Stay Hungry
If you notice that certain employers are looking for certain skills and you are missing them, take an online class or get a certification in your free time. Just because school is over doesn't mean you stop learning. This will give you a competitive edge over other candidates. Everyone is hungry but there's only a certain amount of seats left at the table. Fight for yours.
Be intentional
Post-grad life can cause panic in most people. Applying for every job with no rhyme or reason is not going to get you anywhere. Create a spreadsheet and keep track of each job you apply for and the feedback you receive. Knowing that you've applied for 100 jobs in one week and hearing 100 "no's" won't help your mood if you're already experiencing symptoms of post-grad stress.
Build your network
Unpopular truth: once you graduate, you are just like everyone else.
I have seen jobs have as many as 2,000 applicants for one position. Applying to a job in a saturated field without any connections is not effective in today's job market. You are not just competing against your graduating class anymore!
Define your brand
Dress professionally even if your current role doesn't call for it. Map out your career path and say no to everything that doesn't relate to your goal. Establish yourself as someone who is serious about their future and soon people will notice. Decide who you want to be and show up as that person!
Allow life to happen
Final thoughts:
You aren't immune to post-graduate stress. Pretending post-graduate life is all rosy is for the birds. Acknowledge where you are and enjoy the time you have. Get a creative outlet or a hobby, start a side hustle, exercise, eat healthier. If you are employed, be grateful. Stressing doesn't speed up the process. Seek help if needed. Life is still hard once you find a job.
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