How to Stay Positive While Looking for a New Job
Advice for Recent Graduates Job Hunting During a Recession
Oct 11, 2009
For most 2009 college graduates, it has been a tough year. In May and June, when many students were capping off years of hard work and dedication, they were also being slammed by news reports that the country was in the worst recession since the Great Depression and that jobs were very scarce. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, only 20 percent of students found a job by graduation day.
For those who were not among the lucky 20 percent, it can be hard to stay positive and motivated during such a difficult time. Not only is there a degree of uncertainty about job prospects, but also many new graduates are readjusting to life at home, struggling with student debt, and fighting feelings of hopelessness and lack of direction. Fortunately, there are some ways to deal with these feelings of uncertainty.
Stay Busy While Job Searcing
While it may be tempting to sleep, eat, and watch television all day – don’t do it. Focus on doing things that are fun and rewarding, this will help to ward off stress and feelings of failure. Whether that be meeting friends regularly for lunch or taking up a new hobby, it is important to do things that are purely for enjoyment and break up the monotony of applying to jobs.
Consider a Non-Career Related Job
While it may not be ideal to return to working in a mall after completing an undergraduate degree, any work will help pay off student loans, bills, and ensure that a recent graduate stay busy. Furthermore, showing the initiative to find another job outside one’s field and making the best use of unemployed time looks great to recruiters and hiring managers.
Work on Family Relationships
When first arriving home, there will likely be some awkward and difficult moments between parents and a recent graduate over house rules and expectations. Often, it is just as difficult for parents to adjust to the return of their son or daughter as it is for the student to return home. Talking openly about reasonable concerns, expectations, and rules is key to a smooth transition back into family life. Being open to the other person’s perspective and open to compromise is also very important.
Stay Focused on Job Hunting, No Matter How Hard it May Be
According to Richard Bolls, author of the best-selling career manual What Color is Your Parachute? [Ten Speed Press, 2008], many people take a long time to find a job simply because they give up. They are not prepared for the fact that it will take a long time to find a job, and a lot of work. No matter what, keep putting energy into job hunting. Buy or borrow career guides to assist in targeting and looking for jobs, check online postings every day, put consistent energy and effort into each application. It is impossible to find a job without looking for one.
Believe in Oneself
The period following graduation is an incredibly difficult time for most new graduates, recession aside. A positive attitude and self-confidence can do wonders for making this period more manageable.
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