(I do take into account that I am probably a fortunate one who has part-time employment – however insecure – to keep me going in the meantime.) …is that you will be awake some nights asking yourself many questions and grumbling over the situation. Including:
- “Jobseeker” is a very expensive occupation.
- It’s full time, no pay, and no travel expenses covered.
- Through this experience, I am good with words, pay attention to detail, and have no trouble speaking even when interrogated by panels of more than three people. (I’ve also begun being able to sense when interviewers themselves are nervous.)
- Should I be sending thank-you letters after interviews? (This is a genuine question. Answers are welcome.)
- If I should, then that is another point of imbalance in the power between interviewer and interviewee, so it would be nice if they stopped insisting that an interview is an equal two-way street.
- Especially since it is actually just a highly unnatural situation where being boastful is your best bet.
- I wish I was more boastful by nature.
- Because I strongly suspect that my attempts at modesty often get interpreted as insecurity and/or lack of confidence.
- Although I will stick to my old theory that the job-seeking process, with the goal of getting oneself hired, is as efficient as an average panda pregnancy to the birth of a new panda cub.
- It doesn’t help itself.
- It actively kills your confidence, but you are meant to uphold it no matter what.
- And you know what? I am good at what I do (including but not limited to project management, digital communications, writing and editing, making graphics, interpersonal communications, etc.) in a professional capacity.
- I am good at maintaining contacts both from my own and other cultures, and I could organise you into the next decade.
- But even so.
- Should I be considering the possibility of nobody ever hiring me? Is it time to make more contingency plans?
The Real World for Young People 