#JobSearch #Internship #EntryLevel #CareerAdvice
🔍 Are you feeling frustrated with the entry level/intern job search process? Do you feel like it’s all a big joke and that companies aren’t really looking for qualified candidates? You’re not alone. Many young professionals and recent graduates share your sentiments. Let’s take a closer look at this issue and explore some potential solutions.
## The Frustration of Entry Level Job Searches
It’s not uncommon to feel disheartened and frustrated during the entry level/intern job search. You spend hours crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, only to receive rejection after rejection, or worse, no response at all. The process can feel disheartening and even dehumanizing at times.
### The Absurdity of Essay Requirements
One of the most frustrating aspects is the arbitrary and off-putting requirements that some companies impose during the application process. A prime example is the situation described by a frustrated job seeker who was asked to write a 500-word essay on “how my commitment to diversity makes me an ideal candidate for the position” for a corporate finance internship. It’s understandable why this request might feel absurd and irrelevant to the actual job responsibilities.
## The Impact on Entry Level Hiring
So, what’s the big deal with these seemingly nonsensical requests during the job application process? Well, it has a significant impact on the quality of entry level hires and the overall job market.
### Dilution of Talent Pool
When companies impose arbitrary requirements or prioritize “professional bs’ers” over qualified candidates, it ultimately dilutes the talent pool. This means that truly qualified and passionate individuals may be passed over in favor of those who can play the application game better.
### Misalignment of Skills and Job Requirements
Furthermore, this approach creates a misalignment between the skills and qualifications of the candidates and the actual job requirements. This can lead to hiring individuals who are not fully equipped to excel in their roles, resulting in challenges for both the employee and the employer.
## Navigating the Entry Level Job Search Maze
While these frustrations are valid and understandable, there are ways to navigate the entry level job search maze and increase your chances of securing a role that aligns with your skills and aspirations.
### Networking as a Game Changer
One of the most effective ways to overcome the obstacles of the traditional job search process is through networking. Building meaningful connections within your industry and leveraging these relationships can open doors that may not be accessible through standard application processes.
### Showcasing Your Value
Instead of getting discouraged by the requests for arbitrary essays or other non-traditional application requirements, use this as an opportunity to showcase your value. If a company asks for a 500-word essay, use it as a platform to highlight your unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that set you apart from other candidates.
### Focus on Companies with Authentic Hiring Practices
Lastly, consider focusing your efforts on companies that have authentic and meaningful hiring practices. Look for organizations that prioritize actual skills and qualifications over arbitrary requests or resume tricks. Research company cultures and values to find those that align with your own.
## Conclusion: Navigating the Entry Level Job Search with Confidence
The entry level/intern job search process can be disheartening and frustrating, but it’s important to remember that there are ways to navigate the maze with confidence. By leveraging the power of networking, showcasing your value, and focusing on companies with authentic hiring practices, you can increase your chances of finding a role that truly resonates with your skills and aspirations. Don’t let the challenges of the job search process discourage you. Stay focused, stay persistent, and stay true to your unique value as a candidate.
Weeds out people like you that put minimal effort. They want those select few always. Just put the ego aside and start cookin
Edit: I agree with OP tho
Just use chatgpt
Yikes. Your take on diversity = unqualified professional BSer. Sounds like you’re the joke.
FYI diversity doesn’t always have to mean race. There’s diversity of thought, age, experience, background, etc.
You need to be able to show you can talk intelligently about random stuff. Bsing is a valuable soft skill
I’m so glad I never had to do that. Had enough of the crap in university.
I mean is an internship all of you are currently on undergrad or you all finish it recently with none to minimal experience so is hard to value everyone of your as candidate outside of soft skills / personal skills.
Its not like you’re applying for senior positions with lot of experience where they can value your previous experience, knowledge in the field, etc.
You all know very little so makes sense to select about people with is smart but also passionate about finance, which wants to learn a lot, to have a strong soft skills (hard skills in general are easier to work in the long run), and values to be aligned with the company and their clients.
If you think “professional bs’er” isn’t a great qualification for an IB or corporate banking job, I’m not sure you really understand what the job entails.
Tell them you’re really committed to diversifying asset classes.
For a Jefferies application I have to answer “how I’ve fostered inclusion within my environment”