WCT #92: Is pride hurting your job search?

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One of the biggest reasons people don’t make progress in their job search is their sense of pride. They let their pride get in the way of engaging with others, getting referrals, and making meaningful connections for fear of appearing needy. However, the truth is that you need to embrace a bit of vulnerability during a job search. In a world where you can easily submit applications from the comfort of your computer screen, personal outreach has become more critical than ever. If your fear of looking vulnerable hinders your conversations, you will likely extend your job search unnecessarily and miss valuable opportunities. Let’s break down why checking your pride is crucial for job search success.

Joblessness or job discontent happens. Maybe you’re without a job, perhaps because you’ve been let go, quit, had to relocate, or are looking for a job out of school. When you’re between jobs, it’s easy to feel “less than” and think that everyone else has it all figured out. But take a moment to consider this: a portion of the workforce is always between jobs for various reasons. Being without a job isn’t a judgment on your character, skills, or abilities. It’s a phase, not a definition. Embrace your journey and recognize that it’s temporary. Your focus should be on how to move forward, not dwelling on the circumstances that brought you here. If you’re in a job you don’t like, aspiring for better is nothing to be ashamed of.

Connecting with people is essential for a successful job search. Eighty percent of jobs are filled through relationships, referrals, and other non-application-based methods. ATS (applicant tracking systems) may store your resume, but people do the hiring. Even if an application initiates the process, the path to an offer is paved with human interactions. Your network is a goldmine: friends, family, classmates, business associates, people from your house of worship, and others in your community can all play a part. If you’re not tapping into and growing this network, you’re missing a critical component of job searching. Don’t let pride hold you back from reaching out and saying, “I need help.”

Your personal brand matters more than ever. In today’s job market, a strong personal brand can make all the difference. Think of your LinkedIn profile, resume, and even your email signature as your marketing collateral. Are you showcasing your skills and experience in a way that demonstrates your value? More importantly, are you sharing your story authentically? People connect with real, imperfect humans, not overly polished versions of themselves. Pride can prevent you from sharing your story with vulnerability, but authenticity opens doors. It’s okay to say, “This is where I am, and this is where I want to go.” When you own your narrative, you’re more likely to resonate with those who can help you.

Fear of rejection shouldn’t stop you from reaching out. One of the most paralyzing aspects of job searching is the fear of hearing “no” or, worse, getting no response at all. This fear often stems from pride—we don’t want to feel rejected, and we certainly don’t want others to know we’ve been turned down. But here’s the reality: rejection is part of the process. Every “no” brings you one step closer to a “yes.” Don’t let pride prevent you from reaching out to someone who could potentially help you. The worst they can say is “no,” and you’re no worse off than you were before. Resilience and persistence are your greatest allies.

Your mindset shapes your results. A job search is as much a mental game as it is a practical one. Pride often feeds into a scarcity mindset—a fear that opportunities are limited and that asking for help may diminish your worth. Shift to an abundance mindset instead. Believe that there are countless opportunities out there and that each connection you make could lead to something significant. When you approach your search with positivity, humility, and curiosity, you’ll find that people are more willing to help. A supportive mindset not only makes the journey less stressful but also attracts the kind of connections and opportunities you’re looking for.

The Bottom Line

Checking your pride at the door is essential for an effective job search. Vulnerability is not a weakness—it’s a strength that allows you to build authentic connections and open doors to new opportunities. By engaging your network, owning your story, and maintaining a positive mindset, you’ll navigate your job search with greater success and shorter timelines. Don’t let fear or pride stand in the way of your next great opportunity.

I help people land amazing jobs fast and manage their career journeys through coaching and advising. I also transform resumes and LinkedIn profiles to attract more interviews and offers. Learn more about my career coaching and contact me or request a free 15-minute Career Solutions Call.

Subscribers get ALL my free monthly Winning Career Tip newsletters directly in their inbox, not just those occasionally posted on LinkedIn. Click here to sign up.