Smart employers are looking for people who can learn to do the job. While they would really like someone as a drop-in replacement for Joe Smith, that's not very likely. They also need to grow some of their superstars, so they need freshers with the right attributes.
Just some notes from my own experience:
- Interviewing is a skill to be honed. Don't miss an opportunity to talk to anyone about anything and everything. Learn to be interesting, if that's not already the case.
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Practice telling your story, both what you have done, and what you like to do.
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Don't stay in a job you don't like. It's a waste of your time. Your performance and reputation can both go down, and take a long time to recover.
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The right job rarely comes along of its own accord. Do what you can to get by, and look for opportunities. Then gather your courage and jump.
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Dream a little, or dream a lot, but follow up.
-QM
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Quantum Mechanics: The dreams stuff is made of