In today’s ultra-competitive job market, even the most qualified applicants experience frequent rejections and setbacks when looking to kick-start their careers. Whether you’re applying for architecture, events management or pharmacy jobs, the likelihood is you will experience several rejections before you finally receive an offer. It is normal in this situation to feel down and for your confidence and morale to be sapped, particularly if you have experienced an extended period of unemployment. Fear not however, we are here to offer you advice on how to cope with rejection and put yourself in the best position to land that dream job.
What Can You Do?
There are several practical things you can do to improve your situation and give yourself the best chance of success. Firstly, financial pressures and restraints can be eased by getting a short-term, part-time job, enabling you to support yourself whilst leaving enough time to apply for more relevant and desirable positions. You could also be assertive with your parents to establish your rights and responsibilities and ensure you retain some independence whilst living with them.
Another important step you can take to keep morale and confidence high, is to develop a support network of friends and peers through engaging in voluntary work, part-time courses and pursuing your hobbies and interests. Periods of unemployment can be viewed as an opportunity for you to gain new skills and pursue those interests that you may have put off before because of other commitments. Now is the time to set up that blog you’ve always wanted to write, volunteer for that charity that you are passionate about and finally learn the basics of computer programming!
In terms of the actual job hunting process, it is important to treat it like a full-time job and commit as much time to it as you can. If you go through an extended period of being unsuccessful, you may want to consider being more flexible about the jobs you apply for and consider what parts of your application may be letting you down.
The final piece of advice we can give you, is to engage in regular exercise. Whether it’s running, walking in a group or even dancing on a night out, exercise releases endorphins in your brains making you happier and is even proven to lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression! Plenty of sleep and eating healthily are also important components of a healthy lifestyle and will contribute to a more positive attitude putting you in the best possible frame of mind to persevere until you finally receive that job offer.
