Spooked by the Job Search? You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re looking for an internship or a full-time job, if you’re a little spooked by the job search…you’re definitely not alone.

In fact, we recently conducted a survey of almost 600 students and recent grads right before Halloween to find out what the scariest parts of the job search process are.

Ready to see how your fears stack up? Here’s what we uncovered.

Students are afraid of not being able to stand out during the job search

When it comes to setting themselves apart, it turns out that students are much more scared than recent grads that they’ll get lost in the crowd. In fact, 31% of students compared to 23% of recent grads say they’re scared they won’t be able to make themselves stand out during the application process.

Does this sound like you? Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to get noticed, including creating a personal brand that will help you stand out to employers.

Students and recent grads are worried that they won’t land a job, not that they won’t like it

While many students and recent grads are worried that they’re not qualified to get a job, few are worried that they’ll hate the job they get. In fact, only 13% of students and 10% of recent grads said they considered the possibility that their dream job might turn into a nightmare.

If you’re among those who are afraid that your new job won’t be a fit, don’t worry. Even if your new job or internship isn’t the best, there’s a lot you can do to address the situation and come out on top.

Both students and recent grads are afraid of in-person interviews

The biggest fear of all? You guessed it — interviews! Nearly 60% of students and recent grads are afraid of interviewing, especially when those interviews in person rather than over the phone or video. And while nerves are a pretty common part of the interview process, there’s a lot you can do to make sure that you’re prepared and ready to face whatever question the hiring manager might throw your way.

Pro tip: Practice makes perfect. Check out some of our videos on how to nail the most common interview questions like “Tell me about yourself” and “Why did you choose to attend this university or college?,” and spend some time rehearsing your answers in front of the mirror or with a friend.

So whether you’re scared of interviewing, having your application get lost in the pile or disliking your new job, you’re not alone. The good news is that by knowing what to expect — and how to tackle the job hunt — you can put those fears to rest and land a job that’s right for you.

So remember to have a happy Halloween and not to let the job search spook you!