How I Stay Positive During my Job Search

I can’t believe it — I graduate at the end of March. Although this is an exciting time and a great accomplishment, I, like many other future 2009 grads, cannot help but feel uneasy about my future. The unemployment rate in Oregon is currently 9 percent. As far as public relations jobs are concerned, qualified applicants are expected to exceed the amount of available entry-level jobs. And that’s on top of the already tough job market and struggling economy.

Competition is fierce, and although I am graduating before most people in my class, I do not feel like that puts me at any advantage. What puts someone at an advantage is their network. Its about who you know who knows someone who’s cousin heard about a possible job opening at his mom’s church social. OK, not exactly. But you get the idea. Networking, whether it’s through social media or informational interviews, will give most grads the needed edge over other applicants who also have fabulous resumes and portfolios.

Here are a few tips I’d like to share that have helped me stay positive during my job hunt: 

• Have a Positive Attitude

Moping around about being broke and not finding a job doesn’t do anybody any good. I’ll admit that I’ve gotten discouraged (and subsequently in a bad mood) at just thinking about my life after March. However, the “pageant girl” inside me reminds me to stay positive and get up and make it happen. Even if this means applying to 100 jobs, I will do it. I’m a determined person that makes things happen when I try hard. I encourage other soon-t0-be grads to have this same attitude and to try the best they can (now!).

• Take Some Advice

Seek help during your job search through resources such as the career center, professors, classes and workshops.  I am currently taking a Career Connections course at the UO, and I plan to take advantage of any workshops that come my way. The way I see it, the more prepared you are, the more positive attitude you will have during your job search.

Also, The book “What’s up with your handshake?” by Mark Jeffries was featured this morning on the Today Show. The author made a great point when he said that you need to make yourself unique and consistent to set yourself apart from the hundreds of other applicants. His book claims to unlock the secrets to “controlling perceptions, influencing decisions, leading meetings, manipulating opinion (hmmmm….), winning sales, and shining as a communicator.” I think I need to check out this book.

• Get to Know People
  

Informational interviews, job fairs, professional conferences, PRSSA meetings, interning and volunteering are great ways to network that can possibly lead to a job. Here is  a link to a great article for networking basics: Learn to Network.

Chicken Soup for Your Job Searching Soul

Here are some links I’ve found that give advice (and a little comfort) for grads in distress:

Strategies for Survival on an Entry Level Salary

Allie Osmar’s blog, The Creative Career

Secrets to Smart Decisions When You Graduate From College

How to Figure out What you Should be Doing With Your Life