My “Aha Moment” With Job Hunting

My post-graduate program wraps up in less than a week. So for the past two months, I’ve been submitting job applications and resisting the urge to break down every time I get a rejection. I’ve applied for full-time positions before, so I already knew to expect a lengthy and trying process…but that doesn’t make it less frustrating. 

My initial approach to this job search was to cast my net wide and apply for anything that seemed remotely accessible. After all, this is a numbers game and I felt like I didn’t have room to be selective. That’s when I came across a job posting from a company I thought would be amazing for my resume. I was determined to submit a strong application, so I asked one of my professors to kindly look over my application materials and provide feedback. What this professor told me during our feedback meeting changed the trajectory of my job search.

A New Perspective

She asked me what kind of roles I’d been applying for and what my interests are. Then she encouraged me to consider three things as I look for potential roles:

1. What does my work day look like?
2. What does my work week look like?
3. What does my weekend look like?

I’d never pondered on these things before. Upon reflection, I realized that most of the roles I’d applied for were far from what my interests are. And while I ultimately can’t be too selective; I’d rather not apply for a job that I don’t find some sense of fulfilment in. At the very least, I want to find the premise of my job interesting. 

So I’ve changed my approach. As I consider these three questions, I’ve become more intentional in my search. I must stress that being intentional is not the same as being rigid. I still remain open-minded and willing to step out of my comfort zone. I’m just doing so in a way that gives me a sense of self-fulfillment. 

What’s the best advice you’ve received while job hunting? Let me know in the comment section below!