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Posted by Stacey
Finding a job is as hard as finding a needle in the haystack…with a thousand people looking for the same needle. I did not realize how hard it was to find a job until I became unemployed. I followed the sound advice of friends, employment counselors, and mentors. I restructured my resume and cover letter numerous times, hoping it would help me to at least get an interview. I also conducted informational interviews with directors, an HR manager, lawyers, and a well-known news anchor. I was eager to make the right connections, hoping I could land a job with an exceptional company or organization. I kept an open mind by applying to jobs in every sector – public, private, and non-profit. I considered all kinds of positions – from entry level to executive – yet nothing seemed to be working. If I did not find a job in Canada, I was willing to work in almost any part of the world. The sky was the limit, literally! I applied to over 80 jobs and followed up with all the companies that did not say, “No phone calls, please.” I usually called each company up to 5 times but very rarely got a response. The odd time that a potential employer called me back, I made sure to ask, “How many applications did you receive?” The response was 400, 600, or 900. I was completely shocked; I had no idea that so many people were looking for a job.
As the months passed by, rejections to my applications rolled in like a ton of bricks. I began to question my education and wondered if having a degree meant anything. All sorts of ideas ran through my mind. I wondered if I was over-qualified or under-qualified for many of the jobs that I applied to. As the months dragged along, I persevered and remained hopeful. I continued to volunteer for non-profit organizations. I attended policy summits, networking events, and completed a certificate course. I also supported a charity gala and helped a few young people develop better job search skills. Yet nothing I did brought me closer to landing a job. I entered a writing competition but even that was unsuccessful! I continued to apply to jobs even though rejections kept rolling in like a ton of bricks. I thought of starting my own business, but due to an extremely tight budget I had to put those plans on hold.
One day, a few interviews popped up, and things looked promising. After being politely persistent, I arranged an interview with a potential employer and was hired instantaneously as a College Instructor. I was so ecstatic! I felt like all my hard work and determination paid off. Now, I view being unemployed as a beautiful struggle. It gave me a chance to do some self-reflecting, some time to catch up with family and friends, and time to assess what truly matters to me. I was able to recognize my full potential, and also come up with a few business ideas that would re-shape my destiny. The job hunt was a true test of my faith and helped me to build patience. I truly believe good things come to those who wait. Now that I have a job, it feels great to be a part of the workforce, and I love it. I can finally give up my coffee budget!
10 comments
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July 8, 2011 at 12:49 am
Camille
Totally agree and congratulations!
July 8, 2011 at 1:22 pm
Keisha
This is great. A lot of people can relate to the job searching process. It can be really hard and stressful. You show that when you persevere and you’re patient there can be a great outcome.
July 10, 2011 at 6:42 pm
Jay Berry Leasing
Very informative and factual. Im sure many can relate to this or have experienced the same hardships when applying for jobs. Persistence and having an open mind is key!
July 10, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Shakeya
I know it can be frustrating looking for a job. It takes time but something eventually falls through. You have to keep pushing forward, pray andx hope for the best. Also it gives you time to take a deeper look into yourself which is a good thing.
July 12, 2011 at 10:56 am
Mich
That’s awesome Stacey! The job hunt is ridiculous! Glad that you persevered, as it paid off.
July 15, 2011 at 1:01 pm
Michelle S.
Great article that gives those struggling for work some hope. Thanks for sharing your experience and good luck in your new endeavours!
July 16, 2011 at 12:26 pm
Marvie
Very inciteful article, congratulations on your new job! I believe your job hunt experience would be inspirational for the unemployed and those who have given up hope in starting their business. You have shown that determination, perseverance and hard work conquers all. Good luck on your job and keep on praying for more doors to be opened!
July 16, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Marvie
Very inciteful article, congratulations on your job. Your job hunt experience would be very inspirational to the unemployed and for those who have given up hope in starting their business. You have shown that determination, perseverance and hard work conquers all. Good luck in your job and continue to pray for more doors to be open.
July 20, 2011 at 7:19 pm
C.T.
Stacey, I enjoyed your article. It really spoke to me and was a great inspiration. I am on the job hunt right now too and it did not hit me until recently that I have to enjoy every season while it lasts. There is always a lesson to be learned and the necessity for self reflection that comes with patience and waiting for God to work in your life. Congrats on your new job and I wish you the best in everything to come.
July 21, 2011 at 1:12 am
Nya
Great description of the process that you went through. Even greater that you learned a lot from the experience and were able to find a job that you like! Seeing a period of “unemployment” as an “unexpected vacation” can sometimes help to put things into perspective.