Navigating the job market can feel like battling a boss in Elden Ring: daunting, unpredictable, and often ending in a swift defeat. Yet, just as in the game, perseverance and strategy can lead to ultimate victory. Recently I started playing Elden Ring and have found it very frustrating. It reminded me of the frustration of searching for a new job. There had to be a connection right? So, here’s a look at how the challenges of job hunting mirror the trials of playing Elden Ring.
The initial grind
In both job hunting and Elden Ring, the beginning is all about preparation. In the game, you start with minimal gear and experience, often getting pummeled by even the weakest enemies. Similarly, entering the job market might find you underqualified or overwhelmed by competition. The key is to level up: take online courses, attend workshops, and build your resume, much like grinding for experience points in the game.
Facing fierce competition
Every job application feels like entering a boss fight. Just as Elden Ring players face formidable foes with unique attack patterns, job seekers contend with other candidates who seem to have the perfect skills and experience. The trick is to tailor your approach—customize your resume for each position and practice your interview skills to stand out.
The unseen traps
In Elden Ring, traps are everywhere—hidden enemies ready to ambush you. The job market has its own pitfalls: vague job descriptions, lengthy recruitment processes, and even scams. Staying vigilant is crucial. Research companies thoroughly and prepare for unexpected interview questions, much like scouting an area before charging in blindly.
Persistence pays off
Both Elden Ring and job hunting require resilience. You will face rejection—many times. In the game, repeated attempts teach you enemy patterns; similarly, each failed application provides feedback to refine your strategy. Remember, every “you died” screen is just a chance to try again with more knowledge.
Embrace the chaos
Sometimes in Elden Ring, you just have to embrace the chaos—run past enemies or try unconventional strategies. In job hunting, this might mean applying for positions outside your comfort zone or considering remote work opportunities. Flexibility can open doors you never considered.
Celebrate small victories
In both worlds, small victories are worth celebrating. Whether it’s finally defeating a mini-boss or getting an interview callback, these moments boost morale. Keep track of these wins to maintain motivation during challenging times.
Laugh at Your Missteps
Humour can be a great ally. Just as you might laugh at an absurdly difficult boss fight in Elden Ring, finding humour in job rejections can ease frustration. Perhaps that company wasn’t ready for your unique brand of brilliance anyway.
Elden Ring skills that could be useful in job hunting
Navigating the world of Elden Ring can teach valuable skills that are applicable to job hunting. Here are some key skills that resonate in both contexts:
Adaptability and Learning from Failure
- Elden Ring: The game is designed around a cycle of trial and error, where players must learn from their mistakes to progress. This involves experimenting with different strategies and adapting to new challenges.
- Job Hunting: Similarly, job seekers need to adapt to feedback from unsuccessful applications or interviews. Each rejection is an opportunity to refine resumes, improve interview techniques, and approach the next opportunity with a better strategy.
Strategic Planning and Preparation
- Elden Ring: Players must carefully plan their approach to battles, often requiring specific gear or strategies to overcome tough opponents.
- Job Hunting: Job seekers benefit from strategic planning by tailoring their resumes for each position, researching companies thoroughly, and preparing for interviews with specific examples of their skills and achievements.
Persistence and Resilience
- Elden Ring: The game demands persistence, as players face numerous setbacks before achieving success. Overcoming difficult bosses requires resilience and determination.
- Job Hunting: Persistence is crucial in job hunting, where candidates may face multiple rejections before landing a job. Maintaining resilience helps keep motivation high and prevents discouragement.
Networking and Seeking Help
- Elden Ring: Players can summon help from friends or NPCs for difficult battles, highlighting the importance of collaboration.
- Job Hunting: Networking is a critical component of job searching. Reaching out to connections for advice or referrals can open up new opportunities and provide support during the process.
Experimentation with Different Approaches
- Elden Ring: Players can experiment with different character builds or strategies to find what works best for them.
- Job Hunting: Job seekers should be open to exploring different roles, industries, or even geographical locations. Experimenting with various approaches can lead to unexpected career paths and opportunities.
By applying these skills from Elden Ring, job seekers can navigate the challenges of the job market more effectively, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.
The ultimate payoff
Feeling tarnished? Don’t give up just yet. Both endeavors promise a rewarding payoff. Defeating a tough boss in Elden Ring brings immense satisfaction—just like landing that dream job after countless applications and interviews. Both journeys teach patience, adaptability, and resilience. See, job hunting and playing video games are very similar.
While both job hunting and playing Elden Ring are fraught with challenges, they also offer valuable lessons in perseverance and strategy. So next time you’re facing yet another rejection email or a particularly nasty boss fight, remember: that persistence is key, and every setback is just another step toward victory. Keep pushing forward; your reward awaits.
