One of the many things we aren't prepared for when it comes to job hunting is how long it takes and how demoralizing it can be. Especially if you're a new graduate or out of work. Rejection is awful, I've been there, we've all have and it doesn't matter how many times - it doesn't make it less easier to NOT take it personally. I have learned that sometimes rejection sometimes isn't about YOU. It is about THEM! And here's the good part, once you get a job, you'll be surprised at how quickly you forget how awful the process was.

I've read stories on this forum people posting that they're depressed while job hunting and don't take this the wrong way but that is a surefire way not to get hired. I say this because employers can pick up people who masks their feelings, and employers who did not pick up that you were depressed, they certainly can pick up desperation. And no one likes desperation.

So, how do you process the negativity and come through it as a confident candidate? The key is to cultivate RESILIENCY. Even if you're not aware of it, you developed the skills in this area during your achievements in life. At first step, reflect back on during the rough times when you felt like you never earned something and remember what you did to pull yourself through it.

Here are some of the things I have learned that can help you be more resilient.

Lesson One - MANAGE YOUR EXPECTATIONS: 2 things to understand - job hunting will take longer than you expect. A typical search for a career level position is 6 months. If you are looking to transition into a new field - this is more challenging because you will need to learn about the new industry. In order to do that you will have to change your functional areas and broaden your skill set.

Lesson Two - KEEP TRYING!! No one ever teaches us how to navigating a career search. Remember when you tried to do anything for the first time? It was probably not your best performance. When I look back on my job search/past interviews, I can identify the mistakes I made because I lacked the right knowledge. We've all made rookie mistakes..the key is to learn from them, to right a different approach perhaps stick with the same industry but different functional area. The more you learn as you go, the more prepared you will be for the waiting period and eventually land a successful search. It took my 6 months to land a position out of college but after my rookie mistakes - I had a much better outlook.

Lesson Three- REDEFINE YOURSELF- Employers may or may not dismiss you because you lack the criteria or preferred skills and sometimes they don't know what do with it. And in this case - people struggle to explain their transferable skills that will resonate with them. So when you redefine yourself, you are reframining your qualifications and pick key skills that will be valuable to the employers.

Lesson Four- BUILD YOUR SUPPORT SYSTEM- The jobcase community is a perfect format but don't forget your family and friends too! Talk to them and you'll find that it's easier to be resilient when you can change the focus of attention for a while. Being around people who helped me keep my spirits up and feel more confident definitely helped me during my job hunt/interview.

Lesson Five - TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF - No one likes being rejected. I don't care who you are, but it's the reality of the process of any search. Whether it's for a job, a date, a house - anything really. The challenge is to find ways to redefine the rejection so instead of internalizing it making it about you.. because as I said above- sometimes it's not YOU. It's THEM!

So during your search whenever you get rejected do this - Spend time with family and friends, exercise, find or jump into your hobby, whatever it takes to take your focus off the negativity and on to positive vibes.

Remember if you're stressed or burnt out - your job search won't be successful. So take care of yourself before you launch your job hunt.

Approach on finding a new career as a new research project.Apply the lessons learned and add your own insights and don't forget that you don't have to do it alone.

Good Luck and Happy Job Hunting!