No matter the number of job rejections one may receive, the sting of failure always hurts. On top of that, the waiting period between submitting job applications and hearing back from employers can be agonizing. Despite these unfortunate aspects of job hunting, the “quiet, jobless waiting period” and rejections don’t have to be a disheartening experience. Here is some wisdom imparted by both a college student and graduate who are well acquainted with the job application process:
Never Fall Victim to Passivity
Although it may be tempting to squander away time by relaxing or indulging in guilty pleasures, the most determined job seekers will resist the urge. Christine Allen, a recent graduate from Emerson College with a degree in creative nonfiction writing, landed a job as an assistant to the creative lead of a publishing house. How did she accomplish this? “There was constant action at all times,” she said. “I never felt relieved when I sent out an application. I was applying on average probably to five or six jobs a day, and also calling/emailing to check on jobs I had applied to a week or so previously.”
Maintain a Positive Attitude
You should refrain from taking rejections too personally. Allen disregarded job rejections and kept her morale up by seeking inspiration from quotes and literature. “The best quote I found that I ended up almost religiously whispering to myself daily was: ‘This is just Act I of a two-act play,’ which meant there is something after this. This isn't forever.” After graduation, Allen was unemployed for six months and applied to countless jobs. Her optimism paid off in the end. To current job hunters, Allen advised, “Don't get depressed and down on yourself. You will get a job if you keep plugging away at it. Just keep Act I moving.”
Persevere!
The job application process can be daunting and it may seem convenient to just give up. Sana Aljilani, a sophomore biochemistry major at University of California, Riverside, refused to quit. “I kept applying rejection after rejection and I ended up with a well-paying and lenient job making me the envy of all my friends,” she said. Aljilani applied for numerous on campus positions and eventually obtained a position as a field assistant. According to Aljilani, there is also a silver lining to unsuccessful job applications, “Many employers will keep your file, even if they don't offer you a job, and may even refer you to other employers. It's always good to have connections!”
