The New Grad Games: Survival Guide to Job Hunting

You've spent years grinding through assignments, wondering if your degree is worth the crushing student debt. Now you've graduated... without a job offer. Congratulations! Welcome to the inescapable capitalist hellscape reality of adulthood. It mildly resembles the capitalist hellscape metaphor presented in Squid Games, and so I figured why not hamfistedly craft a Squid Games analogy.

Like our desperate protagonists in Squid Games, you find yourself with mounting debt, limited options, and a mysterious game to navigate. But don't worry, unlike the show, this game has multiple winners, and getting eliminated just means you try again. Let's break down how to survive (and thrive) in The New Grad Games.

The Invitation: Welcome to the Game

Remember how the Squid Game contestants received mysterious business cards with a circle, triangle, and square? Your version was that fancy diploma they handed you right before thrusting you into the real world with zero instructions.

The rules aren't clear. The competition is fierce. And someone is definitely watching your every move (hello, algorithmic profiling).

Game 1: Red Light, Green Light (Application Process)

Just like the terrifying doll in episode one, the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) watches your every move. One wrong step and you're eliminated before a human even sees your application.

How to win:

1. Study the movement patterns – Research each company thoroughly before applying
2. Tailor your resume – Mirror the job description keywords (but don't lie!)
3. Move strategically – Quality applications beat quantity every time
4. Stay perfectly still when necessary – Don't apply to positions you're clearly not qualified for

Game 2: The Honeycomb Challenge (Skill Assessment)

In this game, you need to carefully carve out your professional shape without breaking your chances. The wrong "shape" (career path) can make things unnecessarily difficult.

Survival tactics:

• Choose your shape wisely – Identify roles that match your actual skills, not just your dream job
• Use the right tools – Free online courses, YouTube tutorials, and practice projects can help you develop precision
• Apply heat strategically – Focus your energy on high-ROI skills (those technical skills your industry actually values)
• Learn from others – Watch how successful players approach the challenge (informational interviews are your friend)

Game 3: Tug of War (Interview Process)

Unlike the show, this isn't about brute strength. It's about preparation, strategy, and presenting your best self.

Team-building strategy:

• Position yourself correctly – Research common interview questions for your field and prepare stories that highlight your relevant experiences
• Strengthen your team – Line up solid references and recommendations
• Study the opposition – Research the company culture, recent news, and your interviewers
• Use leverage effectively – Ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your knowledge and interest

Game 4: Marbles (Final Selection Process)

This is where it gets personal. You're up against a small number of final candidates, and only one will get the prize.

Winning tactics:

• Know your value – Understand what unique combination of skills and traits you bring
• Be authentic – Trying to be someone you're not is exhausting and obvious
• Demonstrate problem-solving – Show how you think, not just what you know
• Connect on a human level – Remember, people hire people they like and trust

The Glass Bridge (The Waiting Period)

I told you this was a hamfisted analogy and that wouldn't be the case unless there was a part of this post where the comparison toally faceplanted. Here is that part of the analogy. This is perhaps the most psychologically challenging part. You've done everything right, but now you're stepping into uncertainty, waiting to hear back.

Survival strategies:

• Keep moving forward – Continue applying and interviewing elsewhere
• Don't check your email every 5 minutes – It won't make responses come faster
• Learn from previous steps – Reflect on what went well and what could improve
• Maintain momentum – Use this time to keep building skills and connections

The Final Game (Accepting an Offer)

Unlike Player 456, when you win, you should actually take the prize. But make sure it's worth it.

Victory tactics:

• Negotiate thoughtfully – Research salary ranges and benefits for your role and location
• Evaluate the full package – Consider work-life balance, growth opportunities, and company culture
• Get it in writing – Verbal offers aren't official until there's documentation
• Exit other processes professionally – Thank other companies for their consideration

Front Man Strategies (Working with Recruiters)

The Front Man ran the games behind the scenes. Similarly, recruiters can be powerful allies or frustrating gatekeepers.

How to leverage them:

• Be responsive – When they reach out, reply quickly and professionally
• Be transparent – About your skills, salary expectations, and timeline
• Ask questions – They have insider information about the role and company
• Remember they work for the company – Not for you (even if they're very nice)

VIP Treatment (Networking Without Being Awkward)

The VIPs in Squid Game watched from behind masks, making the critical decisions. In your job search, these are the hiring managers, industry insiders, and potential mentors who can open doors.

Networking strategies that don't feel gross:

• Provide value first – Share interesting articles, offer help, make introductions
• Be genuinely curious – Ask thoughtful questions about their work and experiences
• Follow up meaningfully – Reference specific points from your conversations
• Express authentic gratitude – Thank people for their time and insights

The Aftermath: Life After Victory

Unlike Squid Game's grim ending, landing your first job is just the beginning of a (hopefully) long and fulfilling career journey.

Post-game strategy:

• Continue learning – Your education didn't end with graduation
• Build genuine relationships – Not just for future opportunities, but for support and growth
• Pay it forward – Help other new graduates once you're established
• Reflect on your journey – What would you do differently? What worked well?

Survival Kit: Essential Resources

Unlike the contestants who had only basic necessities, you have an arsenal of tools at your disposal:

• Resume builders: Canva, Resume.io, or good old Microsoft Word templates
• Job boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and industry-specific sites
• Networking platforms: LinkedIn, GitHub (for tech), Meetup for local events
• Skill development: YouTube tutorials, free coding bootcamps, library books
• Financial survival: Subreddits like: r/frugal, r/personalfinance, and negotiating payment plans for bills

Final Thoughts: It's a Game, Not a Death Match

Unlike Squid Game, the job market isn't designed to eliminate all but one person. There are many winners, many games happening simultaneously, and infinite chances to play again.

The real victory isn't just in landing any job—it's finding your path, developing resilience, and building a career that aligns with your values and goals.

So grab your metaphorical green tracksuit, practice your resume dalgona carving, and remember: in this game, persistence, adaptability, and continuous learning are your most powerful weapons.

Good luck, Player. The games have begun.

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