Navigating the job search

Monday 03-06-2024 - 13:31

Elisa Pierella, DTA3 Alumna, University of Central Lancashire

Navigating the job search: Lessons in resilience, perseverance and self-discovery

Embarking on a job search journey is often a mix of anticipation and excitement. After a sabbatical period filled with adventurous trips as well as introspection, the prospect of diving back into an inspiring professional job can be intimidating but exciting. Yet, amidst this initial excitement there is an aspect of naivety, a belief that securing employment will be a straightforward endeavour, especially with a doctoral degree.

However, as one delves deeper into the job search process, they realise that what initially seemed like a linear path paved with opportunities reveals itself to be a labyrinth of complexities and uncertainties, leaving job seekers doubting their own abilities.

In my personal journey, the job search has been, so far, a lesson in resilience, self-discovery and adaptability.

Initial challenges and setbacks

After completing the Ph.D., felling mentally exhausted and even confused about "what to do next", I decided to embark on a sabbatical. While traveling and volunterring, my sabbatical became a profoud reflection on my career goals and values, providing the much-needed space to reassess my professional path and future directions.

Returning form this transformative journey, I felt armed with motivation, focus, and enegy. A career break offers space and resouces for self-care, reducing burnout, anxiety, and stress while cultivating many transferable skills. While challenges such as family and society expectations, may initially cloud the decision, the potential benefits of a career break, make it a transformative and valuable experience that I strongly recommend.

When I began my job search, I soon encountered challenges that tested my resilience and perseverance. The initial excitement of sending out applications, soon gave way to frustration as weeks pass wothout any acknowledgement. The silence left me questioning the fate of my applications submissions. Although it may sound like confirmation of inadequacy to some, I much appreciated rejections over silence.

After one month of silence or rejections, I questioned my CV, cover letter, scrutinisong every detail, wondering if I had failed to convey my profile adequately. The confidence that initially fuelled my pursuit disappeared, replaced by uncertainty about my qualifications, experiences and suitability for the role.

Seeking guidance and confrontation: keys to improvement

I pro-actively sought guidance and advice from professionals who understand the intricacies of the job market, for example, university career services, the DTA team, and experienced individuals in both industry and academia. Receiving insightful advice on how to improve my CV, cover letter, and job search and confronting myself with experienced people and peers helped normalise the challenges one may face in the job quest.

Other online resources which I found helpful for writing a professional CV and cover letter and in general for the job search are at the end of the article.

Armed with guidance and insights collected from diverse sources, I set out to enhance my job-search approach. With perseverance, implementing suggestions, and refining my application materials to be as tailored as possible to the job positions I was applying to, I reached the interview stages with a couple of recruiters.

Facing rejection and emotional impact

However, despite meticulous preparation, including mock interviews, I was not the successful candidate. Facing multiple rejections can be a crushing blow, again triggering doubts on one’s abilities and future prospects.

To cope with the emotional toll of rejections, I stepped back from this cycle of applications, seeking refuge and solace in activities that offered a sense of fulfilment, such as engaging in a volunteer project while immersed in the nature.

The pause was also a moment to further reflect on my career goals and recalibrate the trajectories in light of my job search experience.

Realigning priorities and strategies

I began by asking myself questions: Why am I applying for this job? Is it really the one I like, or am I doing it because of other factors, such as others’ expectations or salary? Will this job fulfil my aspirations? Does this job really value my skills and experiences? Where do I see myself in 5-10 years?

Starting with these questions, I delved deeper into my passions and strengths, identifying genuine career goals that resonated with my intrinsic motivations. With a clearer sense of purpose, I streamlined my job search efforts, focusing my applications on roles that aligned closely with my aspirations, skills and expertise, rather than chasing after every available opening.

I also developed a more strategic approach to networking, forging connections that held genuine potential for professional growth. Personally, I found LinkedIn very helpful for this. Although I was initially doubtful and hesitant about connecting and writing to people, I overcame the indecision and sent email/connection requests to individuals whose career path may somehow be connected with my aspirational path. With a refined focus and thanks to a networking cascade, I gained key tips and connections, channelling my energy towards pursuing targeted stakeholders.

And now I feel on the right path; it is just a matter of time, patience, and resilience.

Navigating into the intricate, often demotivating, terrain of the job search requires maintaining a healthy mind. Seeking out diverse activities that nurture your wellness, spending quality time with friends and/or family, connecting with nature are crucial for staying positive while embracing resilience, determination, and adaptability.

Conclusion

Embarking on a job search journey is akin to navigating uncharted waters, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. The prospect of entering the professional world after the completion of a Ph.D. can be both daunting and exhilarating. Yet, as many of us soon discover, the path to securing meaningful employment is rarely as straightforward as we initially think.

In my personal journey, the job search has been a profound lesson in resilience, self-discovery, and adaptability. From the initial challenges of facing silence and rejection to the emotional toll of setbacks, each experience has tested my determination and prompted introspection. Seeking guidance, confronting my own doubts, networking with the right people have been pivotal in my journey of improvement. With perseverance and determination, I navigated through rejections and setbacks, continuously realigning my priorities and strategies along the way. Similarly, the identification of genuine passions and strengths is key to streamline efforts and focus on targeted opportunities.

I want to emphasise the importance of maintaining mental well-being amidst the rigors of the job search. Taking breaks, engaging in fulfilling activities, and seeking support from loved ones have been essential for staying positive and resilient throughout the journey. It is through resilience, self-reflection, and a positive mental attitude that we can navigate these challenges with grace and determination.

In conclusion, the journey of navigating the job search may be frustrating and demotivating, but it also presents growth opportunities. By embracing resilience and self-discovery, we can forge ahead with renewed purpose and confidence, ready to seize fulfilling career opportunities that await us.

And if you are going through this, remember that you are not alone!