Searching for a job can often feel like a full-time job itself, and my two-year journey was no exception. After graduating from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Computer Science, I found myself staring at a competitive job market that required more than just academic credentials. It was a period of uncertainty, frustration, and relentless effort—but it was also one of the most transformative phases of my life. Here’s what I learned during those two years of job searching.
1. Resilience Is a Skill You Build
Rejection is inevitable in any job search, but hearing "no" repeatedly can take a toll on your confidence. Early in my search, I took rejections personally, but over time, I learned to see them as part of the process. Each "no" became an opportunity to reflect, adapt, and improve. I realized that resilience isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you develop by facing challenges head-on and refusing to give up.
2. Your Skills Are Your Best Investment
The tech industry moves fast, and staying competitive means continuously leveling up. During my job search, I invested heavily in myself. I mastered TypeScript, Java, and AWS, spending hours every day solving coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode and HackerRank. I also worked on personal projects, such as Moophoria, to demonstrate my ability to build and ship real-world applications. These efforts not only improved my technical skills but also gave me tangible work to showcase to recruiters.
3. Networking Is Non-Negotiable
One of my biggest early mistakes was focusing solely on online applications. I quickly realized that networking is often the key to landing interviews. I started attending meetups, engaging on LinkedIn, and reaching out to alumni from my university. These conversations didn’t just lead to job opportunities—they also gave me valuable insights into the industry and helped me stay motivated.
4. Tailor, Tailor, Tailor
One-size-fits-all resumes don’t work. I learned to tailor my resume and cover letter for each job application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. Customizing my application materials took more time, but it drastically increased the number of interview requests I received.
5. Practice Makes Prepared
Technical interviews can be intimidating, but preparation is the antidote to fear. I treated every interview as a learning experience, even when I didn’t get the job. Over time, I refined my problem-solving approach, learned to communicate my thought process effectively, and became comfortable with behavioral questions. By the time I landed my first role, I was far more confident in my ability to perform under pressure.
6. Your Mental Health Matters
Job searching can feel isolating and overwhelming, especially when progress is slow. I learned to prioritize my mental health by taking breaks, staying physically active, and celebrating small wins along the way. Reaching out to friends and mentors for support also helped me stay grounded and motivated.
7. Rejection Is Redirection
Looking back, some of the jobs I didn’t get weren’t the right fit for me anyway. Every rejection led me closer to the opportunities that aligned with my goals and values. This perspective shift helped me stay optimistic and focus on the bigger picture.
Conclusion
Those two years of job searching weren’t easy, but they were worth it. The lessons I learned about resilience, self-improvement, and perseverance continue to shape my approach to challenges today. If you’re in the midst of your own job search, remember: every step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep going. Your opportunity is out there.
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