A Response to J.'s Comment

Dear J.,

That's definitely a rough boat to be in.  Like I said in a previous post, rejection is difficult to deal with.  There are multiple factors involved in not being selected to fill a job position though.  It may just be that the economy is creating an extremely intense level of competition for jobs, simply because companies can't afford to hire as many people as before.  It could also be that you need to brush up on some interviewing skills and strategies with our professional staff members here at the Career Services Center.  However, from your comment, it seems that you prepared yourself very well for the last interview you had.

All I can say is to not be discouraged.  I know it stinks, but letting it affect you intensely may also come across in your demeanor with the next interview you land.  It sounds like you're trying your best though, and that's great- keep it up!  Lastly, as soon as you have enrolled at USF, come by our office.  We're moving to the 5th floor of the University Center (the UC) after May 17th.  We have drop-in hours everyday, where you can come without an appointment during the allotted time of the day (usually between 11am to 2pm) and talk to a career counselor about the job rut you're in.  We look forward to seeing you!

Take care,
Career Planning Peers

J. said: 


I feel like T______T about this summer.

I applied to over 70 paid and unpaid summer internships and jobs ever since December 2009 and received either rejection letter or no replies at all. It's all disappointing because in the past, I usually received a couple of interviews and managed to get a job during school years and summers.

Then a top company, whose products I always admired since childhood, offered me an exclusive interview. AND the position was paid, which would greatly help me pay off some of my college tuition, since my family's economically burdened. But what I cared most was gaining new skills and insight about one of my favorite industries -- and possibly have a future job there. I had the experience and requirements of this position, so I felt extremely determined about getting this.

I spent 3 days researching this company -- their promotions, background, products, tasks of the department I applied for ... everything. I also studied what to say/not to say during an interview and rehearsed my answers a few times.

At the end, I tried my best ... but I guess my best wasn't good enough. Last week, I received information that I wasn't picked. Being overly sensitive, I agonized for days. "Was it because a student from a better, more famous and prestigious university got the job?" "Did my answer stray off from what they asked?" "Maybe it's also because I don't have the major that's related to their department, even though I stated my interest and related job skills..." All my flaws and mistakes I believed I made still haunts me.

I pretty much gave up, but I'll still apply for more jobs. I might have to fork over some cash for summer classes this year, since my current college won't offer them. I'm transferring to USF this fall, but since I'm not an official student yet, I won't get financial aid for this summer. T______T