Some Job Seekers Get Hired Instantly. Others Stay Stuck for Months.

A few months ago, I talked to a designer who landed a dream job at a top agency—in just three weeks.

Only three weeks

→ No months of rejection.

→ No endless applications.

→ Just a few strategic moves, and he was in.

Meanwhile, another designer I know—just as talented, just as hardworking—had been applying for?six months.

→ 100+ applications sent.

→ Dozens of interviews that led nowhere.

→ A portfolio that got compliments but no offers.

Same industry. Same job market. Two completely different outcomes.

So, what’s the difference?

Job Seekers Fall Into One of These Four Groups

Group 1: The “Naturals”

They make it look easy. They send a few applications, get interviews instantly, and somehow always land on their feet. (Annoying, right?)

Group 2: The Strugglers

They follow all the “expert” advice—tweak their resume, take more courses, join events—but keep hitting dead ends. The rejection emails pile up. Confidence plummets.

Group 3: The Steady Climbers

They start out rough but keep going. They build projects, refine their portfolios, and make smart connections. It takes months—but they?get there.

Group 4: The Quitters

They apply to a dozens of jobs, don’t hear back, and assume they’re not cut out for design. They move on before they ever give themselves a real shot.

Guess which group gets hired?

(Hint: It’s not the ones giving up after 10 applications.)

Why Most Job Seekers Get Stuck

For the longest time, I thought people failed because they weren’t disciplined enough.

Now, I know better.

Most people fail because they’re?chasing the wrong thing.

They want the?outcome—the paycheck, the freedom, the dream job.

But they don’t actually enjoy the?process?of getting there.

They send out a few resumes, hear nothing, and immediately think:

Maybe I’m not good enough.

Maybe this isn’t for me.

Meanwhile, the ones who?do?get hired?

→ Keep refining their craft.

→ Treat networking as relationship-building, not begging.

→ Learn to enjoy the process—even when it’s frustrating.

And because of that—they stay in the game long enough to win.

What to Do If You’re Tired of the Job Search Grind

If you’ve been stuck for months, ask yourself:

Am I putting in the work that actually moves me forward?

Or am I just refreshing job boards, hoping today’s the day?

Because the best jobs don’t come from blindly sending out hundreds of applications to the void.

They come from:

→ A sharp,?standout?portfolio.

→ Building relationships before you need them.

→ Learning how to position yourself so hiring managers actually?remember?you.

If you’re stuck in the “apply and pray” cycle, it’s time to switch strategies!

Your next job isn’t hiding in a random job board listing.

It’s waiting for you to play smarter.

Keep going my friend

You’re closer than you think.

See you next Tuesday,

Shima