A little over a month ago, I decided to take a huge risk. I’ve always been a firm believer that if you do not take chances and chase your own happiness, there is a possibility that you will live a life full of regrets. That risk I took led me to Lexcode Philippines, an ISO-certified company that offers translation, copyediting, and desktop publishing services, among others.
Even with years of experience to back me up, the fact remains that I was once a fresh graduate. I also struggled with interview jitters and had a hard time polishing my CV. But over the years, I’ve come to face my fears boldly and worked on building my self-confidence.
This year, we welcome again a new batch of fresh graduates who will face their fear of interviews and eventually get caught in a rat race where they are most likely to compete with experienced people in their respective fields. Another fear is that they might not meet the performance standards and behavioral codes set by companies. Worse, they might end up jobless for a very long time.
Some say that FEAR stands for “False Events/Evidence Appearing Real.” It is not necessarily a reflection of who you are. Fear is a normal emotion, so being afraid does not equate to weakness.
One way to overcome fear is to write down the things you are scared of and what you are doing to eliminate them. Take action and make a plan so you are sure to succeed.
For those who fear job interviews, practice is key. You can strike a good conversation with an interviewer when you are well prepared and have done your homework. A good night’s rest before an interview is helpful. Arriving early and dressing up appropriately are also plus factors.
Skills are also very much sought after, and companies seek for the best and the brightest. The good news is that there are still companies out there who are in search of fresh graduates and are willing to teach you everything you will need to know about the trade.
Proving yourself to be a potential asset to a company can also be considered an edge. Convince your interviewer that you possess capabilities that you can further improve despite not having any work experience. Think of ways that will make you stand out among your peers.
Moreover, energy and creativity are two things that your would-be employers would look for. Let them know how you see things in your own perspective. Most of all, show them that you are willing to be trained and molded to meet their expectations and be a part of a team that could help them grow.
Your career choice depends on how you will perceive happiness on the job, the rewards you will reap, and how your choice will lead you to success. Most job seekers grab the first one available or the one that matches their course. But ask yourself first, and do it for a hundred times if necessary, before making a decision that you might regret later on.
Furthermore, your drive to succeed must be strong enough to survive the long and tedious process of job searching. Do not let anyone or anything crush your confidence. There is always a risk in trying yet you have nothing to lose. It is in trying that most tasks are accomplished and most duties are performed well.
As the newest member of the Lexcode family, as part of a team that offers copy editing services, I am proud to be one of those fortunate ones to have kept a straight career path. My journey all these years was not easy, but I was able to gain valuable knowledge and experiences along the way. Even after everything I’ve been through, I am still open to learning new things, meeting new people, and discovering what else I have to offer.
