‘The Commonest Form of Stupidity’

April 27th, 2011 by Ryan Windeyer |

It seems that nearly every “Hire Education” blogger and indeed every transitioning senior has had to deal with rejection in the job search process. It is inevitable. But there are occasions where rejection, though painful, is actually helpful. I have certainly come to believe this after the first rejection e-mail arrived in my inbox.

A few weeks ago, I received an e-mail from an employer politely wishing me luck in my future endeavors. I was bummed. The position seemed like an appropriate post-graduation option for me that encompassed my intellectual interests and career goals and complemented my previous experiences. Alas, I did not meet the criteria. It is best to embrace the decision and not obsesses over one’s shortcomings. If it is not meant to be, it is not meant to be. I somehow came to this realization after a rough day turned around by a pep talk with a close friend. I also came across a quote by Friedrich Nietzsche that gave me new direction: “To forget one’s purpose is the commonest form of stupidity.” Thus, the rejection actually refocused my search and re-energized me.

Later that week, I blocked off some time to apply for more jobs. Since spring break, I have applied to about three positions per week. That means there are about 15 cover letters and resumes in consideration limbo. Once they are submitted, there is almost no communication (beyond the notification of receipt) until one is either flat-out denied or offered an interview. What is frustrating, however, is when there is no response whatsoever and suddenly the position has been filled. At that point, I would rather take a rejection than the false hope of potentially hearing back positively.

In retrospect, I was naive in expecting to find a job on my temporal terms. I am completely at the mercy of human-resources departments, employer budgets and the overall job market. Despite my skills and qualifications, I am still just another recent graduate competing (at times with peers and friends) for an entry-level position to get my career started. Having to recalibrate and refine my search process two times has allowed me to standardize and improve my approach. I have a much more tempered outlook now with lower thresholds for success. This is not to say I am lowering my standards, but rather, I am accepting the complex reality of transitioning to life after college.

My recent setbacks have caused several brief moments of gloom. Thankfully, they have also rallied my spirits. I hope that an offer (ideally more) of employment emerges from this batch of applications. But given the timing—graduation is about a month away—I will have to make a quick decision with various consequences regarding my immediate future while still finding time to savor my second-semester senior status.

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