Anxiety with Job searching

[Bef]

I finished uni last year and I am currently looking for some work but when I read all the job ads I am just overcome with anxiety due to feelings of inadequacy and low self esteem as I can't picture myself being able to do any of these jobs or that anyone would actually want to hire me or think that I am capable. I can't even bring myself to apply for one job. I feel so inexperienced and behind everyone else and I don't know how I can gain experience due to my lack of confidence.

If anyone else has experienced this situation or feelings I would love to hear from you.

Thanks guys!

[Tay100]

Hi Bef,

Firstly, as someone in a similar position, I feel for you, hear you and relate to you!

A few things I did to help boost my experience and confidence simultaneously (as they feedback on each other a fair bit, I find) is:

-Get a mentor- importantly, someone who has been where you are and is only a few steps ahead but are still successful. For example, they are in a graduate role or a probationary job and can still remember what being in your place is like. Even if they can't provide you with logistic help or any proper network, don't dismiss the value of this. It can be really useful to blow off steam to someone who understands the nuances of your field and can provide with consolation that no one else can.

-Lean on your uni- even though you are finished uni, you are an alumni now. This is great! There are so alumni programs/networking events, and opportunities where uni's want alumni to volunteer in some capacity, often with the experience needed. Check what your uni has.

-Do e voluneering- this involves giving back to your community via technology. It can help you get experience and be a little easier on the nerves as its less face to face contact- a point of anxiety for many, and that's ok. Often no experience is needed- just time, dedication, and a device. You can go at your own pace, and only participate in what you wish. Google some forums you could contribute too (this BB forum is one actually one).

Hope these help a little, keep us posted 🙂

[Bef]

Thank you so much for your response Tay100, it is actually so helpful for someone to put it so simply like that, just a few ways I can ease myself into it, I greatly appreciate it!! I will look into doing all these things and see how I go.

Thanks!

[Tay100]

Hiya Bef

So glad I could help! Keep us posted on your job hunting, I wish you every success!

[Guest_1643]

Hi Tay,

I totally relate to your post, and I really feel for you, it's a lot of pressure out of uni, applying for jobs raises a lot of anxiety for me too. It seems you have to jump through so many hurdles...

You said you feel insecure due to your lack of experience - do you feel like other people have so much more experience? I always feel like that, picturing others who have been active working for yeras in great jobs while my mental health breaks make my resume look - well - patchy at best. Or ridiculous at worst 😞

I would advise you to apply for one job, and just take a lot of self care steps over the process, even experiencing rejection is a step in the right direction. It helps sometimes to get in the groove, to just attempt to apply for one thing even if it is not the best application ever, and than see maybe how you feel? It's definitely a process and it sucks and is horrible, but sometimes those little steps add up....

I'm in the same boat in that I had a job interview a few weeks ago and i'm feeling terrible as i haven't heard anything back. They said 8 weeks could be reqired for an outcome, but my insecure feelings are screaming that they hated me etc, so I just want to tell you I can relate BIG TIME.

[Tay100]

Hi Sleepy21,

That's some awesome advice, but it was actually Bef and not me who needed help. Bef, Sleepy21 has some great advice too 🙂

[Guest_1643]

Yes, for Bef 🙂

[jollydolly]

Hi Bef,

I was like you when I finished uni.

Fast forward to now, I am on hiring committees regularly at a university employing administrative staff. What I look for: initiative, common sense, commitment (a work ethic)...and those are so far and away the top 3 that I consider experience a bonus, not essential. If you can quiet those doubting voices long enough to do a self-audit on your 'soft' skills, and then work on a narrative that makes these shine, you will be great! Good luck.

[Tay100]

Hi jollydolly,

Just read your post... very helpful! What kind of soft skills would you recommend building upon? How do incorporate these into a 'narrative'? Sounds like a great activity to do whilst we are all stuck at home 🙂