Breathing Through It: Riding the Job Search Rollercoaster

Some days, the job search journey is like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded after you’ve just eaten a couple of corny dogs and a funnel cake and washed it all down with an ice-cold beer. That queasy feeling starts roiling up and you think you’re going to hurl because everything is out of control, but you don’t want to embarrass yourself (or your date) by losing it after the first steep climb and the following deep dive.

I’m currently on that rollercoaster. Just this week (and its only WEDNESDAY), I’ve had a couple of great chats and some “we’re not moving forwards” which have harshed my vibe a bit.

My best advice to me? Just breathe.

While I try my darndest to make people like me, sometimes things don’t work out. And that’s OK. I just go back, take a look at what I can change and move forward. Here are some tips that might work for you too.

The "Resum-eh" Moment: You've just sent out 100 resumes, and you're waiting for callbacks like a kid waiting for Santa. But even the mighty Santa can miss a house or two. Use a tool like Jobscan, an AI-powered resume checker that optimizes your resume for any job. Keep refining it, and don't let those chirping crickets get you down.

The "Interview Tango": Interviews are like a dance. Sometimes you're waltzing through questions, and other times you're doing the paso doble with Derek Hough and just trying to keep up (see what I learned from Dancing with the Stars?). You’re not going to ace every interview, no matter how much you practice. Embrace the awkward moments; they make for great stories later.

Getting Ghosted: Ghosting sucks, whether it's a date or a job prospect. Remember, you dodged a bullet if they can't muster the decency to give you a simple rejection email. Brush it off and channel your inner superhero –you're clearing the path for something better!

Wait For It…: Waiting for that job offer is like waiting for that cake to bake while staring at the oven. Patience is the name of the game, but don't forget to sprinkle some follow-ups to remind them you exist. Just don't be too pushy – you want a job, not a restraining order!

Celebrate the Small Wins: Landing your dream job is the goal, but don't underestimate the power of celebrating the small victories along the way – whether it's acing an interview question or perfecting your cover letter. Pop some virtual confetti and dance like nobody's watching!

Network, Network, Network: Networking isn't just about business cards and LinkedIn connections; it's about building genuine relationships. So, don't be afraid to reach out, have a virtual coffee, and discuss life, the universe, and everything. You might just find your next opportunity in the process.

Stay Sane – Breathe!: Lastly, don't forget to take breaks and practice self-care. Job hunting can be a rollercoaster ride, but you're in control of the brakes. Take a deep breath, meditate, and remind yourself that you've got this!

I sincerely believe every rejection is a redirection to something better, even if the sting hurts. Keep your chin up, your smile on, and your resum-eh updated! Let's ride through those job search highs and lows together.

Want to chat? Contact me!