Lately, I’ve found myself mindlessly applying to roles. I thought the more I applied, the more chances and interviews I’d get. But somewhere along the way, I lost optimism, I lost belief in myself, and I lost focus. I went from targeting positions in industries I genuinely wanted to work in to casting a wider net — applying to anything I thought I might be qualified for.
At times, my ego got the best of me. The pressure I put on myself, along with the pressure I feel from family, friends, colleagues and past professors, became heavy. I started keeping my job hunt to myself; at least when I got let down, I could process it privately. Each time I got excited about a role, researched the company, and genuinely believed I was the best fit, I was disappointed.
I’ve gone through the normal stages of rejection — and honestly, I’m not very surprised by it anymore. I try not to let too much time pass without applying for new roles. When I don’t apply, I feel like I’m falling behind. But when is the “right” time frame after graduating to land a job? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of PR specialists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average. I’ve read countless posts on LinkedIn from people in my age group, in the same field, who are struggling to land full-time roles (or even secure interviews). I have the experience, the drive and the credentials, so why does it feel like the odds are still against us?
I’ve had great interviews, only to hear nothing back from the hiring manager. I follow up and make sure I connect with the right people in that firm or agency. I understand this industry is fast-paced and priorities shift, but basic communication matters. The lack of it is discouraging; it makes me reconsider applying to that firm altogether.
Through it all, I keep my notifications on, check my email obsessively, message weekly, refine my résumé and cover letters, and most importantly . . . reflect personally. I research the job market, trends, and industry financials to stay informed. I tell myself that persistence matters, but so do patience and self-compassion.
Remind yourself to leverage what you already have. I’ll continue my journey to find the right PR role and share my experiences and updates with you along the way.
-M
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https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm
IPRculture&gender 
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