HOW TO HIT THE JOB RUN HEAD ON

 

When you have spent more than three years searching for regular work with a strong curriculum and ample experience at home and abroad, patience becomes strained and you start to ask 'why me?'

It is precisely at that time that you have to dig deep and find out what really motivates you. For me, the transition from a stable, permanent job to 'accept what arrives' was a real wake up call. What I would suggest is not to become a victim of circumstance. It is easy to fall into the trap as you start to doubt yourself and your abilities, but it is important to stay focused. The secret is to keep moving, get out and about, meet people, use social media and contacts. This is a time to refine your skills. It has been said many times, I know, but the key is how you go about this. It can make you more resourceful and can give you new skills, which in turn can help others. For example, rewriting CVs and knowing how to prepare a good presentation.

Do not waste time trying to improve something that you really cannot do or that people think you should do, for example mathematics when your talent is languages or music, rather look at what sets you apart from others. Where is your get-up-and-go? In my case it is with languages and communicating with people. Being in another country, it is even more important not to become isolated. Work in cafes with a community feel, libraries and even outside and keep your eye out for free courses or conferences. Invest in yourself and if you do this, others will be inclined to do the same. Nowadays, the job market is very much about you doing the groundwork and staying up-to-date in your field.

I will not pretend that it is always easy to stay positive when you come up against a series of knock-backs, but it is worth it. You are no good to anyone if you give up. If not for anyone else, do it for yourself. It is important to open up and productively talk about the situation with people who will encourage you. This period of three years has taught me a lot about myself and also about my values. There is a limit in job hunting where you have to respect yourself and realise what you are worth. Unpaid work and internships are good experience as long as it is not an excuse for free labour. Whether you are a man or a woman should be irrelevant, what matters is what you put on the table and the individual qualities that you offer. It is your uniqueness and invaluable experience that will make you a strong asset.

Lastly, research and study are crucial. They will give you the edge over other candidates. Learning a language with dedication or following a course in an area of interest shows that you are moving forward and are open to new ideas and challenges. Stay true to who you are. We need work to live, but if you apply yourself and are willing to be flexible you will break down barriers and open up new opportunities for yourself and others along the way.