STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Renee · Kenneth Cole

terrified

jacL · Coach

Do it for the experience! This way you will know what to expect when you are applying for jobs, which will then be so much easier--just think of the advantage you will have over most of the new grads in your field. After you do it, trust me, you will be very proud of yourself no matter what the outcome. If you are really nervous about the cover letter, I would take a look at it for you--I have done some copy editing and proofreading, though I am by no means a professional. You can PM if you want to, okay?

kenzie · Chanel

I agree, do it. I started interviewing for jobs in January of my senior year (that would be almost 3 1/2 years of interviewing, thanks). Every interview gets easier. I swear, I'm never even remotely nervous for an interview anymore b/c I've been on so many. I haven't heard a new question in a while and I have my answers completely memorized. It's bad; sometimes I go into autopilot mode (which obviously, isn't the best mindset for an interview).

But my point is, go. Even if you don't get the job, you still have the interview experience and each one will get easier until you final nail down a job.

esquiress · Marc Jacobs

i so know what you mean. but you have to do it. i'll totally help you with your cover letter, just pm me ok?

Karina · Chanel

Go for it, girl!

Farrah · Marc Jacobs

Do it for the experience if nothing else. I would also be happy to look at your resume and cover letter if you need some advice. I could also give you some great questions and answers for interviewers that are not the textbook ones that you get in your college career office. You can PM me if you are interested.

Don't be afraid to succeed. You can do this girl!

Ritz · Dooney & Bourke

Renee wrote:

They all tell me I have nothing to lose by trying. It's true, but I am afraid of failure, afraid of success; afraid I will make a fool of myself and afraid not to live up to the expectations! I know it sounds crazy.

not crazy at all! i am graduating this spring and feel the same way as you.. im terrified to grow up and leave college, terrified that i won't get a job, that i won't like my job, etc.

but you have to try! the more jobs you apply to, the more experience you have, the better chance you have of getting a job and finding the right job for you. the worst that happens is that you don't get the position, and then you still have another year to go! good luck!

NCshopper · Hermes

Go for it! This will be good for you to do this and I swear, it'll make the following interviews easier for next year when you're really going to NEED a job. Getting your name and your resume out there won't hurt either.

I'd be happy to read your cover letter if you'd like--I'm on a business trip right now and probably won't be able to get back to you super quick, but I could turn it around to you in a day if you need me to. PM me if you'd like me to look at it.

Regardless, good luck!!!

ejc423 · Coach

Oh please do it! You're getting your PhD, right? What kind of job is this? One at your school? Sorry, that's nosy, but I remember that you are studying Linguistics, so I'm really interested to follow your career path.

I imagine if your profs are encouraging you to do this and do it this early, it is an opportunity that you shouldn't let go. And it speaks volumes about their confidence in you.

It's ok to be afraid. Fear is just another emotion we will feel in life. And it's one of the best for forcing us to grow. It helps me to think of it that way.

Cheers and good luck!

Renee · Kenneth Cole

Thank you so much for your offers and support!!!! That was so incredible and inspiring. My biggest problem was describing my dissertation - I had so much trouble squeezing everyting I wanted to say into a paragraph! I finally managed to become unstuck and wrote a paragraph that I hope doesn't look too bad, then gathered my courage and asked two professors to proofread (after all, they want me to apply ) which they agreed to do... So we'll see. Please keep your fingers crossed for me and I will keep you posted!

ejc - yes I am getting my Ph.D. This is formally my 1st year of writing (the official time to write is 2 years, average in my department is three years) - but I am pretty quick and already have 2 chapters (out of 6) and working on my third... The job is too good for me now - it is for the person I hope to be in, say, 3-4-5 years. It's at a good school, though not my school (I wish!), and it's too early for me.. I know I need to tro try, so... if I send the application, I will buy myself a new pair of shoes! Here... that will motivate me

nunzi182 · Kate Spade

You should totally go for it. You really have nothing to lose and it would be a great opportunity for you! Good luck!