Best answers to 'How's your job hunt going?' question

Going on a job hunt is stressful enough for any fresh graduate without the incessant interrogation by friends and family members, however well-meant it might be. Being fresh out of academia, you might be feeling uncertain about your career prospects and nervous about entering the workforce for the first time.

However well you did in your studies, unless you majored in a specialised field with highly sought-after skills and expertise, you'll be competing with hundreds of similarly competent candidates vying for the same position. It's hard to get a good job in our current economy. It's not a reflection of your abilities, it's just reality.

Don't beat yourself up if you're having a hard time with your job hunt. What matters is that you stay diligent and keep at it. Easier said than done, but maintaining a hopeful outlook will enable you to stay focused rather than feeling sorry for yourself. In this respect, how do you handle the persistent ‘How's the job hunt going?' question without letting it get you down?

Here are four constructive ways to handle the somewhat awkward question:

1. Don't get defensive
   
   If you've not been making much headway in your job hunt, you might be embarrassed to say so. Don't be. Bear in mind that the other person is most likely asking out of concern rather than any ill intentions. Just answer in a neutral manner that you're exploring different possibilities and taking time to apply for the right positions (which is the right approach anyway).

Getting defensive would reflect negatively on you and indicate a low self-esteem. On the contrary, answering in a calm and matter-of-fact manner assures the other person that you know what you're doing.

1. Take it as an opportunity to ask for help
   
   Apply step #1 and ask the person if they know anyone working in the industry or profession you're looking to get into. If they do, ask whether they can introduce you to that person for a chat (whether in person or via email) so you can build your professional network and get the word out that you're looking for a job.

Ask if the other person will mind you following up with them about this in a week, just so they have a heads up that you'll be in touch. Tact makes a world of difference when you're asking for a favour.

1. Be honest but don't turn it into a sob story
   
   Don't hide the truth, but don't take advantage of the other person's concern by turning your answer into a sob story. That makes you seem needy and whiny, which isn't an attractive quality. Having difficulty finding a job is tough, but it's hardly the end of the world. There's always something you can do to improve your job search approach. Don't play the victim, but take control of the situation instead.

2. Ask the right people for advice based on their professional expertise
   
   Make the most of the situation. If the person who's asking is someone working in HR, ask him or her if they would mind taking a look at your resume and application letters and giving you feedback and advice on how you can improve.

If he or she is working in a related industry or field to yours, ask them what they look for in new recruits. Take the opportunity to gather intel to help you in your job hunt. On the other hand, if that person is working in Marketing or Communications and you're not a confident writer, ask them to review your resume and application letter and ask them for suggestions to improve your writing.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It's how you'll learn and grow, especially as a fresh graduate. You'll need all the advice and guidance you can get. It gets a bit tiring having to answer the same question time and again, but take it as an opportunity to learn from those who are more experienced in job hunting and recruiting. You might even end up with a job recommendation as a result of these interactions.

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