Get over the fear and start to focus on the job, not yourself.
Create a résumé to showcase your skills. Pick and choose your skills, and make sure you highlight them clearly on your résumé. Maybe you excel in a specific industry, you love to travel, or you do a creative project that has an impact on the business or organization. Find a few different examples of your skills and profile. Do not just look at previous jobs or your full-time programs at school. Aim high. You’re already competing with thousands of other great candidates, so it’s important that you have a great selling point that can really stand out. Get out and network. Reach out to people who know of openings. Seek out informational interviews and connect with alumni networks. If you have an idea, try to network with someone in the field you are interested in. Think of potential employers as a combination of the classic and the trendy. Many people are being bitten by the viral/social media bug, but you need to be prepared to network in the traditional ways as well. Don’t write about what you do on your résumé or cover letter. Look for a nice balance, so one part of your career highlight or a specific area that you highlight clearly. Also avoid an industry jargon that is difficult to understand, doesn’t reflect who you are, or is not realistic to the role. Find your spark. Remember, don’t focus on how you failed to get your dream job, but what you did succeed with. Passion for a career is going to be most valued, so allow that to shine. Remember, if you’re not failing, don’t risk doing something that won’t work. Going to a networking event or meetup is a good idea. These are opportunities to network with people who might know someone who knows someone, who might know someone who has a job.
While you may be worried that the job search is not going well, don’t let that discourage you from trying. It’s not going to happen overnight, but don’t let this discouragement get in the way of getting your foot in the door!
P.S. It’s a shame that you have to become discouraged at the end of all this. There’s something that happens to you when you get to the point of needing a job. I find that when that happens to you, your newfound confidence comes through even more. You can use it to your advantage by becoming your own cheerleader!