I’m not really an expert. But I will share with you my experiences. I started applying for full-time positions about 5 months before graduating. The community college job applications took a lot out of me. I could not have completed so many without my support system; notably my girlfriend who helped me to finalize the lengthy applications, and encouraged me to ask for unique letters of recommendation. Once I submitted several of these applications across CA, I branched out to positions at four-year institutions nationwide.
Of the fifty states, I had visited perhaps seven. I knew not what I was getting into. I wanted more than anything, though, to get my career going. If I moved home immediately after graduation, things would be too comfortable. The idea of unemployment or underemployment might not be so bad, since my parents would support me. I might get choosy, wanting to stay in metropolitan parts of CA; the familiar places I knew.
I decided to rent a room in Long Beach, where I would apply for jobs everyday as my primary objective. My PLUS loan would cover living expenses and three months’ time I allotted myself to find a good position. It was not a big expense considering my productivity. My goal was summer’s end, or bust.
Starbucks earned some of my loan money during graduate school. It earned even more after graduation. I’d bring my lunch box, laptop, and post up every day there for 4-6 hours. Initially I got sidetracked by Facebook, online deal-hunting, and YouTube music while convincing myself I was job-hunting. The important thing, I suppose, is that I showed up to do it.
In May, I applied to an average of 10 jobs per week. I over-thought the cover letters and resumes. I spent the past 2 years polishing, editing, and rewording them to be as good as they’d ever get. It was time to make minor modifications, and send. If I got overlooked, it was not likely because of something I said or failed to mention. Someone else was just better suited for that position.
I kept track of the jobs to which I applied, on an MS Word document. After talking to Justin, I began calling universities within a few days of applying, to follow up. Some re-read my application, while others seemed audibly irritated. Either way, I was on their radar. I never got an interview from it, but it helped me develop confidence approaching people as a ready-to-contribute professional. It sure beat sulking and wondering what happened to my application.
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