Job Searching

Night_Sprite

I will be graduating with my second master's degree in about 10 months.  That means I need to have a job in less time than that.  We could probably survive for a little while without any income from me, but it would not be ideal.  I would be a panicky, snappy mess and then finances would get tight.

To attempt to prevent these problems, I have been sprucing up my resume, contacting my references and getting prepared to job search.  If I enter the job market sooner rather than later, there will be less lag between school and job.

There is one problem with this.  When I try to start searching, I get a constricting feeling in my chest.  The insides of me start trying to crawl out of my throat and scream that they want to be free.  I am overwhelmed by how small I am, insecurity, and the lack of confidence I feel with this whole process.  I am an educated, smart woman, but looking at job listings has me whittled down to a blob of nothing.  

Help!

nda_roxybabe

Aww, I'm sorry What field are you in?

brookelynpaisley

Woman, you are full of the needy today...

Aw, I know it's stressful. You have to put on a confident air, even if you have to fake it, and know that you're worth every job you apply for. This is a difficult economy to be starting in and you're not alone. You will make this work.

Night_Sprite

I've got a master's of library and information science and working on a health informatics MS.  I also have relatively extensive it support training and some decent project management skills. 

Night_Sprite

This is needy.  Christmas stockings and shoes aren't needy. 

nda_roxybabe

It sounds like you know your stuff then! It'll be ok, getting a new job is exciting!

brookelynpaisley

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_job-searching?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:553acf15-6852-4772-8779-e3245bcdffedPost:a265b67e-ac44-4639-aa18-a993604b9fc8">Re: Job Searching</a>:
[QUOTE]This is needy.  Christmas stockings and shoes aren't needy. 
Posted by Night_Sprite[/QUOTE]

Aw, silly girl, I'm sorry. I was referring to the other thread below needing shopping help. Bad joke. I apologize.

brookelynpaisley

Oh, possible joke fail. I thought you meant that kids without shoes and Christmas stockings are needy. FAIL.

Night_Sprite

Sorry, Brooke.  I'm freaking out a bit.  I've never had a grown up job before. 

brookelynpaisley

And I agree that it's scary. I empathize. When I graduated, we had this accounting luncheon and everyone was supposed to stand up for the major "Big 4" firms they went to or if they went to a small local firm or elsewhere. When they asked those of us without jobs (under the guise of "hire these great grads!!!!1!") it was just me and one other person. So embarrassing. I've had the "what am I going to do?" fear. You will find something, I promise. Focus on school and dedicate the time you can to finding something, but know that you will find a job.

zippityb

Do you know anyone who knows anyone who can help get your foot in the door somewhere? THAT is the way to get a job, regardless of how confident you are and how impressive your resume is.

aprovencher21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_job-searching?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:553acf15-6852-4772-8779-e3245bcdffedPost:9927c4cc-0ee7-4ecd-88b6-cea5a6152c15">Job Searching</a>:
[QUOTE]I will be graduating with my second master's degree in about 10 months.  That means I need to have a job in less time than that.  We could probably survive for a little while without any income from me, but it would not be ideal.  I would be a panicky, snappy mess and then finances would get tight. To attempt to prevent these problems, I have been sprucing up my resume, contacting my references and getting prepared to job search.  If I enter the job market sooner rather than later, there will be less lag between school and job. There is one problem with this.  When I try to start searching, I get a constricting feeling in my chest.  The insides of me start trying to crawl out of my throat and scream that they want to be free.  I am overwhelmed by how small I am, insecurity, and the lack of confidence I feel with this whole process.  I am an educated, smart woman, but looking at job listings has me whittled down to a blob of nothing.   Help!
Posted by Night_Sprite[/QUOTE]

Awwww sweetie.  How long have you been thinking about getting a job??  Sometimes (for me) its just the pressure.  When I start flipping out I take a step back and relax and then go back.  You are awesome and super educated.  Someone would be lucky to hire you.

Night_Sprite

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_job-searching?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:553acf15-6852-4772-8779-e3245bcdffedPost:dc6b06ea-7a82-4ba6-8610-07f2dc6ab4c8">Re: Job Searching</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Job Searching : Awwww sweetie.  How long have you been thinking about getting a job??  Sometimes (for me) its just the pressure.  When I start flipping out I take a step back and relax and then go back.  You are awesome and super educated.  Someone would be lucky to hire you.
Posted by aprovencher21[/QUOTE]
I've been thinking about a week.  I just got to the application looking process tonight and had a heart attack. 

aprovencher21

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_job-searching?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:553acf15-6852-4772-8779-e3245bcdffedPost:b8f0a76a-9785-41fa-a9f0-e0cf0820184d">Re: Job Searching</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Job Searching : I've been thinking about a week.  I just got to the application looking process tonight and had a heart attack. 
Posted by Night_Sprite[/QUOTE]

I'd say take a break and do something calming.  While a job is certainly important you don't need it tomorrow and it would help if you're freaking out.

thesuninherhead

Night, I've recently started job searching and I get what you're saying. At first, I was looking at jobs the level I'm currently on and the one up and thinking, 'oh my gosh, I so don't have the experience for these jobs!'. And then I put it into perspective. I realised that I will have a PhD (or very close to having one when applying), I have five years research experience (if you include my initial RA work, but why not- that does count!) and I have done well in my current position. Likewise, you have to put it into perspective; you have done lots of study and are well qualified, and I'm sure you would have relevant experience (even if only within your studies). 

 

Selection criteria listed in job advertisements can sound daunting, but you have to talk yourself up. Stretch your skills a little (not in a lying way, but be creative and think about how you've demonstrated the skills they're asking for in other ways), and be positive- you DO have what it takes to get a job, and hey- even if you don't get an interview, what is it to you? As you say, you can afford to go a little while without a position, so it doesn't matter if you don't get a job or if you get offered a job and decide you don't want it- time is on your side.