Alex Aster is the managing editor of The Newsette, and as a part of our new “Ask Alex” series, she tackles some of our readers’ most pressing questions, in an effort to bring a new perspective to the table. Today, Alex answers a question about feeling “ready” to take on a dream career.
Q: Hi Alex! How should I put my best foot forward with my dream company? I’m nervous that if I see a job posting and apply before I’m 100% ready, I’ll ruin my chances with them forever. This has turned into an ongoing battle of waiting and doing, and years have gone by without feeling “ready” to apply. Are there any must-do’s to break into a big company where I have no current contacts? Thank you!
A: Jumping before we’re ready is a real, extremely common fear. Especially nowadays, when us millennials are taking huge risks, quitting jobs and setting off on new paths without the logistics to back it all up. If you would have said that you just started working, and thought you weren’t “ready,” my advice would be to wait–because you probably wouldn’t be. And though I 100% support people following their dreams, if there is really one, or a handful of companies you are dying to work for, it really is better to wait a little bit to get more experience if it’ll increase your chances exponentially.
But… you said “years have gone by,” without you feeling “ready.” So this seems less like a I’m-not-ready-but-want-that-job-now problem, and more of a “with my current mindset, I’ll never be ready” issue.
Let me tell you something–you’re probably never, ever going to feel ready. But that doesn’t mean you’re unqualified, or undeserving. It just means that taking risks is scary, and risk-aversion is our mind’s way of protecting us–of keeping us from leaving the safety of our bubble.
First of all, I think you need to pick up Jen Sincero’s You are a Badass ASAP. Here are a few great quotes from it that I really like:
“If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.”
“In order to kick ass you must first lift up your foot.”
“What you choose to focus on becomes your reality.”
All of these basically contain the same idea: If you stay in the safety of your bubble, you’ll never accomplish anything new. So, say it with me–you’re ready. You’re ready! Don’t let yourself be your own worst enemy–being your own cheerleader is so much more fun!
As for being afraid to ruin your chances with your dream company forever…unless you seriously commit a major faux pas during your interview, that won’t happen. The worst case is that they’re looking for something different at this time, and you know what? That doesn’t stop you from applying again later!
No, I take that back. Being rejected isn’t the worst case–
The worst case is waiting a few more years, derailing your dreams indefinitely out of fear.
The only thing you can do beforehand is put in the work–if this is an industry where you really need contacts to break in (which is typically not the case), then reach out to all of your friends, past co-workers, professors, mentors, etc. and see if they can help (not in an annoying way, just in a “Hi, I wanted to let you know I’ll be pursuing a career in X industry, please let me know if you have any recommendations for anyone I should connect with!” way, perfect your resume (you can even pay a specialized career professional a small amount to look over it, if you think that’ll help). Do whatever else you think you need to, and do it diligently. If this is truly your dream company, give yourself the best possible shot–don’t just send your resume and a generic cover letter, cross your fingers, and blame your inexperience if it doesn’t work out. Put your absolute best foot forward by making sure all of your materials are in tiptop shape.
If you truly do your best, you should trust that whatever happens next is what is meant to be at this time.
Good luck!