Graduating from college and entering a new phase of your life is supposed to be a happy time, so, why do so many people feel anxious about finding a job? Even though you prepared for this moment, facing your first job search brings new facets into your life that you didn't have to deal with before. Here are five tips for conquering your fears as you enter your new career.
1. Start Early
It's never too early to prepare for your first job search. If you're still in college, visit your school's career center regularly to get a feel for what finding a job is like. Talk to experts at your college career center who can help you become more familiar with your industry as you begin to branch out beyond your academic setting.
2. Set Goals
Set goals and track your progress as you take steps towards meeting them. Embarking on your first job search is a process, and you might need help. Ask career counselors for assistance with helping you determine which direction you want to move towards professionally.
3. Talk to Alumni
Talk to people who graduated from your college or work in your field. These people already experienced their first job search, and they can give you insider tips that can help you break into your profession. Alumni connections might also know which employers are currently hiring and which ones have a lot of growth potential. Communicating with others in your field helps set your mind at ease because these alumni have already experienced what you're about to go through on your way to success.
4. Stay True to Yourself
Success means different things to different people, so try not to compare yourself to others. Always stay true to yourself by following your own career path. Over your long-term career, the first job search is just an initial, tentative step on your career ladder. You have many more steps to go before reaching the top. You might spend more time on one step than other people did, but don't let this discourage you. Even if you need to stay in one phase of your career for a bit longer than planned, keep a positive attitude as you continue taking steps to achieve your goals.
5. Take Time to Relax
A job search can be mentally and physically exhausting, so don't forget to schedule time to relax. Get plenty of rest, eat well and participate in some activities that make you happy to prevent exhaustion or burnout.
Conquering your fears while embarking on your first job search takes effort. Start slowly and stay focused on your specific job goals as you work towards making your career dreams come true.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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