I Applied For 100 Jobs With No Results And This Is What I Discovered
It’s an exciting time graduating from college- after all the years of study and stress you can finally move into the real world and make a start in your job aspiration. But what if I told you finding jobs wasn’t that simple?
After graduating with a degree in communications I was astonished in the events to follow. In efforts for securing that perfect entry job I would send over 100 applications only to be met with little to no result. What I discovered along the way was, instead, a handful of indispensable tips.
Quality over quantity
It sounds logical: the more jobs I apply for – the higher chance I’ll have get a call back. It’s all just a matter of time, right? This was my first, vital mistake when making the transitioning from university to the real world. Though quantity does play a key part in applying for open working roles, taking the proper time to write that quality cover letter can drastically minimising your numbers. Not only that, it can also save you some self-esteem. There’s nothing worse than getting no response after the 10-20 submissions and then beginning ask yourself questions like, ‘What am I doing wrong?’, ‘What about me are employers not liking?’
Finding the right tool
There are many ways to go about applying for jobs, nowadays. A popular means being via job search sites, which I utilized a lot. There are of course a countless number of these sites- some of which I had some success in, and others not at all. So why was a getting some engagement with some sites I applied at and nothing with others? It wasn’t as if I were changing my CV or cover letters among these outlets… What I learnt was, like social media platforms, job search sites can come with its own specific demographics. Some sites seemed to be less competitive among other fellow job seekers, and others had employers more specific to working experience or industry. Knowing how these factors will allow you to realize the best job search site for your skills and background.
Location, location
After I completed my university degree I took my belongings and returned back to my small hometown in the country. I had fallen in love with city life during my studies, however; and so I applied for jobs in connection to the metropolitan area in which I’d resided in. Little did I know I actually led myself into another corner. With no replies and weeks passed, I decided to make my first application at home. By the following day I was contacted by a business and given the opportunity of an interview. So what did I discover from this? ‘Where’ you choose to apply can make all the difference. Don’t limit your opportunities by letting lesser wants or desires get in the way of your goal of beginning your career.
Patience is a virtue
There are some weeks on the calendar that couldn’t be more of a worst time to look for jobs… With my last semester of studies finishing November I applied over the Christmas and New Year season- thinking again that a numbers game alone could get me want I’d wanted. Unsurprisingly in my case, it didn’t. I found that sometimes it’s all about timing, and sometimes a particular time might not suit your best interests… but guess what? It’s okay! I’m not alleging it’s impossible to get a job during these times, but you have to be realistic in being accepting that these aren’t ideal job search periods. After the End of Year season it wasn’t long until I started getting real interest – showing me that often remaining patient and optimistic can be is the best quality to embrace.
