Special Post: Job Hunting Lessons

I think everything in life happens for a reason.
And throughout this whole job hunting process I have really grown and learnt a lot as a person.
I've learnt to be more patient, to be more assertive, to actively try.

Apply First, Think Later.

For the whole past 1 month plus when I was actively job hunting, my motto was this.
If you don't at least throw your name out there by applying, no one will know your existence.
So i applied, even to those positions I would have shunned away from due to my inferiority complex.
But, even if i got rejected and never even obtained that interview chance, at least I tried.
Best was I applied for Unilever Future Leaders program and didn't even pass the psychometric tests HAHAHA.
But it opened my eyes to how competitive such fortune 500 companies are and how difficult it is to get in.
Even if I somehow managed to get in, I don't think I will be happy there either.
Which brings me to the next point:

Desperate as you are, please don't spam. 

Apply more, but to those you at least have a slight hint of interest in.
Finding jobs is a lot like finding a partner, initially everybody have a lot of expectations, but as time drags on, people get more and more desperate and that's when anything becomes fine.
But when you really get that interview chance, trust me, you won't be able to get past.
Because passion or interest, can't be faked.
Even if you faked it and got in, over time, it's only you who will get jaded.

And the level of happiness is different as well.
When I received the offer from CPF, I was happy. But on hindsight, it was due more to the fact my efforts put into the interview was recognised and it paid off. It always feels good to be appreciated for your efforts.
But, when I received the offer from HDB, the happiness was one different from CPF - I was happy because I got what I want and not just another job offer.
I was really blessed to have two job offerings, but it wouldn't have been possible without the most important lesson I've learnt and I hope I will continue to remember and apply it to other aspects in my life:

Good things come to those who wait.  

This.
It didn't come easy. I'm not kidding if I say I have to remind myself this almost every single day.
Patience, that's one thing I didn't have it in me but I realised how valuable it is.
It is not enough just preaching it, but actually practicing it:

(Definition) 'The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems, or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious.'

Which is very very tough during difficult times.
I am not saying I managed to achieve it, but I am developing it.

Initially, when everyone was getting job offers and started work in late July/Early August,
I started panicking and developed the worst feeling ever - envy.
I was envious of my friends and wondering what it is in them I don't have?
At that time, I was still doing my internship with HOO and it made me feel even more terrible, I was questioning the reasons why I was still doing an internship?
And that was partially the reason I quit and began job hunting full time.

Job hunting was so painful, made even worse by pressure and expectations.
It was like, almost every job you apply for, you will unconsciously carry hope for a reply, but i've learnt - Companies don't owe you an interview chance.  
You have to earn it, through your resume selling, cover letters - You have to sell yourself to get that chance.
And beyond that, it's out of your control.
So, work on the things you can control, put pressure and stress on the things you can change, and leave the rest to fate and luck.

Job Hunting: 50% timing, 40% hard work, 10% luck.  

As with most stuff in life, it's mostly about timing.
You may have a specific job or industry in mind, but that industry may not have an opening during that time.
And timing and luck plays a large role when it comes to accepting which offer as well.

When I received CPF's offer, I was elated.
But when HDB's interview opportunity came, I had already accepted CPF's and I went with the trying mentality, since no harm going for more interviews and even if i don't get it, I already have half an offer in my pocket.
So I went, with no expectations, and I got HDB's as well.
That's when timing and luck really played a part - I realised I was more keen on HDB's since it was an area i've been interested in trying out all along.
But, CPF's appointment letter signing was earlier than HDB could give me a confirmed offer.
So, I pressurized HDB's side, but they could only promise so much.
And then, when I couldn't make a choice, I decided to just sleep on it.
Hahaha that was my choice - I left it to fate: timing and luck.

As luck would have it, the offer came through in time.
Good things, really do come to those who wait.

Honestly, I have not been to many interviews and not that many rejections as well.
But I have had my fair bit of rejections, and

Rejections are never easy to accept, nor take in. 

 It eats up your self-worth, or whatever there is left, as the unemployed days drag on.
The only word that could describe what I felt most of the time was stagnant.
I felt stagnant, like my life was on hold as I watch everyone else around me move on to another stage.
But, I think not putting everything in one basket helped me - by looking for distractions.

Find things you love to distract you, and you may pick up skills useful for job interviews too. 

I was looking out for volunteering opportunities as well, since I figured I have so much time on my hands.
Val introduced me to BLESS since they were looking for more volunteers.
And I decided to add that into my resume and it became a talking point for every single interview I went, just to fill up the spaces when they ask me what I do in my spare time.
But I really do enjoy volunteering, so I have signed up for this year's ASEAN Para Games, which is going to be held in December.

At times, it's all about keeping things in perspective too.
When I was at my worst, Pam shared an advice with me after having gone through her own depressive stage in job hunting:

Think of it this way: It's just a job, there is more to life than working. 

It's easier said than done, but you owe it to yourself to work on it.
It's an attitude, that can be applied to almost everything in life.

Things come, when you least expect them. 

Stay positive, stay healthy, keep trying and that job will come.

Opportunities do not come easy, I'm really thankful and I know you all will be one day too. :)