The Hustle, the Rejection, and the Resilience: Job Hunting as a Millennial Black Woman

Job hunting is a full-time job. But when you’re a millennial Black woman, it’s also a social experiment in resilience, reinvention, and not losing your marbles.

First, let’s talk stats: A 2023 study found that Black women are twice as likely to experience workplace bias compared to white women. Meanwhile, the UK’s unemployment rate for Black people is 8.3%, more than double the national average of 3.7%. These numbers don’t lie—they sting.

Now, rejection. Every "unfortunately, on this occasion…" email chips away at your soul, especially when you've spent hours tailoring your CV, researching the company, and practising answers to “What’s your biggest weakness?” (It’s snacks. Always snacks.)

Here’s the kicker: We often feel compelled to shrink or change ourselves to fit in. Suddenly, your LinkedIn headshot is looking suspiciously neutral, your natural hair is "professionally" slicked back, and your vibrant personality gets muted into corporate jargon. All in the hope of being seen as “a good fit.”

But let’s address sabotage—both the kind you face and the kind you unknowingly inflict on yourself. Imposter syndrome whispers, "They won’t hire you," and you start self-rejecting before they even get the chance. Then there’s the coded feedback: “You’re overqualified” (translation: “We don’t want to pay you”), or my personal favourite, “We’re looking for someone who’ll really gel with the team” (translation: “Not you, love”).

So, how do we protect our mental health in this job market circus?

1. Reframe Rejection: It’s not you—it’s the system. You’re not “too much” or “not enough.” You’re just right, and the right employer will see it.
2. Set Boundaries: Apply, interview, but also rest. Don’t let the grind consume you.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Did you tweak your CV? That’s a win. Sent five applications? Another win. Show up for yourself the way you would for your best friend.

Job searching as a millennial Black woman isn’t just about landing the gig. It’s about staying authentic, prioritising your mental health, and remembering you’re not just job-hunting—you’re empire-building. And to those companies that can’t see your worth? Your loss, babes. Your loss.