Hey everyone!
Before we dive into this week’s topic, I owe you an apology for missing last week’s blog post. I was off camping, completely disconnected from the digital world, and honestly, my 19-month-old daughter wouldn’t have let me get much work done anyway! 😄 But I’m back, and I want to share something that I think will resonate with many of you—especially if you’ve been on the job hunt recently.
Two weeks ago, I had the chance to speak on a panel for a migrant job seeker event. As the discussion progressed, one theme stood out loud and clear: talented graduates and migrants are applying to hundreds of jobs, often with little or no response. This struggle isn’t just limited to them—it’s something almost everyone in the current market is dealing with.
Here is a picture of the panel. The great and powerful Brett Lee was there too.
The Frustrating Reality of Job Hunting in Australia (right now)
The truth is, rejection is a harsh reality that all job seekers face. Applications seem to disappear into a black hole, rejections pile up, and more often than not, you’re left wondering if anyone even looked at your resume.
During the panel, people asked if there was some sort of “silver bullet” to crack the job search code. And while I wish there was, the truth is, there’s no magic solution. But don’t lose hope! There are strategies that can help boost your chances if you approach the job search smartly and consistently.
Here’s a glimpse of what many job seekers are experiencing right now:
- Application overload: Spending hours customizing resumes and cover letters, only to hear silence.
- Networking fatigue: Reaching out to connections, attending virtual events, and sending follow-up emails, hoping for that one breakthrough.
- The ghosting epidemic: It’s become all too common for recruiters and hiring managers to stop responding without explanation.
- Interviews that don’t happen: You prep, you’re ready, but the interviewer doesn’t show—or cancels at the last minute without notice.
- Hope raised, then dashed: You finally hear back about an exciting opportunity, only for it to fall through with no explanation.
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. This exhausting cycle can leave even the most motivated job seeker feeling burnt out and discouraged. And with rejection emails offering no feedback, it’s tough not to feel like you’re constantly running in circles.
Why Rejection Isn’t Always a Bad Thing
It’s easy to get caught up in the disappointment of rejection, but sometimes, rejection is exactly what you need. Let me tell you about Emily, a machine learning engineer friend of mine. She spent two years dealing with rejection after rejection from four companies she desperately wanted to work for. To make matters worse, each rejection came with the dreaded “you were second” phrase. Ouch, right?
But here’s where the story takes a turn.
Looking back, Emily is grateful she didn’t land those jobs. Why?
- Two of the startups she applied to had massive layoffs, and she would’ve been let go within the first six to nine months.
- One company eliminated its entire data science team shortly after she was turned down.
- The fourth company? It had a toxic work culture, and employees were leaving in droves.
Meanwhile, Emily has been happily employed for nearly two years at a company that values her contributions, fosters growth, and offers a great work-life balance. The lesson? Sometimes rejection is simply redirection. What feels like a failure today could be saving you from a situation that wasn’t right for you.
Practical Strategies to Improve Your Job Search
Rejection is tough, but it doesn’t mean you’re not qualified or capable. Here are some strategies to help you stay resilient and improve your chances of landing the right job:
1. Tailor your applications: Take the time to customize each resume for the role you’re applying to. Highlight relevant skills and accomplishments that align with the job description. Yes, it’s time-consuming, but generic applications don't get you interviews.
2. Optimize your online presence: Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your resume. Employers often cross-check, so ensure your skills, experiences, and projects are up-to-date and presented clearly. If you’re in a technical field, showcase your work on platforms like GitHub or create an online portfolio.
3. Leverage your network: Networking remains one of the best ways to find opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and don’t hesitate to reach out to connections who may be able to help you get your foot in the door.
4. Be persistent but strategic: It’s important to keep applying, but be selective. Focus on roles that are a strong match for your skills, and follow up on applications with personalized messages to hiring managers or recruiters.
5. Seek feedback: After a rejection, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback. Not all employers will respond, but when they do, their insights can help you fine-tune your approach for the next opportunity.
6. Take care of yourself: Job hunting can take a toll on your mental health. It’s okay to step back, take a breather, and recharge. The process is draining, and staying in a positive headspace will make a difference in how you approach each opportunity.
The Bigger Picture: Respect Yourself
It’s easy to feel like just another resume in a pile, but you’re more than that. Don’t let the impersonal nature of the job market erode your sense of self-worth. You are skilled, valuable, and worthy of respect—whether or not the market reflects that right now. Keep this in mind: rejection often leads to better things, and persistence is key.
Job hunting in 2024 is undeniably tough, but you’re tougher. While the process can be disheartening, it’s important to keep learning, growing, and adapting. The next rejection could be steering you toward the right opportunity—one that truly aligns with your values and goals.
As you navigate the ups and downs of your job search, remember: the right door will open, even if it takes a bit of time and persistence.
That’s it for this week! Thanks for sticking with me, even when life (and camping trips with toddlers) slow things down. Keep pushing forward, and I’ll see you next week with more tips to help you navigate the world of work.
All the best,
Eli