Finding a job as a student can be really stressful, especially when it feels like everyone wants you to have experience you don’t have yet. A lot of us apply to so many places and never get a call back, which can make it feel like we’re not good enough or doing something wrong. It’s frustrating because we’re just trying to start somewhere, but no one wants to give us that first chance. Many students I know have said they’ve been searching for months with no luck. It’s hard not to take it personally when you keep getting rejected or ignored.
Saida Carrasco said, “It feels horrible being rejected by a job, and it makes me feel this way because I want money ASAP.” That quote really sums up how most of us feel, not just because we want money, but because we’re trying to be responsible and take care of ourselves.
On top of that, balancing school and job hunting can be hard. Between homework, sports, and other responsibilities, it’s not easy to find time to fill out applications or go to interviews. Some of us also don’t have reliable transportation, so even if we get a job offer, it might be too far or not fit with our schedule. It’s tough because we want to make money and gain experience, but school has to come first. When you’re juggling classes and trying to get your grades up, the last thing you want to deal with is more stress from job hunting.
Another big issue is confidence. A lot of students, including me sometimes, feel nervous about interviews. It can be intimidating to talk to managers or try to sound professional when you’ve never done it before. Some people worry about saying the wrong thing or not looking the part. Getting rejected can make it worse, but it’s also an art of learning. Each interview teaches us something new, even if we don’t get the job.
At school, we actually have mock interviews where some business owners or even employees come to school and help kids with their interviews. Financial literacy is actually a graduation requirement, and it helps us get ready for the real world by teaching us how to write resumes, fill out job applications, and practice interview skills. These mock interviews make a big difference because they help students feel more prepared and confident when applying for real jobs. Having support from teachers and counselors reminds us that we are not alone in this process. It also helps us see that finding a job isn’t just about luck; it’s about learning, improving, and getting better each time we try.
Even though finding a job as a student isn’t easy, it’s something that eventually pays off. Once you finally get that first “yes,” it feels worth it. You learn how to manage your time, talk to people professionally, and handle responsibility. Every rejection or failed interview becomes part of the process that helps you grow. It can take time, but every step, even the hard ones, helps us get closer to where we want to be.
