Student Spotlight: Sherry Yuan -- How to Navigate the Job Hunt

"To hustle, and to be hustled"

My experience with a recruiter, and how networking has taken on a different meaning

How to navigate and stay sane during the job hunt

Having just freshly graduated with a boat-load of optimism and zero experience with Excel, the job search has been a test of a lot of things. It takes strength to believe that you’d be an excellent candidate for positions that seem out of your league, and endurance to keep sending your resume into the black abyss; to spin everything into a positive when the answer is no; to not be discouraged when people make false promises or when something falls through.

It's been over two months, and truth be told, I haven't been entirely strategic in the job hunt. At the same time, I’ve had an incredibly strong support system—namely, my older sister who has significantly changed my understanding of what networking actually means. Now before you become annoyed and stop reading because you've heard this word since you were three, let me explain further. Especially if you’re someone who scrunches up their face anytime you come across anything that has to do with “networking.” Human interaction? No thanks.

More than that, I had resented the idea of “networking” because it implied that I needed others for help; and even worse, that I had to ask others for help.

I feared this, immensely. I didn't want to owe anyone any favors. Not only that, I told myself, “no one owes you anything.” All of this only prevented me from reaching out to both strangers and people that I knew. The period of inaction was the worst for me. Thankfully, it was again my sister who was there to give me a major reality check.

1. Yes, people are busy. So be clear about what you’re asking.

 If you’re emailing a previous company you interned for or asking someone for an informational interview, make sure to be both friendly and direct. Wondering if a place is hiring? Don’t be afraid to ask in the subject line of your email. It might seem like common sense, I was afraid to come off as too demanding.  However, if someone is reading through hundreds of emails a day, you want to make sure yours is short, concise, and thankful.

Email tips:

 i. Make sure your subject line is clear

ii. Try to end emails with a question; you’re more likely to get a response this way.

iii. Emails are like poems and/or sandwiches; there’s a beginning, a middle, and a closing.

2. Take some time to do research

I know, any time not barreling through job sites or chucking resumes feels like time wasted. However, it actually might be better for your sanity if you read up a little about human resources or hospitality. That way, when you tailor your resume and cover letter (yes, do this!) you might understand better why you a.) want the job, b.) why you’d be a good fit for it. Research might even lead you to people you’d want to contact.

3. Taking action is more important than trying to keep all of your options open

Don’t know what you want to do or where you want to go? Have many interests? Welcome to the club, my friend! Not knowing is okay, but you‘ll also never know if you never try. So instead of spending time debating whether you want to pursue law or hospitality, apply to positions in both fields.

4. Don’t let the fear of making a mistake or misstep prevent you from going forth.

Let’s admit it, we’re only beginning chess players. Yes, we’ve made it this far, but we’ve barely dipped our toes. Calculating possible outcomes is not your best mode of action right now. Move a pawn, and then another, and then another. Realize that mistakes will help you learn.

5. Embrace the uncertainty! Stay calm, healthy, and happy.

We’re in a tough transitional period. While it’s important to keep knocking on doors, it’s equally important to relax in the knowledge that you’ll be fine. Learning how to take care of yourself and how to make good decision is number one. Do things that you’ll be proud of yourself for, whether that means going to the gym or writing in your journal. Don’t let anyone bring you down! Especially not yourself.

- Sherry Yuan, Class of 2015