Staying motivated?

Question

It's now been nearly a year since I've been actively searching for a job. Four interviews later and still nothing. Heck I had an interview TODAY and received the rejection email just a few minutes ago.

I'm getting frustrated. I have a flipping degree and that's what is supposed to be my key to success. Yeah, right. No experience but a degree = bad news.

I'm not even being picky--it's not like I'm expecting to make a certain amount of money. It's not like I'm just sending my resumes to jobs that sound fun. I've had my resume and cover letter critiqued by professionals so many times.

I don't know how to stay motivated anymore. It's like I walk into an interview knowing that I won't get it.I want my youthful spirit back.

I'm just to the end of my ropes right now. I even tried a temp agency and WAS TURNED AWAY. They told me that I could use my degree in better ways.

I don't know how I'm going to face my husband tonight and tell him that I didn't get the job.

And it's not like I BARELY managed my degree. I graduated c.um laude with distrinction in 3 years. I had a freaking kid and still graduated c.um laude.

Answer 1

Sorry to hear the bad news. I know that you are frustrated now. I told you before - Try again! You need to learn that you have to get up after you fell. Life is a struggle - You have to try
again persistently. Keep cool, and never give up! From what I see the things that you wrote in the Yahoo Answers - you definitely not stupid! If you had a kid and still graduated with c um laude, you will get a job! May be you should examine what you said in the interview, what is the response from the interviewer. Even a little expression on his face can tell you what you have said wrong. Try to recall in detail. Use this failure experience as a lesson. Are you living in a small town? Does this town has many job openings. What job market/industry are you applying for? Is that job market you are applying in depression, or in low demand? You should carefully examine (all elements) as to what you are doing.Think what may be the problem before jumping around without even knowing your weakness.
As far as how to say to your husband that you did not get this job - Just tell him calmly what happened. No need to be upset, or depressed. If your husband is a reasonable man, he should understand you. In fact, you are trying very hard. He should be on your side, comfort you. All of the family members have to support each other during bad times. This has nothing with your youthful spirit. Even you are old, you still can stand up firmly and fight. After all, what you are doing is for the good of your entire family. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I know exactly what you mean. When I graduated last year I also had NO experience. I grew up in a small town and my university was in a small town (1 hour away). So if you wanted experience the best time was to do it in the summer, and you had to MOVE or TRAVEL, and the nearest big city that had it was for me was 1hr, 30minutes or 2 hours away. I coudlnt do that with no gas, no money, and nowhere to stay. I also applied for jobs after college, like anywhere, career jobs and just simple put-money-in-my-pocket-for-now type jobs (mall jobs, retail, etc). Yes its hard but keep trying. I am an intern and I am going onto my second year... you should try starting off like that. Many people that don't already have experience become TEMPS, INTERNS, or search for ENTRY-LEVEL jobs, they look for people who have just gotten right out of college. I found a few myself but they never followed-up, and I was being VERY persistent. But you should definitely try that. And search for jobs on careerbuilder, too. And look in newspapers. Try more agency jobs (many are contract jobs). What is your degree in?

Answer 3

I'm sorry to hear you have had minimal luck with your hunt. I know how you feel though. I have been looking for a new job as well and have had 3 interviews and still nothing. The difference is I have no degree, but I do have experience. Honestly, your situation is what I worry about when considering finishing school. It seems like it doesn't always matter what you have done, but where the luck falls.

My suggestion would be to hire a recruiter. I don't know much about this process but I know of someone who used one and found a job. But I am also anxious to read what other answers you get. I know how frustrating it can be, and it is hard to keep your chin up when rejection seems to be the norm. But I wish you luck with your search and don't give up!

Answer 4

You attitude is probably coming accross in the interview. If you really want to improve, call and talk to the places that rejected you and ask what you could do better. Was it your lack of experience or something else that kept you from getting the job? Try another temp agency. They should be glad to get a person with a degree who is willing to start out at the bottom to get experience.

Answer 5

Tips on nailing the interview:
1) Know yourself
2) Know the company
3) Dress appropriately/grooming
4) Portfolio of previous work (this can include classroom work)
5) Be prepared to ask questions when they say "Do you have any questions for us?"

Tips for staying motivated:
1) Know that you are doing your best
2) Analyze what you think you did wrong (i.e. did you go in there with a negative attitude, did you stumble on explainations, etc.)
3) Rehearse with your husband a mock interview (see source for interview questions)
4) Keep a positive outlook--things happen for a reason
5) Know your goals, write them down and hang/display them where you can see them daily--it builds confidence

Best of luck on your job search. I too recently graduated from college and hated the job interviews!

Answer 6

I'm not sure if you're into this kind of thing or even interested, but have you ever heard of the British hypnotist named Glenn Harrold? I collect his hypnotherapy CDs for many different types of problems in my life & I can definitely say that they have all done wonders for me after repetitive listening & practising of affirmations. There are two titles within his collection called "Ultimate Guide to Building Your Motivation" and "Raise Your Energy and Motivation." A third CD is called "Ultimate Guide to Manifesting Your Goals and Dreams." Maybe they will help to raise your motivation & improve your chances of getting a job since many people struggle to get jobs & struggle even harder if they don't even believe in themselves. I was turned down MANY times before I finally found my perfect job. Sooner or later, you are BOUND to find something.

Good luck & I hope my advice helps.

Answer 7

Because you go in with a bad attitude you are sending negative results. Try Robert Half INternational or Staffing Now and Hasting and Hastings they are pretty prestigious companies and have alot of clients.

Answer 8

nobody graduated c.um laude;you may be the only one and thus unique.
youre so smart,ms.valedictorian,what made you believe that you can paste you degree on your forehead,walk into hr anywhere and they will put you under contract rith then?

Answer 9

Maybe you're over qualified for some of the jobs (temp agencies) you applied for... that can also prevent you from getting a job.

Answer 10

I'm not 100% sure what the question was there but if it was about being motivated perhaps you could do a masters to get you motivated again