How To Get a Job in 365 Days

My depressing year of post-grad unemployment

“How are you feeling about your last semester?” said my classmate.

“I already want it to end,” I said.

“I’m sure you’ll regret that,” she replied.

Looking back, I did.

I walked the stage on May 5th thinking I’d have a job the next day. Completing ten interviews in April, I assumed at least one offer letter was on the way.

I sold my furniture and decided to stay with my mom for a few days while I heard back from the hiring teams. Instead, I received ten rejection emails.

Reality struck; this 1-bedroom apartment would become my new home, and my mom would be my roommate until I land a job offer.

For the past four years, I was accustomed to living on my own and the privacy that came with that. It all shattered when I built my Ikea bed in her living room. I visualized rebuilding it in my new studio apartment once I landed a new role. This did not happen until 2024.

Nothing prepared for me for post-grad unemployment, especially being a first-generation college student. My resume and interview preparation weren’t the struggle, instead it was all the unwarranted opinions from my family members.

“Wendy’s and Walmart are hiring,” they hinted.

“You should get your license to become a truck driver like your dad,” they said.

“I don’t think you’ll find a new job in less than a week,” they said

These are not things a new graduate wants to hear. All of these comments kept chipping away at my confidence. I couldn’t sleep at night because these conversations replayed in my head. The pressure was suffocating.

This definitely took a toll on my interviews, as I started coming off as desperate to escape my situation.

I wish they told me to enjoy this time instead, since I hadn’t seen them in four years. I wish they told me to go to the beach, read a book, buy a cup of coffee - to enjoy my hobbies before I work 40 hours a week for the rest of my life.

I had 50 interviews and one offer.

One company had me interview in person 500 miles away. You’d think driving there would show them my dedication and hard work - it didn’t.

Another hiring team didn’t believe my experience as a fresh college graduate. Going to the top advertising program in the country allowed me to work on campaigns and communications for global brands early on.

It wasn’t until I started living day by day, that I started making it to second and third interviews. I ignored the outside noise and focused on enjoying my accidental sabbatical while I waited for my chance.

I ate late night tacos with my mom. I hung out at cafes with my friends. I visited Mexico City with my cousins. I had loteria nights with my great aunts on Sundays. I went to Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour by myself. I tagged along on my dad’s boys’ trip to Formula One.

I was broken and was finally putting the pieces back together. I am so grateful my parents were there to support along the way.

On the 50th try, I finally landed a role. Looking back, I am so grateful this company was the one to extend the offer.

My biggest advice to new graduates would be to trust the job-hunting process and leverage your network for guidance. You never know where your next opportunity will come from. Block out the noise and keep going until you reach your goal!