Common Job Search Fears And How You Can Overcome Them

Many people start job searching during their final semester of college. But for some of them, the whole process seems intimidating. Going through this can be scary for multiple reasons, but still, you can’t escape it. In this article, we’ll look at the four biggest fears.

You’ll Have to Spend All Your Free Time Searching for A Job

This process can really be quite time-consuming. First, you need to sift through the many postings to find opportunities that actually fit you and your interests. Then, you have to dedicate time to putting together a solid application, which can include a resume, cover letter, references, writing samples, and more. And then, if you get an interview, you have to spend time prepping. You get the picture—it’s not just one click of a button.

But here’s the good news—there are ways in which you can optimize your time spent searching. Block off specific times in your week to sit down and focus solely on this process.

Once you choose times, assign goals to each session. These could be along the lines of:

  • Find three positions to apply to
  • Write a cover letter for X position at X company
  • Revise resume

Without designated times and specific goals, you’re likely to just keep prolonging the process.

You Have to Meet All the Job Requirements

You’re probably more qualified than you give yourself credit for, but with one note – you’re just not right for everything.

An open position grabs your attention and you get really excited. But when you get to the list of requirements at the end of the page, that excitement quickly fades. Do I have to have how many years of experience and be proficient in all of those systems?

Some requirements are listed because they ‘sound good.’ And, furthermore, when companies are writing these blurbs, they often tailor them to describe who their “dream applicant” would be.

But in reality, companies aren’t going to stall the hiring process until the dream applicant saunters in—solid, qualified applicants get interviews, too. So, if there is a dumping ground of desired skills at the end of the description, see them as bonus skills, and focus your application on all of the core skills you do have.

But keep in mind, while you’re probably more qualified than you give yourself credit for, you’re not right for everything.

Your Application Doesn’t Stand Out Enough

It can be awfully daunting to apply for a job when you know the recruiter probably already has a mountain of resumes on his desk. And it can be really easy to start doubting yourself and your chances of getting picked out of that pile. But if you’re trying for a position you’re qualified for, you deserve just as much of a chance as the other faceless applications—and maybe even more.

If you want to stand out, you have to take action and go above and beyond. You should never hesitate to go the extra mile, show some initiative, and share some other materials that a potential employer might care about. Online courses and training particularly strengthen the resumes of candidates with little experience in the field they’re hoping to join.

For example, if you’re starting a career in the Sales department of an IT company, it makes sense to join Uvaro’s tech sales training program or tech sales course by some other providers first and use this to your advantage while applying for a job. Or you can go ahead and send a link to your portfolio or personal blog along with your resume. Anything that helps them to get a better sense of who you are as a candidate will benefit you!

Going the extra mile doesn’t have to be fancy, though. In fact, it can be quite simple. One quick and easy way to be noticed is with an untraditional cover letter opening.

There are many other ways to stand out, such as creating a portfolio of your work, thoroughly researching the company, and connecting with individuals at the companies you’re applying to.

You’ll Hate the Job You Get

When looking for a new gig (or your first one), there are bound to be many thoughts rushing through your mind. But what if I hate it? What if I’m absolutely miserable? What if this isn’t even the right field for me?

You’ll be spending a lot of time at work if you aren’t happy there (for the most part) it’ll start to negatively affect your whole life. So you definitely don’t want to settle. But before you let this fear make you turn around and run, consider the following.

Just as there’s no guarantee that you’ll love it, there’s also no guarantee that you’ll hate it. The only actual guarantee is that you have no idea how the future will pan out. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is: Don’t make something a problem before it’s actually a problem. Pursue jobs you believe are a great fit for you. If—if!—the one you end up with turns out to be the worst ever, you can deal with it then.

Nothing is permanent (well, most things aren’t). If you end up absolutely loathing the company—guess what? You can start to look for something else. I know, going through the process again? But that’s the reality—you’re not signing your life away. With that being said, this doesn’t mean you should take just any position just because you know you can leave. That’s a recipe for disaster.

It’s normal to fear this process. But at the end of the day, it’s also an opportunity for you to start (or continue) shaping your future.