DISCUSSIONS

Job search mindset

Anonymous Image

Anonymous

Welcome to Fairygodboss!

We’re the largest online career community helping women achieve their career goals. Gain access to articles, jobs, events, and a supportive network of women and allies. Membership is free, always.

Job search mindset

There is one advice that stuck to me about job search. No matter what your circumstances are, you should not allow yourself to get too emotional. Unless you are extremely lucky, there will be many rejections, ghosting, false hopes, etc. Your ego will really take a hit. Just keep a distance from the process. Treat it as a task list. Get satisfaction purely from completing the tasks - updated the resume, submitted the resume, contacted recruiter, did my best during an interview, etc. You don't control the outcome, so don't get discouraged by it.

This is the advice I keep giving myself as I am going through this journey. Luckily, I still have a job, however, environment is so toxic that every day there feels like torture. But I am telling myself that I need to keep going because of my family. I am grateful at the end of each day that I will be paid. So far I have made it to only one interview with no offer and an enormous amount of declines or no responses although I know that I would be a very strong candidate for all positions I applied to. My age may be a problem too, but again, I can't control how others think.

To all the job seekers out there - my best wishes to all of us and good luck!

Why women love us:

  • Daily articles on career topics
  • Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
  • Advice and support from an authentic community
  • Events that help you level up in your career
  • Free membership, always

Like

24 comments

Share

Share your insight

Join an authentic community that helps women support each other at work. Share your professional experience or ask for advice — you can even post anonymously.

24 Comments

Join the conversation
  1. Anonymous

    Thank you for that excellent advice and compassion

  2. Anonymous

    Exactly! Do your best, follow up and move on. If not this opportunity, SOMETHING will pop up.

    Showing lack of emotion can be easier said than done (longeryou look, easierto get frustrated), but I think this advice is perfect!

  3. Anonymous

    It's a numbers game, it will hit eventually !

  4. Tina

    Yes this is true. While I have been navigating the job market, I have hit many roadblocks, especially the ghosting. I find companies have been very unprofessional when keeping in contact with candidates, especially when you have had multiple interviews!! Keep going NEVER GIVE UP, the moment I thought I was going to give up I decided to change my strategy. I got through this by shifting my mindset and attitude. It is what it is! Sometimes you just have to deal. Remember-YOU ARE A VALUALBLE ASSET THAT DERSERVES TO HAVE WHAT YOU WANT!

  5. Anonymous

    I see what you’re saying but my perspective has changed well away from this. I think one should stay optimistic but when I was in such a cycle of applying and being rejected, o don’t think the jobs I applied for or even received were the best fit for me. I wouldn’t have grown in a way that mattered to me and work culture would have just created more problems. If you’re applying purely for financial reasons you may be neglecting personal needs a position could fill and I feel that disconnect just lead to bitter cycles and I see many stuck in such cycles. What has paid off from taking meaningless jobs in the past was investing in hobbies in my free time and finding at least one that stuck because the growth ended up being valuable and leading, years later, to a better career path. I’ve been strategically applying to certain jobs which I’ve gotten acceptance letters. I also used the pandemic as a learning moment. It changed my perspective. I like I’m not stuck in a cycle of constantly applying and I’m rather meaningfully applying.

  6. Anonymous

    Well done for persevering.

  7. Anonymous

    Well your not arrogant.

  8. Anonymous

    It's meant to be a complement..

  9. Anonymous

    Ageism?

  10. Anonymous

    Before you apply for another job, take a step back and consider what job do you really want.
    If you focus on that you will narrow down your job search and direct your actions toward the right jobs/companies.
    Something else to consider - is there something that you can do to make life more comfortable at work as you look for new employment.
    Years ago when I was working toward getting another job, I began taking classes to prepare myself for another opportunity. Taking a class twice a week gave me something to look forward to and it helped me feel better about my current work situation. This may not be for you but even working on a new goal can bring a little happiness into an otherwise rut.
    I wish you the best in your job search. Stay encouraged.

  11. Anonymous

    Thank you for the encouragement and advice. I absolutely agree with the rejection part and how it can take a toll on your self-esteem of not being good enough. Especially when you're getting rejected by an automated email and not an actual person. Just gotta continue to be consistent with searching and remaining positive.

  12. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    I always recommend candidates not get too invested in any one job until you have an offer.

    Apply and let it go. If you hear back about an interview, prepare, be enthusiastic, do your best and then let it go. Follow up as needed but don't sit there staring at the phone or checking your email every two minutes.

    I know it's not easy, but for most people's mental health - it's better than getting your heart set on a position, placing all your hopes on that job and then being disappointed.

    A job search these days for most people is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to plan for the long haul. If you land something quickly - good for you! But setting realistic expectations can make a big difference.

    And jobseekers - please don't beat yourselves up if you don't get the job - chances are you did your best and there's nothing you could have done differently. If you feel you could have done better, practice before your next interview - look forward, not back.

    Wishing you best of luck - hope the next one IS THE ONE!!

  13. Anonymous

    On the other side of that coin and something I hate that companies do. Most companies are required to post open positions internally and publicly. 99 time out of 100, they already know who they intend to hire (mostly from internal applicants) and do the outside interviews to meet the requirements. The lucky few that do get in from the outside typically know someone inside and get a referral.

    I work in a warehouse that supports transportation. Prior to this, I worked in pharmacy for 30 years. I had no business being called for an interview but I had a referral from the inside. I was called in and given the opportunity. (it was a entry level position). I have learned and applied myself and been promoted a few times but if I were trying on my own to get a position here, I never would have been called.

  14. Anonymous

    I actually respect when internal people are promoted and also understand that it is safer to hire a "known" quality through referral. So in my mind around 50% of the job postings out there should go to these scenarios. However, what is happening with other 50%? If you are qualified, shouldn't you at least get some screening for 25% of positions you applied to without referrals? If not, is it that in today's Internet age you are simply a needle in the haystack?

  15. Anonymous

    I went through this as an external candidate. They literally strung me along singing praises until MID interview: we have an internal employee we are considering.

    Sure enough.....

    They didn't have the decency to send an automated rejection letter- found out logging in I was declined while walking to my vehicle after interview

    I had a portfolio, et al. The works.

    A total waste of time for me AND THEM. Met with 4 people!!

  16. Anonymous

    THIS!!!

    It makes absolutely no sense for private companies to even have these requirements that waste their time and applicants' time and give the applicants false hope.

    For the internal candidates, one has to weigh concerns about a current manager finding out about the desire to change roles before they even apply. It's damaging to morale to have to compete to advance in your organization with people from the outside or see good coworkers have to compete against externals and waiting a few weeks or however long it takes to find out if the company found "someone better." When we hear HR and hiring managers making disparaging remarks about people "job hopping" (banish the term) and that "people have no loyalty anymore" (like companies do???) we must first acknowledge that many common practices (like this) give people far fewer reasons to be loyal. Many internal employees who lose to external applicants leave for other jobs.

  17. Stacey

    That is great advice; thank you.

  18. Ladyboss549724

    Love your encouragement and wisdom! There are fewer jobs than talent so candidates are getting a terrible experience. I use to tell myself that I wouldn't want to work for companies that don't focus on the candidate experience because they most likely don't focus on the employee experience, and the right place will pop. The same goes for the age element -- would I want to work for an employer who can't see age as experienced wisdom. Or diversity as an advantage to gaining more perspective and wisdom.

    I am sorry to hear that you're in a toxic work environment, but that focus and desire to keep going for your family is evident. They will be there for you the way you're being there for them.

    You've got this -- your mindset is strong!

  19. Anonymous

    Great response and I couldn’t agree with all of these points because if you need to work or you want to work, you have to jump through all these hoops and it can be painful at times and it’s hard not to take it personal. Remember it’s not you!

    it’s the employers they don’t know how to hire. I don’t know when that started but it is going on everywhere so you’re not alone in the difficult job search.

  20. Mary Poggi Schilling

    We have to stay employment strong to get through the grueling job applications an interview process currently going on. I wish there was justice for interviewers and candidate care.

  21. Anonymous

    I know it's human nature to take rejection personally. But if you look at it another way...No one knows how many rejections they'll get before they land a good job. Let's call that number "X". So, every rejection is X minus one, right? Not only are you getting closer to your goal, you're also practicing and fine-tuning your interview skills and other aspects of job-hunting. You'll get there!

  22. Anonymous

    You may think this is me being naive, but I think of it as I am attracting the job of my dreams and God [remove if you don't believe] and the universe are making it possible for me to attract the best job and pathway forward for me.

    In 2020, I left a job that I had been in for 12 years. Within three months of job searching, I found a job that paid 50% more than my original job and in 2022, I took another job that pays 225% than my 2020 job.

    I am now looking for a new job because I've been having a lot of problems in this role and it is not the best fit for me and my young child.

    I know that anything is possible and a better job is out there for me. I do daily affirmations and visualize that I am in a new job that I am passionate about, where I am surrounded by leaders and teams that support me and value my work, where I can build a career and get excellent performance reviews when I first wake up in the morning and at night before I go to sleep.

    I am staying positive and applying to positions that would be good fit for me that would give me more work/life balance, while allowing me to maintain or increase my salary. I know it may take a long while to find the best position for me. I've been actively looking for a new job since January. I've had two serious interviews so far.

    Best of luck and keep staying positive! You will get the job of your dreams, you will see

  23. Jacqueline Thompson

    I love this advice! I try to constantly remind myself that the rejection isn't personal, but I have to admit, it gets harder the longer it goes on. I'm staying positive and I feel that the perfect job for me is right around the corner, I just have to stay strong and focused. Good luck to everyone!

  24. Angela Mason

    The rejection is so hard but I'm proud of you for keeping applying even while working a job that's a toxic environment.

Browse recent posts

jljl3ph
Plan construction projects with the Concrete Calculator, a practical online tool for estimating material quantities, calculating concrete requirements, managing costs, and simplifying building work.
Hiii everyone!
I'm. Current looking for remote jobs
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
Your trusted partner for a cleaner, healthier home in Los Angeles, California. At Quick Clean Carpet Care, we've been providing top-notch carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, pet accident treatment, hard floor cleaning, rug cleaning, window cleaning, and house washing services for over 9 years. Our team of experts uses eco-friendly solutions and state-of-the-art equipment to leave your home sparkling clean and germ-free. From stain removal to deep cleaning, we've got you covered. Serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, we're committed to delivering exceptional customer service and unparalleled results. Call us today to schedule your appointment and experience the Quick Clean difference!
See more
Fairygodboss VIP
Achieve your career goals.
Be part of the largest online career community for women to find jobs, advice, and support — for free.
Fairygodboss members