{"id":3921,"date":"2021-05-10T09:07:50","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T09:07:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keblog.demoapp.xyz\/?p=3921"},"modified":"2022-11-15T11:37:11","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T04:37:11","slug":"a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties","title":{"rendered":"A First-Time Jobseeker&#8217;s Anxieties"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Putting yourself out there is never easy. At the back of our minds, we\u2019ll always be asking ourselves\u2014 <em>am I ready? Am I good enough?<\/em><\/p>\n<p>First-time job applicants, I\u2019ll let you in on a secret: It doesn\u2019t matter as much as you think it does.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_26 counter-hierarchy\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">TOPICS<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><label for=\"item\" aria-label=\"Table of Content\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#Where_It_Comes_From\" title=\"Where It Comes From\">Where It Comes From<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#A_Lack_of_Self-Awareness\" title=\"A Lack of Self-Awareness\">A Lack of Self-Awareness<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#1_Your_skills\" title=\"1. Your skills\">1. Your skills<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#2_Your_fieldspecialization\" title=\"2. Your field\/specialization\">2. Your field\/specialization<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#3_Your_values\" title=\"3. Your values\">3. Your values<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#Dispelling_Your_Fears\" title=\"Dispelling Your Fears\">Dispelling Your Fears<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#1_Im_not_qualified_for_the_role\" title=\"1. I\u2019m not qualified for the role.\">1. I\u2019m not qualified for the role.<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#2_Everyones_handling_this_much_better_than_I_am\" title=\"2. Everyone\u2019s handling this much better than I am.\">2. Everyone\u2019s handling this much better than I am.<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#3_Im_at_the_mercy_of_my_interviewer\" title=\"3. I\u2019m at the mercy of my interviewer.\">3. I\u2019m at the mercy of my interviewer.<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/a-first-time-jobseekers-anxieties\/#4_My_dream_workplace_is_highly_competitive_and_probably_doesnt_want_me\" title=\"4. My dream workplace is highly competitive and probably doesn\u2019t want me.\">4. My dream workplace is highly competitive and probably doesn\u2019t want me.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"where-it-comes-from\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_It_Comes_From\"><\/span>Where It Comes From<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The penultimate, graduating, and recently graduated students of the pandemic are mostly anxious about whether or not companies would want to hire students who spent a chunk of their college lives online. We\u2019re afraid of lacking knowledge and experience; and headhunters probably have the same concern.<\/p>\n<p>But the fear stems from other places, too\u2014 our immediate peers, what we see on social media, and the unrealistic expectations we set for ourselves. However, I\u2019ve come to learn that it all stems from the first-time job hunter\u2019s unrealized nightmare: <strong>The immensely competitive environment, and not knowing where to fit in<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-lack-of-self-awareness\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Lack_of_Self-Awareness\"><\/span>A Lack of Self-Awareness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s dissect this\u2014 what advantage does a first-time applicant have in a sea of experienced jobseekers? If you don\u2019t know, it\u2019s probably because you\u2019re unsure about your strengths and weaknesses.<\/p>\n<p>We were taught that true success meant staying humble about our strengths and just letting our work speak for itself. While I agree with the sentiment, it\u2019s this type of mindset that makes it difficult for us to talk about ourselves. We find ourselves unable to draw the line between humility and lack of self-awareness.<\/p>\n<p>Now is the best time to let go of that belief and reflect on yourself. In doing so, you may end up learning things that could give you a competitive edge. Here are some points of reflection you can start with.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-your-skills\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Your_skills\"><\/span>1. Your skills<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most people disregard their soft skills since they aren\u2019t quantifiable, but remember that assets aren\u2019t always technical. What you need to know how to do for your job will be developed as you work (unless you\u2019re in a line of work that requires hands-on training, even in university). It\u2019s good to include Photoshop and Microsoft Excel in your resum\u00e9, but it doesn\u2019t hurt to add your work style and communication use as well. Your personality\u2019s a bigger asset than you think. Understand it and use it to your advantage.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-your-fieldspecialization\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Your_fieldspecialization\"><\/span>2. Your field\/specialization<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>We usually enter specific fields thinking that it\u2019s where we\u2019ll find success, but after some time, they can definitely feel quite restricting. Don\u2019t be afraid of questions like \u201c<em>How is your major relevant to this position?<\/em>\u201d if you\u2019re applying for your dream job, but have an \u201cunrelated\u201d degree. Each program offers a unique set of skills that are adaptable to any position. For example, a diplomacy graduate could probably use their experience in trade and negotiation to strengthen their application in a business development role. It\u2019s all about reframing your background to boost what you have to offer.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-your-values\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Your_values\"><\/span>3. Your values<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Believe it or not, this is something that businesses (big or small) take into consideration. Each business has a different vision-mission statement, story, and set of goals. They want employees that align with those, and as a jobseeker, you\u2019d probably want to work somewhere that resonates with you as well. Find out what\u2019s important to you, and look for places that match up.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"dispelling-your-fears\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dispelling_Your_Fears\"><\/span>Dispelling Your Fears<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Finally, allow me to dispel some of the most common fears we have when applying for jobs.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"1-i%E2%80%99m-not-qualified-for-the-role\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Im_not_qualified_for_the_role\"><\/span>1. I\u2019m not qualified for the role.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Believe it or not, you probably are. When we worry about qualifications, we usually don\u2019t mean the minimum requirements stated in the job listing. We\u2019re worried about being <strong>relatively qualified<\/strong> compared to the people we think we\u2019re competing with. While it\u2019s true that there will always be someone who looks better on paper, different places look for different talents. Whether or not we\u2019re qualified for the role is not our decision to make, and that alone should stop us from deciding upfront which opportunities aren\u2019t for us. Let fate, destiny, and the HR Officer reviewing your application decide for you.<\/p>\n<p>If you really don\u2019t meet the technical qualifications for the job, worry not! You have time to make yourself qualified. Take an online course, a second degree, or self-learn a skill! You can even employ yourself in a role you\u2019re qualified for, in the industry that you wish to be in.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"2-everyone%E2%80%99s-handling-this-much-better-than-i-am\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Everyones_handling_this_much_better_than_I_am\"><\/span>2. Everyone\u2019s handling this much better than I am.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>I think it\u2019s safe to say that applicants don\u2019t know what they\u2019re doing. The smartest, most experienced person you can think of probably still gets nervous when they send in job applications. Some people just hide it better. Try talking to a friend about it! While they\u2019re sometimes competitors too (especially if you\u2019re both applying for the same job functions), knowing that you\u2019re not alone can give a really big confidence boost.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"3-i%E2%80%99m-at-the-mercy-of-my-interviewer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Im_at_the_mercy_of_my_interviewer\"><\/span>3. I\u2019m at the mercy of my interviewer.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The interview is usually the final stage of the job application process. The thought that this could make or break your chances of getting in causes a lot of anxiety, but remember that the interviewer\u2019s role is to get to know you. While it\u2019s good to prepare, trying too hard to impress your interviewer may prevent them from getting vital information from you; ruining your chances of getting in.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"4-my-dream-workplace-is-highly-competitive-and-probably-doesn%E2%80%99t-want-me\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_My_dream_workplace_is_highly_competitive_and_probably_doesnt_want_me\"><\/span>4. My dream workplace is highly competitive and probably doesn\u2019t want me.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot of competition when it comes to big brands, and this causes tons of pressure on applicants. While I empathize with those who dream of those brands, make sure you want to work there for the right reasons (the environment and values, not just the salary and benefits). Accept that your acceptance there is out of your control. You can do what you can to prepare, but at the end of the day, they will select applicants that resonate with their values, vision-mission, and work style.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, we don\u2019t have to trim vital parts of ourselves to fit into the mold of an ideal employee. If your values align with the company\u2019s, then hope that the interviewer sees it, too. If not, keep searching. There are opportunities everywhere. All you have to do is take them.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><em>Kalibrr is a recruitment technology company that aims to transform how candidates find jobs and how companies hire talent. Placing the candidate experience at the center of everything it does, we continue to attract the best talent from all over, with more than 4.7 million professionals and counting. Kalibrr ultimately connects these talents to companies in search of their next generation of leaders.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>The only end-to-end recruitment solutions provider in Southeast Asia, Kalibrr is headquartered in Makati, Philippines, with offices in San Francisco, California, and Jakarta, Indonesia. Established in 2012, it has served over 18,000 clients and is backed by some of the world\u2019s most powerful start-up incubators and venture capitalists. These include Y Combinator, Omidyar Network, Patamar Capital, Wavemaker Partners, and Kickstart Ventures.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>For more tips on acing job interviews, follow Kalibrr on <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Kalibrr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Facebook<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/kalibrr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Instagram<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/kalibrr-technology-ventures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>LinkedIn<\/em><\/a><em>, and <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/kalibrr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Twitter<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Putting yourself out there is never easy. At the back of our minds, we\u2019ll always be asking ourselves\u2014 am I ready? Am I good enough? First-time job applicants, I\u2019ll let you in on a secret: It doesn\u2019t matter as much as you think it does. TOPICS Where It Comes FromA Lack of Self-Awareness1. Your skills2. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":3923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18],"tags":[106],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3921"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3921"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3921\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/neo-blog.kalibrr.com\/blog\/id\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}