I saw a lot of our fresh graduates trying every means possible using LinkedIn to attract recruiters in order to land a job. Some of them are very positive and hopeful. Some of them behave like they are almost begging in their posting. Some of them look like they have almost given up while some of them have already given up.
I understand the struggles. Yes, I do. I was in that situation back in 2003. I was unemployed for almost seven months after graduation. Yes, there were times that I feel useless. There were times I felt I was nothing more but a disappointment to my parents. There were times that I questioned the purpose of me attending college if I can’t even land a job that is suitable to my qualification.
My first mistake? I did not apply for any job before graduation, the reason being is because I don’t have a CV at that time. Huh, what a joke. If you’re curious, I sent over 600 job applications, landed 12 interview session call ups and two job offers. The numbers are staggering but I did secure my first job at CNC Design on 1st April 2004.
My advice to all fresh graduates, please send at least 1000 job applications before you decide to give up on job hunting. With the right strategy, I am confident that you will land your first job before hitting the 1000th CV submission. With this approach, you will have a great chance to reduce your unemployment period after graduation. After all the hard work, efforts and prayers, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Trust me, don’t make the same mistake I made. Take my experience as an example to all job seekers out there, especially the undergraduates. Learn from it.
