Welcome to the Just Get Hired Newsletter!

We’re already a month into 2024. Wow. January seemed to last forever but also go by quickly.

If you’re still looking for a job (or have been for a while), you’ve probably experienced your fair share of challenges. Rather than run from them, I find it helpful to acknowledge them, speak them out loud, and then examine how they might impact what actions you take.

Today I’ll be sharing 8 harsh truths about the job search. Hopefully they help you feel less alone and more prepared to face them.

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Let’s get into it.

I don’t really have a snappy intro today 🙂 so let’s get right into some of the harsh truths about the job search in 2024.

1) It’s a LOT of work (and time)

You’re (probably) not getting hired in 2 weeks. Or in 10 applications.

The minimum I’ve seen is 30-45 days, even for people who have connections. Recent data showed that the average job search was around 5 months in 2023.

This means it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

Pace yourself, try to avoid burnout, but prepare for consistent effort.

2) The market dictates opportunities

Your value and opportunities are going to vary based on company demand.

Right now, it’s probably the worst time to be a job-seeker since 2008/2009.

Many people, especially in tech, got used to job hopping and intense negotiation to maximize their earnings the past 3-5 years.

But with things shifting, you may need to compromise more on what you’re looking for.

That doesn’t mean accepting a job at a toxic company or giving up.

But it does mean you may choose stability / job security over higher compensation for the time being, or just be prepared to wait longer for the perfect opportunity.

3) You’ll be rejected more than accepted

Getting rejected for anything feels awful.

But you’re certainly going to receive WAY more rejections than job offers.

Yes, even for roles you are VERY qualified for. I hear from candidates all the time about how they’ve applied for things they are GREAT candidates for, or even roles that they’re overqualified for.

Regardless, they face rejection.

This isn’t a reflection of you or your value, worth, or capability.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get excited about new opportunities, but always continue searching, move on quickly from rejections, and know you’ll get there.

4) There isn’t one ‘perfect’ job

Company’s have significantly more choice than you do right now.

That means that even a role / company that feels like a perfect fit for you may go in a different direction.

Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket or overcommitting to one opportunity. Even if you’re on the cusp of getting an offer, don’t turn down new interviews or opportunities.

You never know what’s out there, or what may fall through at the last minute.

5) Companies don’t care about you

Sorry, I know this one is rough. But it’s a very important one to internalize.

Companies only care about how you will add value or solve their problems.

They don’t care about all your accomplishments, previous titles, or anything else.

The job search is sales: figure out what a company needs and how you are the best person to give it to them.

This should come through in all aspects of the job search. Write your resume to be value oriented, shorten your responses in interviews and make them value oriented, etc.

6) Being qualified isn’t the only thing

The reality: you are going to apply and be rejected from jobs you’re qualified for.

You might KNOW that you would crush it in that role at that company.

But other things matter. Getting a referral, optimizing your resume, connecting with your interviewer, etc.

Small things add up. You have no way to know who else they interviewed, why they made the decision they made, or anything else.

7) People with an “in” get hired

It may not be fair or right, but it happens. People with referrals, connections, or network get hired more.

You need to be prioritizing the human element within your job search.

Connecting with former colleagues, asking for help, conducting informational interviews, and messaging hiring managers.

You can lament it or take advantage of it. Your choice.

8) Nobody owes you anything

Again, this one is harsh.

Putting in significant effort without returns can be very frustrating.

But that hiring manager you messaged, the recruiter you emailed -- they don’t “owe” you a response. They don’t “owe” you a job.

They may not behave properly. You may think they suck.

Well guess what. Even if they do (e.g. they ghost you after an interview), you’re better off focusing on what you can control.

Which is moving on to the next opportunity.

Some closing thoughts:

Some of these things might be hard to hear and definitely hard to experience.

It’s critical to battle against these challenges:

1) Accept things you can’t control

2) Build a support network

3) Separate your value from the process

4) Pace yourself and don’t give up

5) Invest in getting better along the way

Here’s to confronting and persevering through the challenges of the 2024 job search. You got this!

One of my personal goals in 2024 is to grow this newsletter. If you get value out of my content, you can help by sharing the link below and getting credit for referrals :)

I appreciate you in advance!

-Ben