A lot of “seniors” in college are agreeing with me right now. Unless you're one of the lucky few who've already landed a steady, entry-level position, chances are you've been let down by the difficulty of your job search at least once this week.
I remember coming into the last year of my graduate study at the University telling myself that I would be completely satisfied if I were offered even a full-time opportunity at just about any company, doing just about anything. I just wanted to make sure I had something for after graduation.
Almost six months have passed since then and I still can't get a job. After much personal reflection, insightful mentoring, and multiple self-compassion sessions, I came to a conclusion that would change my perspective.
-Is my eligibility one of the reasons I haven't been hired yet?
I entered senior year with an open mind. I was willing to take just about any job offered, but as I started searching, I quickly realized that I wasn't open to just any job opportunity out there. I have always placed filters in my searches. Whether specifying location, company size, job title, or salary, there was always something specific I was looking for.
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It's not that there aren't enough job opportunities out there. But I realized that my challenge was that I started my search from a relatively high level. I want to start my career doing X, working for Y, and living in Z.
There's a reason millennials are identified as the "job-hopping generation." It is very difficult for us to find satisfaction. When seeking employment, considering career changes, and even when we are happy with our current jobs, we are always on the lookout for more opportunities, resources, perks and benefits. “There is always a better job” they say.
Let's look at this data collected by Deloitte on what the “Millennials” they look for in companies:
What to offer millennials based on the most important benefits offered by the employer (not counting salary)?
We are a demanding generation, which explains the thousands of researches and blogs on understanding and how to attract Millennials. We subconsciously and inevitably set standards and expectations for our future careers. Unless a job position meets all of our imposed criteria, we will not even consider applying to these options.
So what does this mean as I continue my job search? Does this mean I should lower my standards? Am I satisfied with what I can secure in the next two months? Definitely not. Don't lower your standards. There's a reason Millennials are such an intriguing generation and so coveted by employers. We are smart, young, energetic, creative, opposite and passionate.
For all those unemployed seniors who are about to enter the “real” world in a couple of months, be confident and push yourself in the direction of the field you want to start your career in whatever you are passionate about, but remember to be humble as well.
The job search is competitive, and for most of us, it's not a walk in the park. There are and always will be people smarter, prettier, and friendlier than you. Use this undeniable reality as motivation to be more genuinely grateful when you finally land that first job you've been searching for and waiting for relentlessly.
Class of 2017, I fully believe you can do it. Then "Let's do it"!
*Not real name