How to Escape the Job Seeker’s Spiral of Doom
Ana Herranz
Executive Career Coach | Career Transition & Leadership Development | Empowering Professionals to Advance, Transition, and Build Personal Brands | Expert in Job Search, Hidden Market and Professional Growth
Job searching can be an exhausting and overwhelming process.
What’s the first thing most job seekers do?
At first glance, this is exciting—there are so many opportunities! Maybe now is the time to explore roles abroad, in places like the U.S., the Nordics, or even Australia. Why not dream big?
With this hopeful mindset, they start applying for jobs, carefully selecting roles at first:
By the end of month three, they’ve applied to over 300 jobs but only managed to secure a couple of interviews.
What’s going on?
Why don’t companies seem interested? Why am I not even getting a chance to prove myself in an interview?
The self-doubt creeps in:
You name it, the doubts pile up.
At this point—month three of the search—job seekers often hit rock bottom. I’ve seen it too many times. Desperation sets in.
Out of frustration, they begin applying to any job they see, no longer bothering to read job descriptions. The thought becomes: "If I’m only getting automated rejections anyway, why waste time reading the JD? Let the machine decide."
This is what my dear professor Daniel Porot referred to as The Bermuda Triangle of job searching. You spiral downward into an abyss, losing sight of the surface entirely.
The Problem Isn’t You—It’s the Plan
This scenario might sound exaggerated, but believe me, I’ve worked with enough job seekers to know it’s all too real.
But let me be clear: the problem isn’t YOU. I’m sure you’re talented, skilled, and capable (as most people are). The real issue lies in having a weak plan.
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The VICI Framework for Career Success
Achieving career success requires more than just luck—it demands a clear, structured approach. That’s where the VICI Framework comes in. Inspired by Julius Caesar’s famous words, “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”), this four-step process empowers you to confidently navigate your career transition or advancement.
1. V: Value Proposition
Define your unique strengths, skills, and achievements. Your value proposition is what makes you stand out to employers. Networking starts here—by engaging with your industry or professional community, you’ll gain valuable insights into what employers value most.
2. I: Identify Your Career Plan
Get crystal clear on what you want next. Define the role, type of organization, and location that align with your goals. Networking becomes a powerful tool at this stage—use it to validate your ideas, explore hidden opportunities, and refine your plan based on real-world feedback.
3. C: Close the Deal
When it’s time to secure an offer, preparation and communication are key. Deliver an exceptional performance during interviews, negotiate confidently, and align expectations. Your network can be an invaluable resource here, offering advice and insider knowledge to give you the edge.
4. I: Implement and Deliver
Your career success doesn’t end with landing the job—it’s just the beginning. Excel in your new role by delivering results, building credibility, and fostering strong relationships. Continue to nurture your network, as these connections will support your growth and open doors for future opportunities.
Networking: The Foundation of VICI
Networking isn’t a standalone step—it’s the foundation that enhances every phase of the VICI Framework:
Networking is not just about meeting people—it’s about building genuine, long-term relationships that can transform your career journey.
With the VICI Framework, you’re not just applying to jobs—you’re crafting a strategic plan for career success. Ready to take the first step? Let’s get started!
Founder, Owner & Managing Director at GlobalMeats
2 个月Good publication....U know, after all only 20% of placements are ever published.
Career Associate Director @IE | Career coach & advisor | Senior HR Consultant & Outplacement | Talent Management, Development and Training | Executive Coaching | Organizational Happiness
2 个月It's easy to get lost in the sea of job applications and rejections, but having a clear plan and leveraging networking can make all the difference. I appreciate the emphasis on building genuine relationships rather than just meeting people for the sake of it. It's a reminder that career success is not just about what you know, but who you know as well. Thanks for sharing this insightful post!
Treasury Controller | Accountant (Non-CA) |
2 个月Change methods of job hunting ? Before commencing your job search, it is helpful to understand the magnitude of the impact of the pandemic on the job market. 2025 try to find new methods or additional methods that will help you to find a job. Prior to any application, it would be a good time to?give your resume and cover letter a proper update?and look through. Do not focus on one industry or few companies. Try to apply for different industries and lots of companies. Do not mind to downgrading from title and salary. Yes, is painful to downgrade from salary especially with current economy but it will be better than nothing because is being a while you are unemployed. At least you will be removing that stigma of being unemployed. Each time make sure you improve, change, or add different methods when searching for employment maybe you will find a job very quick. Nothing draining every day you wake-up and you open your PC or your phone you see lots of positions and some positions you meet requirements but still no luck. Find a better way start from next month that will help you to find a job very quick.
Management Consultant | CSR Lead
2 个月Very informative
Great diagnosis, but to be honest, the advice feels a bit shallow. Even with a strong value proposition, the sheer volume of applications (thanks to ‘easy apply’) often means an algorithm ends up making the selection. On the other hand, many companies post fake job ads, further complicating the process. Networking? In the digital age, it often feels more like unwanted publicity or forced public relations—something only a few are willing to invest time in. Moreover, the initial stages of the hiring process are typically handled by junior recruiters who are not well-equipped to assess soft skills, which, in my opinion, are the most critical. Adding to this challenge is the growing number of candidates using AI tools to craft tailored resumes and cover letters. A new approach to the hiring process is essential. I’m not a specialist, but this is something we need to reflect on and address.”