Regain Your Confidence and Crush the Job Search Game

A very important topic for this week's newsletter and you can read the full article here: https://www.hustlewithease.co/blog/the-disempowerment-of-job-hunting-amp-tips-to-regain-your-power

Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking. - William Butler

As a coach whose in the business of caring and empowering my clients, the disempowerment of a job seekers plight never goes unnoticed with me. The struggle and the challenges to one’s confidence and wellbeing can never be taken lightly.

Potentially one of the most disempowering moments of your life is being out of work and trying to find a new role.

One of the most important aspects of personal development and growth we can achieve in the job hunting process is to step back into our power and realize that we can have some control in the process.

That Feeling of No or Lack of Control

One of the most challenging aspects of job hunting is the feeling that much of the process is beyond your control.

Despite your best efforts, you can’t control how employers perceive your application, how quickly they respond, or even if they’ll respond at all.

This lack of control can make you feel powerless, as you’re often left waiting for a response without any clear sense of when or if it will come.

It manifests in ways like waking up and applying for 10 roles without really doing any research, such as evaluating the company, matching your resume with the job, and comparing the company’s values to your own professional values.

Instead, you find yourself just trying to apply for as many jobs as possible in the hope that you’ll get at least one response.

Quantity over quality becomes the focus.

Then there’s the uncertainty around important areas of your life, such as finances and routine.

Plus, there are the constant questions from well-intentioned family and friends, like:

“Have you found a job yet?”

And the embarrassment and humiliation that come with this experience and line of questioning.

My first recommendation is to STOP everything you’re doing, take a step back, and assess what isn’t working so you can reroute to a path of success and ultimately nail your interview and receive a job offer.

Some initial things to think about and understand:

• Are you tracking all your applications?
• Are you checking in on keywords in the job description?
• Are you networking to tap into the hidden job market?
• Are you exercising early in the morning or going for a walk to get that headspace happening?

These four key items require your self-assessment so you can empower yourself to get on the right track.

It’s important to remember a few crucial points that bring back your power in your job hunt:

• You are also interviewing your potential employer.
• Get clear on what you aren’t willing to negotiate on, i.e., salary, hours, location, tasks.
• Make sure the company aligns with what you believe in and stand for, or there will be a mismatch and potential disharmony down the track.
• Know your value and what you bring to the table.

A key part of turning the job hunt around is shifting your mindset.

It’s all too easy to get bogged down by rejection, but what if you started seeing each “no” as a learning opportunity? Every setback is a chance to refine your approach, making you stronger and more resilient.

Keeping an optimistic outlook, even when the going gets tough, can be the difference between feeling defeated and staying motivated. It’s about reminding yourself that each step, no matter how small, is bringing you closer to the right opportunity.

You don’t have to go through this process alone.

Leaning on your support system can make a world of difference. Whether it’s friends, family, or a mentor, having someone to talk to, get advice from, or simply vent to can lighten the emotional load.

One of the best ways to regain a sense of control is by approaching your job search strategically. Instead of applying to every job you see, focus on the ones that truly match your skills and passions.

Set clear goals for yourself—whether it’s the number of applications you send out each week or how many networking events you attend.

Keeping track of your progress not only helps you stay organized but also gives you a sense of accomplishment along the way. By being thoughtful and deliberate, you can turn the job hunt from a scattergun approach into a targeted mission.

Stress is an inevitable part of job hunting, but managing it is crucial to keeping your head in the game. Incorporating some daily practices like a morning walk, meditation, or even just taking breaks can help you maintain a clear mind. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of the search, but it’s important to carve out time for yourself, too.

Staying balanced isn’t just about being productive; it’s about being kind to yourself during a tough time. Your well-being is just as important as landing the job.

Keep going, stay strong, and trust that the right opportunity is out there, waiting for you.

Hi I'm Kirsty Norton and I am a refreshingly unconventional and relentless tech career coach.

If you'd like to read more of my articles then dive in here: https://www.hustlewithease.co/blog

Or if you are looking for some cool career resources, this is for you: https://www.hustlewithease.co/tech-career-growth-resources

Thinking about working with a coach, then let's talk: https://hustlewithease.as.me/schedule.php

Have a great rest of your week!