After graduating, I thought I was entering my “corporate slave” era, but instead, life has turned me into its own kind of slave. We’ve all encountered this scenario: an entry-level job ad excites new grads, only for their enthusiasm to fade when they see the requirement of “1 to 2 years of relevant experience.” It’s frustrating because it seems unrealistic for recent graduates to have that level of experience.

It feels like I’m stuck in a never-ending loop, as if I’m still sitting at a restaurant, waiting for a change that never seems to come. It’s a constant struggle to move forward when it feels like I’m going nowhere. And the hard truth is: you will fail, be rejected, and face disappointments. I always have to remind myself, “Fake it till you make it”.

Figure out what you want to do (at least for now)

After graduating in June, I explored different options like traveling and learning a new language. My mom wants me to study nursing, and while I’ve considered it, medicine just isn’t my thing. It would be a tough path, especially since my first degree doesn’t line up. Even though my mom is willing to cover my tuition, I’d rather focus on getting a job, saving up, and pursuing nursing later on my own terms.

Writing has always been my niche. It’s how I express myself through fashion, lifestyle, and social issues. I’ve had my share of struggles, they’ve only strengthened my determination to keep going. Each challenge fuels my drive to turn my passion into reality—becoming a writer in a publishing company.

Internships and certificates

Do employers prefer fresh graduates who have interned at well-known companies? As someone who didn’t actively participate in college organizations and other extracurricular activities, I don’t have a lot of experience to include in my resume. While the job hunt isn’t easy, I realized I should’ve applied early for more internships and honed my skills for my work experience. Now what?

The job market is increasingly competitive. I searched for jobs and applied for multiple positions from in the hopes of finding openings from magazines or media for a writer. I applied for internships, and also took up online courses with certifications too.

Build a strong CV

I revised my resume over and over. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for a strong CV and successful job interviews. You need to ensure your experience matches the roles you’re applying for.

I’m not an expert in HR, so I’m not sure what specific certifications or licenses you might need, but it’s best to have those prepared in advance. Also, internships often have more impact than online courses because they provide real work experience.

Endless Chase

I applied to hundreds of jobs, including the ones where I don’t even meet the qualifications. If you got called for an interview and failed, you still gained valuable experience. My past interviews helped me a lot because I’ve encountered the same questions repeatedly, so I can now handle them better. Just stay genuine and reflect on the questions you find challenging.

Connect with people

Building connections in your target industry can boost your career. Ask friends or family to introduce you to people in the field, or reach out to professionals directly for a coffee chat. These informational interviews are a great way to learn more about the industry and create valuable networking opportunities.

Ask for feedback

If you’re getting interviews but not job offers, consider asking hiring managers for feedback on your application. After they notify you of their decision, send a polite email requesting honest feedback. If they respond, use their insights to improve your resume or interviewing skills.

Get additional skills

Gaining new experience shows employers you’re dedicated to personal growth. Regardless of how you choose to develop new skills, it indicates you’re aware of where you can improve and are proactive about it. It also reflects your commitment to your chosen field or industry.

Update your portfolio

Organize your portfolio by using tags or categories to group your work by topic or skill, and keep the design clean and consistent. Make sure it’s easy to navigate and looks professional.

Don’t forget to update it regularly! Add your latest projects, remove old stuff, and check for any errors or broken links. Keep it fresh and make sure it shows off your current skills and goals.

Manifesting “Congratulations, you’re hired, approved, accepted!”