A survival guide to your spookiest career challenges

There’s a reason horror movie characters never go into the basement alone. Facing something scary is much easier with a plan and some backup, and the same goes for your career. 

If job applications or interviews feel a little daunting, you’re in good company. This post covers practical ways to build your confidence, plus the resources and support available to help you along the way. 

Unmask what’s really scaring you 

It’s hard to tackle a fear you haven’t named. Start by writing down the parts of the career process you’d like to feel more confident about, such as networking or choosing a career direction. 

Once they’re on paper, they often look less like a looming monster and more like a to-do list. From there, you can plan small actions to tackle each one. 

Swap the crystal ball for some self-reflection 

If thinking about your future feels like peering into the unknown, start with what you’ve already achieved. Grab a notebook and list the things you’re proud of, such as a strong assignment result or a skill you’ve picked up at work. 

Think about what these achievements say about your strengths and values. Then write down what you’d like to explore or work towards next and identify a small step you can take now.  

Keep your resume out of the crypt 

Finding a great role the day applications close is much less stressful when your resume is ready to go. Keeping an up-to-date draft means you’ll only need to tailor it when an opportunity comes up. 

The UTS Careers – Resume and Cover Letter Guide includes a resume builder and sample resume to help you get started. Once you have a draft, upload it to Rate My Resume for instant feedback and set a reminder to update it every 6 to 12 months. 

Keep interview nerves from creeping up on you 

Interviews are one of the most common career fears, especially if you’re not sure what you’ll be asked. Just like rehearsing your costume before a Halloween party, practising in a relaxed setting can make the real thing feel far more manageable. 

Ask a friend to quiz you with common interview questions so you can practise your answers out loud. The UTS Careers – Interview Guide explains the STAR technique, which gives your answers a clear structure, and covers what to expect on the day. Before your interview, research the organisation’s values and goals, and reread your resume so you can speak confidently about each example. 

Don’t let rejection haunt you 

Rejection can be disappointing, especially when you’ve put time and effort into an application or interview. Give yourself time to reset, then reflect on what you could adjust for next time. Where appropriate, you could also ask the employer for feedback or talk through your approach with someone you trust. 

Make sure your online presence isn’t spooky 

Employers and new connections may look you up online, so take a few minutes to review your digital footprint. Check the privacy settings on your social media accounts and build out your LinkedIn profile. The UTS Careers – LinkedIn Guide walks you through optimising your profile and growing your connections. 

You don’t have to face it alone 

If a career fear is still lurking, our Peer Career Advisors are here to help. Visit us for a free 15-minute express appointment to talk through your next steps, or explore the full range of career resources on UTS CareerHub. 

Featured image courtesy of Unsplash