience builds, and you’ll begin to feel more confident as you become more familiar with the process behind your desired field. Find internships, make connections, and create a name for yourself!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my blog! I hope you could relate to some of my struggles and learned some tips in there you find useful.
Regards,
Ella :)
