Job Search for newcomers 101: How to deal with frustration

I came across something very interesting today at my Bridging Program at Acces Employment.

I had already experienced that, but I couldn't name exactly what I had been feeling, until someone named it.

Probably most newcomers struggling to get their first job in Toronto go through the same cycle, for the same reasons.

It's been a few weeks since you've taken up this new role of full-time job hunting. You start out really motivated, after all, you really want to land that first job, right?

So you start applying and NOTHING. Complete silence. For days on end. You feel like you are sending resumes into the outer space or something.

OR you get an interview. First, phone screening. Then, if all goes well a conversation in person with HR. Okay, you made it to the next level. Interview with the hiring manager. BAM! This goes on for approximately three weeks, and... you don't get the job. You can't understand, you were absolutely perfect for that position. You wonder what went wrong, you really had your hopes up...

You start to feel it. That sense of hopelessness. It takes you a few days to get back out there and start playing the field once again...

Then, the same thing happens. AGAIN.

You see the pattern there? That's why I thought it was like an epiphany when someone gave a name to what I had been experiencing. JOB GRIEF.

These are the common steps people go through when they lose a loved one. Can you see the similarities? People who are dealing with grief and job loss/hunt can experience these same things, not necessarily in that order.

1. Denial and isolation

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

4. Depression

5. Acceptance

So, how do you avoid getting onto that crazy train every time something doesn't go as planned?

Here are some things that you can do to keep your motivation up:

1. Establish goals for yourself: how many positions do you want to apply for daily/weekly? Consider quality over quantity

2. Establish a routine: what works better for you, mornings? afternoons? Choose one period of the day to focus on applying for positions, or set a time slot to be doing that

3. Do not torture yourself: go out with friends, exercise, take your dog for a walk, watch movies... you can't think about being out of a job 24/7, give yourself a break.

4. Always have something in line, do not stop applying even if you feel very hopeful about your last interview. If you have other things to look forward to, you're less likely to become frustrated if your latest attempt fails

5. Most of the jobs available are only accessible in the "hidden job market", and are filled through Networking. That means you should take as many opportunities as you can to just get out of the house and meet people. Invite someone who can give you insights into the industry for a quick coffee, go to events in your field, take the time to go to a job fair, do volunteer work, find a mentor. To sum it up: MOVE IT!

And, finally, believe in yourself! You knew what you were getting into when you decided to become an immigrant. Starting over is hard, but rewarding. You made it all the way to Canada, that shows persistence and resilience.

YOU CAN DO THIS, good things come to those that don't sit around waiting, make things happen!

Good luck on your job search!

#newcomers #immigration #jobhunting