So now you're wondering...what do I do? I've sent my resume, emailed everyone, called, showed up to all my interviews and did everything I can do and still nothing. Unfortunately, you are dealing with all of this as the holiday season is quickly approaching. Not only are you dealing with the exhausting task of finding a job in a dried out, empty barrel of hopelessness filled with only McDonald's applications and work at home scams. But you now have to figure out how to stay above water and how to enter the season of giving with nothing to give.
WHAT TO DO??
First, I'm going to need you to take a deep breath. While these are normal and valid feelings, they're just not healthy. I can't have you wallowing in this despair; I need you to be positive. While you can't make the dream job that will pay you the salary you deserve appear out of thin air (and if you can please email me immediately!), you can do many things to try and keep positive and proactive in the mean time. Planning well and adjusting to the current situation while maintaining a good attitude are important steps, and taking those steps are actually fairly easy.
I have three out-of-the-box ideas that may or may not help in your situation. The important thing to focus on is coming up with new ideas and different ways to address the issue. Once you start with one or two ideas, bounce them of a bff or a creative family member to keep the ideas flowing
1. Have your resume professionally written
This is a good investment in my opinion. Having a well-written, professional resume can help you stand out in a stack of competition. A better resume can also aid towards negotiations of a better salary. A cheaper approach would be to research what professionally written resumes look like and adjust your accourdingly.
2. Create an online resume
Build a free website that focuses on your accomplishments. Write a bio about yourself and your goals, create a gallery of pictures that show you in a positive and professional light, and have your friends and ex-coworkers write testimonials or comments about your character and work ethic. You can even blog about your field of work.
3. Volunteer
There is no better way to increase your self-worth than to do good for those in need. You will be rebuilding your self-esteem as well as meeting wonderful, caring people who can be good contacts or references for you in the future.
I have had to except intro-level job offers that pay a fraction for the amount of work I was producing, but sometimes you have to make those sacrifices. Remember, you will not be in that position forever. There will be a better job down the road and it is much easier to get a better job when you already have a job.
The most important thing to remember is to set yourself up for success. Imagine where you want to be, who you want to be, and work backwards. When you have a set goal in mind, its easier to keep on the path that leads you there.
GOOD LUCK!!