Navigating the Job Hunt Rollercoaster

Staying Positive in a Challenging Job Market

Applying for jobs often feels vulnerable, labor intensive and frustrating. Especially when many companies and organizations have their own timelines, hiring processes and communication styles. Submitting an application into the ether without an indication of what comes next can create anxiety, and feelings of self-doubt. However, in most cases, it has nothing to do with you as the candidate, and much more to do with several other factors, some of which I will address in this article.

Competitive Job Market Realities

The current job market is highly competitive, there is a surplus of highly skilled job seekers, and simply not as many jobs to meet all the talent. Candidates may think they are the most qualified, but there often is someone else in the applicant pool who has even more experience, an advanced degree, or a personal connection. I have been turned down for several jobs that I felt I was a 95% match or better, but there was no way to objectively measure my candidacy in the process to know how I stacked up. Skills and abilities, culture fit and achievements are also subjective criteria and not always evaluated evenly. When these rejection happen they often feel personal, but trust me, the company isn't rejecting you specifically, they are looking for the candidate that is the complete package, someone they feel will be the best match on a number of different metrics. 

The Realities of the Internal v External Candidate Pool 

Along the lines of not being able to predict who else is in the process, often there are internal candidates, or folks that have a stronger relationship to the company or hiring team. I was a finalist in more than one process in which unbeknownst to me at the time, I was up against another finalist who was either looking to transition into this role or was known by the company from a precious professional relationship. While it doesn’t feel amazing to be the “other” candidate they are benchmarking against, the fact that I was considered as a finalist is still an accomplishment. Even though it didn’t result in a job offer. 

Organizations will sometimes create additional openings or positions based on the few strong candidates they have. I have had several friends/colleagues who have gotten hired by companies weeks or months later, because the company was so impressed by their work, even if they didn’t hire them for the original position. Additionally, the statistics vary, but between 25-33% of new hires leave the job within 90 days. This means if you were the runner up, there is a chance the company may come back to you if the initial hire doesn’t take. Another reason to always stay on good terms with a company during and after the interview process. 

The Waiting Game: Unpredictable Timelines

Sometimes the hiring process takes a very long time. This one is tricky for me, I spent the better part of four months in a process only to be eliminated in the last round. That was extraordinarily frustrating and speaks more to the company's lack of clear internal processes and ability to make decisions than it did about me as a candidate. Again, depending on who is hiring, and at what level, the timeline can get extended by more than was originally anticipated or hoped. Additionally, a long, involved process can be a very clarifying experience for a candidate, and may illuminate challenges, like inability to make clear decisions, lack of trust in leadership or general disorganization. All which can help you as the candidate decide if it’s a fit or not.

Missed Opportunities and Economic Uncertainty

Applying too late in the process. I’ve done this more times than I can count. No matter how diligent in looking for the roles I’m interested in, jobs slip past me. In this super-competitive market sometimes, the jobs are posted for only a few days as they may have already been inundated with qualified candidates and no longer looking for additional applicants.  

Another thing I’ve seen much more of recently are jobs appearing, then being pulled, restructured or just never reopened. Depending on the corporation this may have many causes, but it’s felt more prevalent given the ups and downs in the economy both after COVID and around other volatile metrics in the market.

While these external factors can be frustrating, it's essential for candidates to focus on what they can control: tailoring their applications, preparing for interviews, and networking within their industry. Persistence and adaptability can help candidates navigate these challenges and increase their chances of securing a job interview.

I also believe that sometimes when it doesn’t work out that’s ok, and is opening up the path for the right fit. 

Staying Positive while Embracing Uncertainty

The job hunting journey can be a rollercoaster of emotions, from the initial excitement of applying to the sometimes frustrating waiting game. It's crucial to remember that often, the challenges you face have little to do with your qualifications or worth as a candidate. The competitive job market, internal candidates, extended timelines, and missed opportunities are just a few of the external factors that can affect the process.

However, amidst these challenges, it's essential to maintain a positive outlook. Focus on what you can control—crafting tailored applications, honing your interview skills, and expanding your professional network. Embrace persistence and adaptability as your allies in navigating this ever-changing landscape.

Furthermore, sometimes a closed door isn't a rejection but an invitation to explore new possibilities and find the perfect fit. Each experience, whether successful or not, brings you one step closer to your professional goals. So, keep going, stay resilient, and remember that the right opportunity is waiting just around the corner. Your determination and positive attitude will undoubtedly lead you to success in your job search journey.

I’m rooting for you!