How to Survive Job Hunting in your Twenties
For many in their twenties, navigating the job hunt is a familiar journey—a quest to find the perfect fit, or simply any opportunity that fits. After years of studying and enjoying carefree moments, there comes a time when you must survive the application process, presenting your skills and knowledge as the ideal candidate to various organizations and companies. However, this journey is often far from smooth sailing, especially for recent graduates who may find themselves lacking extensive experience beyond the various internships they’ve completed along the way.
At the age of 26, I decided to change course and resign from my job at a non-profit organization. After a short period of rest, I began actively applying to various companies and organizations. Initially, I was optimistic, with four job interviews scheduled in one week. However, to my dismay, every one of these opportunities ended in rejection, catching me by surprise and leaving me emotionally unprepared to confront the harsh reality. It was a pivotal moment when the full weight of disappointment hit me, and I came to grips with the challenges that lay ahead.
It took hours to write cover letters, complete tasks after passing selection procedures, and then face the challenge of presenting myself to selection committees in hopes of being the best candidate.
After every rejection, it felt like I was starting from scratch all over again. It took hours to write cover letters, complete tasks after passing selection procedures, and then face the challenge of presenting myself to selection committees in hopes of being the best candidate. The continuous rejections made me doubt myself, my personality, and my skills. I wondered if there was any organization or company willing to hire me to grow and gain experience.
After two months of searching, I reached a point where I decided to adjust my expectations and apply for temporary positions to stabilize my finances. This led me to the recruitment agencies, where even there, doubts arose due to my “impressive” academic background. ‘So, what brings you here?’ the recruiter asked. ‘With two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s, we’re not entirely sure if we have much to offer. The roles we have aren’t exactly thrilling; they tend to be more on the repetitive side.’ But that didn’t bother me one bit. As long as I could fill some of my time and earn some cash, leaving me free to do what I love most: writing.
A friend recommended simplifying my CV, as otherwise, I might not be considered for less challenging positions.
Every day, I received calls from various recruiters asking the same question: ‘What kind of job are you looking for?’ But this question suddenly seemed much more challenging in my mind than I had anticipated. Does a job define our personality, and do we even know what kind of job we want when we have broad interests in the world? A friend recommended simplifying my CV, as otherwise, I might not be considered for less challenging positions. The concern was that employers might worry I’d quickly grow bored and leave after just a month or two. In essence, this meant erasing a part of my personal history to improve my job prospects. It was a strange notion to grapple with.
During this search, I found myself feeling worse every day, overwhelmed by waves of melancholy. I began to doubt myself and withdrew from the outside world more quickly. It reminded me of a time when I felt lost in this world, a struggle that I believe many people face. Yet, it’s not often openly discussed—the rejections everyone receives, the impact on self-esteem, and the need to find the strength to start over time and time again. Schools often don't teach us how to cope with rejection, which can lead some people, particularly those in the artistic and literary fields, to feel like giving up quickly. In these industries, individuals are constantly applying for grants and funding, but the result is often a pile of rejection letters.
I discovered new sides of myself, from applying for roles at UNCHR to a part-time nanny position with a family.
Fortunately, the job search has its comedic and valuable aspects. Friends and family send me job postings every day—even the most unusual positions I would never consider applying for. I discovered new sides of myself, from applying for roles at UNCHR to a part-time nanny position with a family. After a while, I became familiar with all the job sites, scrolling through them daily and learning about new jobs I had never heard of before, like a “street sign installer,” a role I had never even considered someone might have.
The answer to the question ‘How to survive job hunting in your twenties?’ is straightforward: embrace this uncertain phase of your life, where challenges arise and provide new perspectives.
P.S. Don’t give up, and if you feel like giving up, reach out for support—we’ve all been there.
P.S.S. If you're struggling and don't have anyone to talk to, feel free to send a letter.
Blog Image: Human Computers of 1947, Image Number: LRC-1947-B701_P-51533, Date taken: January 28, 1947
