Job Search Strong!

Before, during and after this year’s Boston Marathon, we all were exposed to countless images and poignant stories of heroism, courage and determination exhibited by victims of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Collectively, we marveled at how they were able to overcome their wounds, both emotional and physical, and rebound this year by participating in the event in some form or another and how they have chosen to focus on the positive outcomes that emerged from such a terrible act of violence. They persevered by keeping their eye on the prize, as opposed to letting an unfortunate event deter them from reaching their goals and pursuing their dreams.

The same is true in your job search. Having coached numerous college seniors in their job search over the last several years, I can attest to the fact that perseverance is the key ingredient to landing a job. I think that sometimes students give up too quickly in pursuing their career goals when, if only they had just stuck it out a bit longer, their dream job would have been just around the bend.

You can rest assured that you will experience your own version of “Heartbreak Hill” at some point during your job search (or several times!). It may be because you’ve sent out 20 resumes and haven’t gotten one response. Or you’ve been on 10 interviews and haven’t received any offers. This can be discouraging, for sure. But you need to stay in the race and send out that 21^st, and 22^nd and 23^rd resume. Go on that 11^th interview. The next one could be the one, so it’s critical that you don’t give up.

I’ve worked with many seniors who came into my office feeling really down about the job search only to contact me days or weeks later to share their joyous news that they had landed a job. The same will happen to you if you stay in the race all the way to the finish line!

Read my eight tips below to ensure your job search success:

1. Get a Coach
It’s no secret that the job search can be grueling and frustrating at times so make sure to enlist the support of a career counselor at your college. They will not only supply you with awesome career tips and advice but will also keep you motivated all the way throughout your job search. Remember too that most colleges continue to provide career services after you’ve graduated and as an alum.

2. Be Realistic
Keep in mind that the job search can take an average of three to six months. It’s also a numbers game. The more jobs you apply to, the better your chances are of getting interviews and landing a job. Don’t stop after you apply for a certain number of positions and then sit back and wait for the phone to ring. Keep on applying.

3. Avoid the Doomsayers
I’m sure you’ve all heard things like, “There aren’t any jobs,” or “It’s a rough job market,” or “It’s really tough to find a job with your major.” Ignore them.  Remain focused and positive about achieving your career goals.

4. Get Unplugged

It’s pretty easy to sit at your laptop and click 'send' as you apply for as many positions as possible that you find online.  Since it's so easy to do, think about just how many other recent college grads are doing the exact same thing. Scary, huh? Well, there's a solution. Set yourself apart from the competition and be proactive in your job search by setting up informational interviews with your school’s alumni or attending professional networking events.

5. Create Your Destiny
If you have extra time, do an internship or volunteer at your dream company. This is a great idea for several reasons.  It gets you up and out of the house, allows you to hone your professional skills, keeps you current in your field AND could possibly lead to a full-time offer if you "wow" them with your amazing abilities.  If your dream company doesn't have any posted internships, create an internship proposal for them.

6. Have an Open Mind
Explore every opportunity that comes your way because you just never know. What initially may not have seemed like an ideal situation could turn out to be a wonderful opportunity for you to gain professional experience, develop your skills and build your resume. Look beyond the big brand companies – there are wonderful professional opportunities with companies you’ve never heard of. Remember too that the average person will have 15-20 jobs in his or her lifetime so your first job won’t be your only job.

7. Boost Your Confidence
Think about the things that will boost your confidence, and then do them.  It might be connecting with your favorite mentors who can motivate and encourage you. Or it might be challenging yourself at the gym to achieve new workout goals.  Do things that you excel at to increase your sense of confidence.

8. Set Goals and Reward Yourself
Establish daily and weekly goals for yourself that move you forward in your job search and put them on your calendar. By setting and meeting goals, you'll not only feel good about yourself but you won't feel so guilty when you do decide to go to the beach...after you've completed your job search activities. Find other ways to reward yourself after you accomplish each of your goals.