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They told us the road after college was going to be straightforward: work hard, ace your GPA, and you should land your dream job within a few months after applying. Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, the reality is far more different than what we hoped for. You send hundreds of applications, polish your CV, outsmart the application tracking system, and send heartfelt cover letters, only to face silence.

This is a universal problem, and it is hard not to wonder: Why is this happening? Do people not value talent? Do I not deserve a chance?

Here is the harsh truth: The job market is overly saturated.

Unless your skill is highly in demand and the industry lacks a skilled workforce, you are going to have a hard time. In the US, around 52% of undergraduates are working in fast food, and retail, and are underemployed, meaning that the chosen job does not fully utilize their potential.

That is more than half the graduates flipping burgers and folding sheets just to make ends meet. Ouch. This does not have to be your fate… but if it is a stepping stone to get to the summit, do not be ashamed to climb it. Whether you need to pay student loans or the rent, or you would just like to get some work experience, a less-than-perfect job is sometimes the most viable option. But it is not the only option…Ever since I graduated, I have been an employer and an employee, and I know both sides of the struggle — having a list of disqualified candidates, and the pain of being one of them. So, as a business owner, I will tell you what we look for in a candidate. And as an employee, I will share the approach that got me the most success when applying.

When you are out of college, you are probably more fixated on proving yourself than on choosing the right employer. I can tell you from experience that this is a bad idea, and here is why: Your job can make you sick! Psychoneuroimmunology is a relatively new field of study, but it has proved that our mental state is strongly correlated to our ability to fight diseases. In other words, the psychological or “bad” stress that comes with job dissatisfaction can leave you more vulnerable to several diseases and autoimmune conditions. Having said this, if you notice a toxic work environment, a micromanaging boss, or any unfavorable dynamics, do not hesitate to walk away. No job is worth sacrificing your mental health for.

The problem with being complacent about your degree is that thousands of others will have the exact same qualifications. On the other hand, if you get creative and bring your life experiences and unique touch to a company, you are more likely to find the right match. Explore, complete side quests, and have fun—this way, you are more likely to connect with people who share your work ethic and vision. Whether it’s a summer internship, a small portfolio, a personal project or invention, or even helping a friend out with your skills, everything counts.

For example, Instead of “I am a computer science major,” say, “I developed an AI tool that reduced delivery times for a local business by 50%.” Instead of “I have a master’s in marketing,” say, “I created a campaign that doubled a startup’s Instagram engagement in three months.” This shows to the employer that you are results-driven and a creative problem-solver.

You might think this is unfair. However, if people are going to spend most of their waking hours with you, it makes perfect sense that they would prefer someone they like. That is why you’ve probably heard of the charismatic colleague who climbs the ladder seamlessly, while the quiet, overqualified individual barely manages to keep their job. And that’s another bitter truth—even when you bring tangible, quantifiable results, you can still be overshadowed by the louder colleague who knows how to appear more relevant than they actually are. This happens because humans, as emotional and social creatures, are easily swayed by pretense. But the good news is that you do not need to change your personality or do anything special to make an impact. For instance, just being assertive and being there for people shall suffice. Let your voice be heard during meetings, give suggestions, participate in outings, and take initiative in new projects. This will show that you are indispensable to the company and that you are working better, not harder.

A few months after opening our company, my partner and I were looking for a marketing intern. After going through dozens of applications, we were surprised to find that only a few people had read the job description, so our expectations were at an all-time low. However, one guy stood out among the rest. He had sent his portfolio (as requested), which included proof of results from similar projects he had worked on before. On the interview day, he made a presentation on a possible marketing plan and didn’t say a word about his college degree (which he had, by the way). We were impressed by his creativity and how comfortable he felt talking to us. This made it seem like he actually wanted to help us, as opposed to simply begging for a job.

While this is indeed a good strategy, I acknowledge that it will not work in every field. In fact, you will encounter a variety of different employers and job openings: some stress qualifications, others focus on experience, and some, luckily, only want freshers! So, my message to you, jobseeker: whatever your journey is, do not rush it. Research a job and role that aligns with your future vision, stay away from toxic employers, and always focus on becoming a better person.

Remember, if you try to catch butterflies, they might fly away. But if you spend time building a beautiful garden, they will eventually come to you.