On the flip side of my previous post, there will be times where you'll face rejection on the job front. It can be discouraging after committing and applying for a position only to receive the dreaded "no" letter. Trust me, it happens to everyone.
Here are some steps to take after this happens:
Analyze, but don't over analyze.
Of course you're going to wonder what you could have done to get that interview call. That's good! At least your mind instantly goes to a place of improvement instead of wallowing. Read over your resume again and move on. I believe the job market is all about timing- don't stress too much about it. It just means it wasn't the right time or place, and that's okay.
Reach out.
Talk to a counselor, friend or someone you admire professionally for advice on your next cover letter. Have them read it and prepare for honest, critical feedback. Some of the critiques I've gotten have been eye-opening, but in the end they were extremely helpful and prevented me from making the same mistakes in each application.
But at the same time, know when to block out the noise.
Everyone has an opinion about everything. Know when to separate the advice from the chatter. For this reason, I usually keep any applications/interviews on the down low until the second round interview.
Broaden your search.
You might feel like you're under-qualified, unlucky, etc. And you know, for that specific job, you might as well be. Look into different areas/interests! I know the ideal goal is to get something in your field/degree, but you can create opportunities everywhere. Look into jobs that interest you in different areas of town. Narrowing your search limits your results.
***Also, CREATE OPPORTUNITIES! For example, if you work at your local coffee shop and are super interested in marketing, take control! Pitch ideas, think outside the box. Worst case scenario: you get more experience. Think big picture.
Don't you dare give up.
Trust me, it can be heartbreaking. But the second you give up is the second you let those negative vibes run you down. Don't do that! When you start working, you'll deal with obstacles and problem solving all the time- think of this as practice. Can you keep yourself in check? Do you believe in yourself and your work? Keep the go-getter attitude and you'll be surprised how the doors start opening.
Did I miss anything? Holla @AyshKittyMeow if you need a pep talk to continue your search!
xxx
Friday, June 13, 2014
AyshKittyCareer : So You Landed Your Dream Job....
Congrats, kitten! After searching, applying, and interviewing you've finally landed your dream job!!!
Even if the job isn't exactly your dream, you're still employed. So you'll be making money to pay the bills- a dream in its own right. Life gives you lemons, y'all.
So after you've landed the job, what now? Here's my list of your next few steps:
Clear your schedule and map out necessary conflicts.
You want to make sure you can be free at the drop of the hat for additional shifts, training and meetings with bosses and co-workers. Granted, there are events that cannot be changed (close family/friend weddings, ticketed vacations/events) but try to prioritize and make sure your schedule is wide open, waiting for opportunities! Key takeaway here: if your boss asks you anything, you don't want to say no.
Adjust your attitude to the company's culture.
Is your new workplace the type of place where people stick to their own cubicles? Or where people are interacting with each other, high-fiving and playing music? Ask questions and feel out the vibe. Adjust accordingly.
Adjust your wardrobe as well.
Check out what people are wearing and get ideas for what to look for when you're shopping. Don't lose your individuality but dress in a way that makes you happy and meets the office guidelines.
ASK QUESTIONS!
Talk to your boss, manager, coworkers- everyone! You'll make mistakes and learn new things everyday, but the only way you'll improve is by taking the first step and attempting to learn. You might think you're bugging people (I feel that feel) but in reality, the people you ask will at least appreciate your enthusiasm and initiative~
Have a great attitude at all times, and mind your manners!
Walk in with a smile, leave with a smile. Say please and thank you. Express gratitude for anyone who helps you with this transition. A positive attitude is contagious, so be the one who brings it to the office!
Being new to an office can be scary and intimidating, but don't worry! Soon your days of being a newbie will be far behind you!
What are your steps after you've landed your dream job? Let me know @AyshKittyMeow
xxx
Even if the job isn't exactly your dream, you're still employed. So you'll be making money to pay the bills- a dream in its own right. Life gives you lemons, y'all.
So after you've landed the job, what now? Here's my list of your next few steps:
Clear your schedule and map out necessary conflicts.
You want to make sure you can be free at the drop of the hat for additional shifts, training and meetings with bosses and co-workers. Granted, there are events that cannot be changed (close family/friend weddings, ticketed vacations/events) but try to prioritize and make sure your schedule is wide open, waiting for opportunities! Key takeaway here: if your boss asks you anything, you don't want to say no.
Adjust your attitude to the company's culture.
Is your new workplace the type of place where people stick to their own cubicles? Or where people are interacting with each other, high-fiving and playing music? Ask questions and feel out the vibe. Adjust accordingly.
Adjust your wardrobe as well.
Check out what people are wearing and get ideas for what to look for when you're shopping. Don't lose your individuality but dress in a way that makes you happy and meets the office guidelines.
ASK QUESTIONS!
Talk to your boss, manager, coworkers- everyone! You'll make mistakes and learn new things everyday, but the only way you'll improve is by taking the first step and attempting to learn. You might think you're bugging people (I feel that feel) but in reality, the people you ask will at least appreciate your enthusiasm and initiative~
Have a great attitude at all times, and mind your manners!
Walk in with a smile, leave with a smile. Say please and thank you. Express gratitude for anyone who helps you with this transition. A positive attitude is contagious, so be the one who brings it to the office!
Being new to an office can be scary and intimidating, but don't worry! Soon your days of being a newbie will be far behind you!
What are your steps after you've landed your dream job? Let me know @AyshKittyMeow
xxx
Thursday, June 5, 2014
AyshKittyCareer : The Job Hunt Struggle
Hello, kittens!
I know I've been MIA for awhile, but I've basically been making some serious transition moves in my life. I finally said goodbye to my college town/apartment and moved back home, and have been interviewing for my first real-world job! Crazy, right? Sometimes I swear I still feel like that 17 year old kid getting hyped to get to Welcome Week in August and start my life.
Speaking of college, if you're like me your college days are behind you and you're trying to figure out where to go next. In the past, you've always had an idea of what was next: high school to college/work, work to wherever, etc. However now that part of your life is over and you basically have the chance to start something new, except the choices you make now are what shapes your life. Both super exciting and scary as hell, right?
Through this AyshKittyCareer series, I'll be sharing some tips/learnings from my experiences through this transition. Starting things off is one of my current woes: JOB HUNTING.
There are tons of websites that can direct you to hundreds of openings in your area. But how do you go through them all?! I've been at this job hunt since March, so here are some things I've learned:
The first step: Make sure you've edited your résumé, have practiced writing a few cover letters and have cleaned out your social media accounts.
Check the spelling, make sure your information is accurate (if you had a college job, make sure the dates you started/ended are correct) and reach out for advice! Show your résumé and sample cover letters to mentors or friends and ask for constructive criticism. How do you sound on paper?
Social media, oy. Make sure its PG and edit those privacy settings. Also check out LinkedIn. Some people think its useless but it is a good opportunity to showcase your work. Give it a chance!
Know where to look.
Again, there are so many sites these days! Take the time to explore them and the type of listings they post. I personally really like Indeed.com and LinkedIn.
Know what you're looking for.
Have an idea of the job you want. Try writing down some key words you are looking for. If you're new to the workforce, you might want to start with something entry-level to get your foot in the door and gain experience. Look for jobs that you would like to learn about! Don't get turned off by a job listing if you didn't major in the field. Yes, the experience helps and some employers prefer certain degrees but if you express that you're passionate about learning and can prove that in your cover letter, you might just get the interview! Take a chance!
Do not over-apply.
Its really easy to go on these sites and apply for EVERYTHING. However, take the time to read through the qualifications and job responsibilities, and definitely check out the company's website and social media. You might find that you're really excited about 30 jobs and apply for them all- totally cool. Just take the time to make sure you really want to take the next step. You might feel the desperation to apply for everything and get something, but the last thing you want is to interview at a job you know you don't want.
Take a breath!
You'll hear from some, and you'll get rejected by some. That's life. However, don't let that discourage you! It just meant that it wasn't meant to be. Don't let the rejection of a "dream job" be enough to make you believe you aren't good enough. Just keep on your hustle.
How is your hunt going? Holla @AyshKittyMeow
Happy hunting, kittens. ;)
xxx
I know I've been MIA for awhile, but I've basically been making some serious transition moves in my life. I finally said goodbye to my college town/apartment and moved back home, and have been interviewing for my first real-world job! Crazy, right? Sometimes I swear I still feel like that 17 year old kid getting hyped to get to Welcome Week in August and start my life.
Speaking of college, if you're like me your college days are behind you and you're trying to figure out where to go next. In the past, you've always had an idea of what was next: high school to college/work, work to wherever, etc. However now that part of your life is over and you basically have the chance to start something new, except the choices you make now are what shapes your life. Both super exciting and scary as hell, right?
Through this AyshKittyCareer series, I'll be sharing some tips/learnings from my experiences through this transition. Starting things off is one of my current woes: JOB HUNTING.
There are tons of websites that can direct you to hundreds of openings in your area. But how do you go through them all?! I've been at this job hunt since March, so here are some things I've learned:
The first step: Make sure you've edited your résumé, have practiced writing a few cover letters and have cleaned out your social media accounts.
Check the spelling, make sure your information is accurate (if you had a college job, make sure the dates you started/ended are correct) and reach out for advice! Show your résumé and sample cover letters to mentors or friends and ask for constructive criticism. How do you sound on paper?
Social media, oy. Make sure its PG and edit those privacy settings. Also check out LinkedIn. Some people think its useless but it is a good opportunity to showcase your work. Give it a chance!
Know where to look.
Again, there are so many sites these days! Take the time to explore them and the type of listings they post. I personally really like Indeed.com and LinkedIn.
Know what you're looking for.
Have an idea of the job you want. Try writing down some key words you are looking for. If you're new to the workforce, you might want to start with something entry-level to get your foot in the door and gain experience. Look for jobs that you would like to learn about! Don't get turned off by a job listing if you didn't major in the field. Yes, the experience helps and some employers prefer certain degrees but if you express that you're passionate about learning and can prove that in your cover letter, you might just get the interview! Take a chance!
Do not over-apply.
Its really easy to go on these sites and apply for EVERYTHING. However, take the time to read through the qualifications and job responsibilities, and definitely check out the company's website and social media. You might find that you're really excited about 30 jobs and apply for them all- totally cool. Just take the time to make sure you really want to take the next step. You might feel the desperation to apply for everything and get something, but the last thing you want is to interview at a job you know you don't want.
Take a breath!
You'll hear from some, and you'll get rejected by some. That's life. However, don't let that discourage you! It just meant that it wasn't meant to be. Don't let the rejection of a "dream job" be enough to make you believe you aren't good enough. Just keep on your hustle.
How is your hunt going? Holla @AyshKittyMeow
Happy hunting, kittens. ;)
xxx
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