There are so many graduates who are applying for jobs and hearing nothing back and there are many who are hearing NO over and over again. Many of the young that I have been chatting to are feeling disheartened , frustrated and extremely concerned.

I love walking and talking. I find this the most valuable way of really discussing difficult things, but I also find that walking outside triggers inspiration. If I could, I would be walking alongside these graduates and helping in any way that I could and trying to offer fresh perspectives.

And here are some of the things that I would say: this process of navigating into the next stage is not necessarily a straight route, and when you look back on this time you will see the ups and the downs and be amazed.  I urge you to remain calm.  And most importantly, do NOT take the no’s as a personal rejection.  They are not.  But they are an opportunity to refine, reroute, reconsider and redirect yourself.  

Keep trying, keep connecting and keep open to ideas.  Would studying an online course relevant to your degree, but an added bonus, be helpful? Are there influencers in your field that you can follow and learn from – and thus continuing to increase your expertise? Are there possibilities of you doing any other work whilst you are applying for jobs?

Furthermore, you might need to have a fresh look at your CV.  Does your covering letter really connect you with the organisation  that you are applying to?  Have you followed up with that company, ensuring that they have received your application?  Have you sent your application to the decision makers within the organisation? And how is your current ‘network’ – who else can you connect with? LinkedIn is such a useful tool to use at this stage, but approach it from your ‘professional’ self.

And, whilst you are trying to open doors for yourself, do keep trying to help your friends along their way.  Who would be a useful contact to introduce your friend to?  Helping others will make you feel happy too, and it is imperative that you remain as optimistic and hopeful as possible as this will keep you energised.

Keep focusing on your work goals, but also perhaps remain flexible as to how you accomplish them.  Also be graceful to yourself.  Encourage yourself with kindness.  Challenge the thoughts that are discouraging and belittling.   Become conscious of the stories that your are ruminating on – and take action to correct that story to something that is true and uplifting.  Surround yourself with friends who are optimistic and supportive.  

In short, I know how extremely challenging these times are and I urge you to find ways that will make this journey an enriching one whereby you are opening up doors for yourself. Please do keep reaching out for support; take great care of your health (physically and emotionally); and, be vigilant about what you are listening to and reading – choose to fill your mind with positivity fuel.  

When you receive a NO – be fired up for the NEXT ONE.  

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