A few months ago I wrote a blog post series all about surviving the pandemic- the ups and downs of lockdown, and the trials and tribulations that come with problems such as online learning and maintaining a social life.
I had such brilliant feedback from this series, so this June and July I’ve decided to write a new blog post series, all about surviving graduation. I graduated from the University of York this time last year- and I’ve learned so much since then about life post-graduation!
Graduating into a pandemic is a unique experience, and I want to offer any help or support to anyone graduating this time around. I’ll be writing posts about staying positive, finding ways to celebrate, and great habits you can get into once you finish your degree.
Firstly though, I want to talk about job hunting- and all the difficulties that come with it! Whether you’re a recent graduate or not, job-hunting is often a stressful and difficult time- and it can cause a real issue for motivation.
Below, I’ve put together 5 simple tips to keep up job hunt motivation over the next couple of months, and help you stay motivated while you navigate the dreaded job hunt
Stay positive!
Unfortunately job hunting can sometimes go on for a while, and it can be quite an uncertain time if you’ve just graduated and you don’t have any plans in place. So a positive attitude is a must.
These days, there are so many places you can find out about possible jobs or future plans- through your University, on job sites, and even through word of mouth. So a good tip to keep up job hunt motivation is to keep your mindset as positive as possible, and don’t worry about the time it takes to find something that works for you.
Rejection is normal
I think every graduate has experienced rejection in one form or another. You might have missed out on your dream University, a great placement, or the perfect graduate job. But I bet you’ve still enjoyed all the experiences you did instead- and life wouldn’t be life without a bit of disappointment and rejection.
When you’re job-hunting, don’t be afraid to feel your rejections. It’s okay to cry if you miss out, or get angry when someone doesn’t give you any feedback. Believe me, I understand the frustration of being told I need 3+ years of experience after just graduating…
But it’s important to know that something else is just on the horizon- and this rejection will actually become a helpful life lesson for learning how to pick yourself back up.
Apply for everything
I know it can be tough finding the “perfect” job to apply for, and so if a job description roughly fits your skills and you can imagine yourself doing it- apply!
Even if it’s just to get the experience of sending an application and choosing how to set out your CV, it’s so important to keep your options open and apply for any opportunities that look appealing.
By making yourself apply for things regularly, you can also give yourself the motivation to keep going- and it’s a good idea to stay as busy as possible.
Stop comparing yourself
One of the worst things you can do after graduation is compare yourself to others! So one of my best job hunting tips would be to stop comparing yourself to your friends or family.
Someone you know will have an amazing graduate job, and someone else will have their Masters course all lined up. But your journey is not theirs, and if you finish graduation without anything set up (like I did) it’s still possible to get yourself a job you enjoy.
Stop comparing yourself to others and keep up job hunt motivation by focusing on where you want to go.
Update Your CV
Updating your CV is one of the worst jobs that you have to do when you’re applying for jobs. It’s boring, and it can take a while to get everything “just-so”. However, it’s also one of the best ways to improve your job-hunting chances- and if you update your CV early on it’ll make it easier to apply for jobs as and when they pop up.
It may be boring, but do yourself a favour and really work on your CV when you first start job-hunting- and you can avoid a lack of motivation later down the line!
What do you think of my new blog post series all about surviving graduation? What are your tips to keep up job motivation? Do you have any job-hunting advice?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
Comparison can leave us feeling as if we’re falling short. We’re comparing peoples’ highlight reel with our bloopers though! I try to keep that in mind when I’m putting myself out there. Good points, thank you so much.
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Yes that’s very true, you can never really know what’s going on with someone! x
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I have never been to university, but looking for a job right after finishing school was overwhelming. Looking back at it, comparison never helped as well as not being positive about it. I think that we all try not to do it, but end up comparing to people that are on a different path than us or far along the road. Working on your CV and applying a lot helped so much!
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I can imagine- trying to find a job at any stage in life can be so stressful! Yes I think comparison is easy to slip into- but it doesn’t help your individual journey 🙂 x
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It’s been a long time since I left uni but I can still remember how it felt being out in the world looking for the next step. You’ve shared some really great tips and encouragement here so I’ll be sharing this with those who are in this position now. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes definitely- and that was amplified with the recent pandemic and lockdowns! Thank you x
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I’m not even close to graduating, but I’m trying to learn as much as I can before I have to look for jobs. You’ve shared some great tips, I can see how easy it would feel to be depressed after being rejected. Remaining positive is the best you can do. Thanks for sharing.
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Oooh I hope you enjoy the journey there 🙂 thank you! Yes it can be hard haha but it’s all about looking out for yourself and knowing better things will come eventually xx
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Great tips, I especially like your point on remaining positive, that’s something I need to get better at. Trying to stay realistic but optimistic seems to be the best balance!
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Thank you Anika 🙂 Yes I agree, it’s important to be realistic about what you want without getting too bogged down with negative thoughts x
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You’ve given some really good tips, I know a lot of my friends will appreciate this post. I especially like that you mentioned staying positive as that’s so true! Thanks for sharing this Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
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Thank you Elle! I think it’s so important to look out for yourself in these difficult times x
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These are some brilliant tips, it’s especially so important to realise how normal rejection is! You will get there in the end xx
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Thank you Della 🙂 Yes I agree, rejection is, unfortunately, a big part of life x
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I never went to Uni so never had this struggle but I can imagine it’s really difficult when you’re trying to keep the motivation up. Job hunting is hard for anyone! These are great tips 🙂 x
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Yes definitely, motivation is the hardest part sometimes x
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This article is amazing! I have just started writing my new graduate blog so I will definitely be linking to this! It’s so helpful for people who are looking for jobs right now and so inspiring! Thank you!
Rach (https://rachtalksbusiness.com/)
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Thank you Rachel, I can’t wait to read more from your blog!
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Thank you Lise! Yes I agree it’s easy to get in that mindset, but I’m glad you’re managing okay x
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Very nice ideas. Will save this for future reference. Thanks for sharing ❤
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Thank you Fiona x
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Job hunting is exhausting. I remember job hunting, comparing myself to others never felt right. Lots of mental breakdown. Thank you for sharing this post
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I know right, it just feels like it’s never going to end sometimes 🙂 x
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I’m currently in first year but I’ve been looking for placements and it is so hard! Really helpful tips tho – need to work on my CV 🤦♀️x
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I bet it’s tough, I’ve never had to do that actually! Thank you Caroline, best of luck with everything x
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Thank you for this! I just finished uni a few weeks ago and also have nothing set in place. I’ve been looking for jobs since October and have only found a handful of ones that I would be suited for. It’s also really difficult with family making out like applying for jobs is really easy when it’s the complete opposite. I guess it helps knowing the day will happen when I get a job, even if it’s not for a few more weeks or months (or even longer). Can’t wait to give the rest of this series a read x
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I understand that feeling Beth, I was in the same position last year. I’m sorry that’s the case, it’s so tough to find something so don’t worry- there’s no need to put unnecessary pressure on yourself while you’re job-hunting! You can do this x
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These are great tips. Jobhunting is difficult at the best of times let alone when you’ve been studying for such a long time too. It can definitely mess with your head at times. I’m looking forward to seeing more posts in this series.
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Thank you! Yes I think so, especially if you’ve never had experience of the work market 🙂 thank you Kelly, I hope you enjoy x
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Uni life and education was a thing to hear of during pandemic for sure. I’m done with it but saw others going through it. Looking for job is I think the toughest thing to go through. That suggestion of applying for everything was literally the best. Everyone don’t follow this idea and should. Liked how you lifted up people’s perspective with that!! Xx
Isa A. Blogger
https://bit.ly/39f9FN0
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This post worthy to keep it in my note! Thank you!!! I have been stumbling for a while to look for inspiration or any and this surely helps the feeling in basing what I would look for the next two months. Yep it’s only two months left for me to finishing my degree study!
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These are fantastic tips! I found jobhunting so stressful, I felt like I was never getting anywhere but I kept it up, switched up my CV for the job I was applying applying and eventually I got one! This was many years ago before I decided to go back into education mind you and I hear it’s even worse now especially with so many people applying for the same job so these tips are very handy and I’m sure will help some people realise not to get down on themselves.
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Job hunting is so stressful and honestly, horrible. But you’ve given us some important things to remember and to keep motivated!
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I agree, it can be very daunting 🙂 thank you!
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Thank you! Yes I think it can be a daunting time, but I’m sure you can do it 🙂 Yes it definitely is x
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Thank you! Job hunting is so tough I agree, I’m glad you’ve found a way to accept the ups and downs of the process x
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