Have a Conversation with Yourself
As strange as it sounds, I find talking to myself helpful when about to embark on a task that feels futile. The reason is that I need to be frank with myself – this is going to be tough, it will take time, I will face some disappointments… Note that I say it ‘feels’ futile because it is just a feeling, it is not impossible to find a job; much less one that I would appreciate doing. So the pep talk is to set my mind on the long haul ahead. There are times when fate deals a royal flush and you just land that job you want in no time. But I prefer to be realistic.
When mentally prepping, consider what it is you are looking for, the market situation for such a job (demand and supply), and how well qualified/experienced you are to land it. With these three factors, you can assess the chances of how quickly you will be recruited for that specific function. For example, if you are a student who has worked in the hospitality sector (maybe as a waiter) and the summer season is around the corner and you would like to wait tables, then you will probably find a job quickly. However, if you are a business graduate with a degree in Finance and looking for a job in the financial sector, then you have probably already guessed it will be a long while before you find something. Demand and supply is an organic process that is forever changing depending on the needs of the market, so do your research so as to have concrete expectations.
Some Useful Traits
1. Perseverance: Be patient and stay determined. If you know what you want, keep at it. If the odds are against you then keep fighting, do not give up. However, you may have to compromise. If you are that business graduate, you may have to wait tables for a while, but as long as you keep at it, I believe you will find your way. Searching for a job requires perseverance.
2. Research: Understand the market you are applying for, whether a facility manager or a programmer, every field and every specialization has its ins and outs. Do not make assumptions. What you do not know, you should look up and read up on. We live in the Internet age; there is no excuse not to do adequate research. The same goes for the company/organization you apply for, read all you can about it and about the job vacancy. Do your research.
3. Proactivity: Stay on top of every lead you have. If there is a job posting you like, apply! Do not wait. Start tailoring your CV immediately, check it thoroughly, send it out, and follow up with a phone call to the contact person. Make yourself present every time. If there are response times indicated and you do not hear anything, call. If there is no response time, call and ask about your application. Nothing happens unless you make it happen, be proactive.
4. Optimism: When I started I said you should be realistic about the odds of landing the job you want. That does not imply pessimism. If you are in the luxurious position to know what you want to do in life, then you should be proud of that and pursue it as far as you possibly can. Recruiters and employers will ‘know’ your passion because it will come across in all your communication, whether by email or phone or in person, no one can deny the magnetism of passion. Everyone, on the other hand, will probably ignore an indifferent person. So despite the odds, believe in yourself and stay optimistic.
Good luck!
Samir Rawas Sarayji
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