Job searching can be discouraging. It often feels like sending applications into a void, hoping that somewhere, someone will give you a chance. And if you’ve been at it for a while, it’s easy to start wondering if you’re doing something wrong—or worse, if you’re just not good enough.
The first thing to note is that so many people feel this way! I (the actual person writing this mostly second-person article) have felt super discouraged by job hunting before, and probably faced ~20 rejections before landing this job, which I actually enjoy and find meaningful.
Beyond my subjective experience, there’s a whole bunch of statistics on just how hard the job hunt is these days. It’s not encouraging, but hopefully it’s at least validating that you’re far from alone if you’re feeling down about the job hunt.
One reason job hunting is so hard is because hiring is messy, opaque, and somewhat random. Amazing candidates get passed over for reasons they’ll never know, and even the most accomplished professionals have been ghosted after interviews. So if you are feeling discouraged, it’s not a sign that you should give up—it’s a sign that you’re experiencing a system that doesn’t always work the way it should. This article will cover some tips for navigating the job hunt process.
Diagnosing the issues
Job hunting can be a tricky process with many contextual factors at play—making a lot of advice feel hit-or-miss. If you’re struggling to land a job, it’s helpful to take a step back and reflect on your approach. By diagnosing potential problem areas, you can identify opportunities for improvement. However, it’s also important to recognize that hiring decisions are often influenced by factors outside your control, such as internal shifts within an organization or preferences that aren’t directly related to your qualifications.
The goal then is to be honest with yourself about areas for growth without assuming every rejection reflects your abilities. With that in mind, here’s how to identify the biggest roadblocks in your search and what you can do to move forward.
Getting interviews but no offers?
If you’re landing interviews but not getting offers, that’s actually a good sign—it means your resume and application are strong. The challenge now is converting interviews into job offers. Some common reasons for this could be:
- You’re struggling to clearly articulate your skills and experience.
- Your answers sound either too rehearsed or not structured enough.
- You’re not tailoring your responses to what the employer actually cares about.
- You’re not demonstrating enthusiasm or confidence in the role.
What to do:
- Practice answering common questions out loud, rather than just thinking through your responses. Recording yourself or doing mock interviews with a friend—ideally someone with hiring experience—can make a big difference. While it’s a bit of a cliché, the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a helpful way to structure your answers on the fly and keep you from getting off track.
- Research the company deeply and make sure your answers connect your skills to their specific needs. This could also involve reading between the lines of the job description to better understand what they’re actually looking for. For instance, if the role is entry-level and mentions more routine tasks, try not to overly emphasize your ambitions to do other types of work in the role.
- Ask for feedback after an interview if possible—some hiring managers will give you insights into what held you back. Not all employers provide feedback, but it’s worth asking after an interview. If you get a rejection email, try responding with a short, polite message like:
- “Thanks for the opportunity to interview. I really appreciate the time your team took to speak with me. If you have any feedback on how I could improve, I’d love to hear it.”
Not getting interviews at all?
If you’re applying to ~10-20 roles and not hearing back, it might be time to strengthen your application materials, or at least pause and reflect on how you might want to alter your approach.
Focus on essential skills first. Look at the job descriptions for the roles you’re interested in and focus on the core skills that are listed as “required.” Make sure your resume and cover letter highlight how you already have these skills. If you’re unsure about what’s most important, reach out to someone in the field—getting advice from someone who’s already there can make a big difference.
Then, identify bonus skills. Once you’ve nailed the essentials, think about the extra skills that could help you stand out. Take a closer look at the “desired skills” sections of job listings and see if you notice any trends—are there certain tools or qualifications that keep coming up? Don’t be afraid to ask people who work in the field what skills they think are most valuable. Sometimes even small extra skills can make a big difference!
Invest in learning, but keep it practical. Once you know what skills would be especially helpful for your target roles, invest some time into learning them. This doesn’t mean you need to go back to school or spend a lot of money on certifications. Simple online courses, self-study, or free tutorials can make a huge difference. And if you’re unsure what to focus on, asking someone who’s been in the field for a while can help you focus your efforts in the right place.
Get hands-on experience, even if it’s not a full-time job. If you’re feeling stuck in the “entry-level job requiring experience” loop, remember that experience doesn’t always have to come from a traditional job. Side projects, freelance work, internships, or volunteering can all be great ways to show that you can do the work. Even if you’re just starting out, working on something small but impactful can help you demonstrate your abilities, and it shows employers that you’re proactive and passionate. Plus, it helps you build valuable connections.
Improve your application strategy. If you’re sending out tons of applications with no response, the issue might be how you’re applying.
- Make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to each job, clearly highlighting your most relevant skills.
- Leverage your network. Even if you don’t know anyone personally in your target field, reaching out for informational interviews or referrals can dramatically increase your chances of getting noticed.
- Track your applications—and take time to reflect. If you’re not seeing the results you hoped for, it’s worth pausing to reassess. It’s not worth obsessing over every rejection, but every 10–20 rejections (depending on how confident you feel), take a step back and ask yourself: Are there patterns? Should you be applying to different types of roles? Does your resume or online presence need refining? A small adjustment can often make a big difference—whether it’s shifting your focus or strengthening how you present yourself.
- Get feedback. If you’re not getting interviews, ask a trusted friend, mentor, or career coach to review your resume and cover letter. They may spot unclear phrasing, missing skills, or formatting issues that could be holding you back.
Look at who is getting the jobs you want. Search for people on LinkedIn or on organization team pages who have the types of roles you’re applying for. Look at their backgrounds—what skills, experience, or credentials do they have that you might be missing? If possible, you could reach out and ask for an informational interview. You can say something like:
“I’m really interested in breaking into [field], and I noticed you’ve done great work at [company]. I’d love to hear about your experience and any advice you have for someone hoping to follow a similar path.”
Addressing the mental toll of job hunting
While focusing on the practical aspects of your job search—like refining your resume or improving your interview skills—is important, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge the emotional and personal challenges of job searching.
Finding a new job often involves repeated rejection, long stretches of silence, and a constant second-guessing of your own worth, which can lead to burnout and frustration. In these moments, it’s easy to get caught in a spiral of negative self-talk. You might start doubting your abilities, wondering if you’re truly cut out for the roles you’re applying for, or feeling like you’re not enough, no matter how much you try.
Imposter syndrome—the feeling that you’re not as competent as others think you are—often strikes hardest when you’re pushing outside your comfort zone. Maybe you’ve found a job that excites you but start picking apart your qualifications: “Do I have enough experience? What if they realize I’m not the right fit?” These thoughts can be overwhelming, but it’s important to recognize that you’re not alone. Many professionals, especially early in their careers, face the same doubts!
It’s helpful to remember that imposter syndrome is a common experience, and it doesn’t reflect the reality of your skills or potential. Here’s how to manage those feelings and stay grounded as you continue your job search.
Recognize you’ll rarely feel 100% qualified
It’s common to feel underqualified when applying for ambitious, high-impact roles, especially if you don’t meet every listed requirement. Many people—particularly those who are first-generation professionals or from underrepresented backgrounds—describe holding back from applying unless they match every criterion.
In reality, most job descriptions outline an ideal candidate. They’re often closer to a wish list than a strict set of requirements. Employers frequently expect that candidates will grow into the role and contribute in ways they hadn’t fully anticipated.
That said, it’s worth being thoughtful about where you focus your efforts. Rejections—while normal—do take time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. So aim for a balance. If a role excites you and you meet a good portion of the essential and desirable criteria, it’s often worth going for. Over time, you can pay attention to how things are landing: maybe you’re getting interviews when you meet about 70–80% of the requirements but not when you’re closer to 50%. Use that feedback to adjust your approach as you go.
And if you’re hesitating to apply at all because you don’t meet every single requirement, remember, that’s almost always the case! Many successful professionals started in roles where they felt out of their depth at first but figured things out along the way. The worst outcome is often a simple no, so if the role seems like a good fit overall and you want to invest the time, it’s usually worth the shot.
Reframe your experience to build confidence
When imposter feelings hit, it’s easy to zero in on what you think you’re missing. That can make applying for jobs feel draining—or even pointless. But often, what helps most is pausing to notice the skills and experiences you do have, and how they can carry over into new roles.
This doesn’t mean pretending you’re something you’re not. It’s about giving yourself a fairer, more balanced view of your abilities. Try asking yourself:
- Have I tackled challenges like this before, even in a different context?
- What have I figured out quickly in past roles, even when it was new to me?
- What do others often turn to me for help with?
Once you’ve got a few answers, practice putting them into words—even if it’s just in a document for yourself. For example:
- “I haven’t done formal project management, but I’ve kept complex tasks on track across different teams. That shows I can coordinate and prioritize.”
- “I’ve never worked in policy, but I’m good at understanding complex topics and explaining them clearly. That’s a skill that will help me ramp up.”
These reframes aren’t just for your cover letter—they’re reminders for you. They can help quiet the feeling that you’re “not ready” or “not enough,” and instead, focus your energy on how you can grow into a role. You might not tick every box yet—but very few people do.
Seek concrete feedback from trusted people
Instead of relying on your own internal monologue, which can often be clouded by self-doubt, try reaching out to people who can provide a more objective perspective. For example, asking a mentor or supervisor for specific feedback can give you insight into what you’re doing well. Rather than asking if you’re qualified, ask about your strengths in the context of the role or project you’re working on. You might say, “What do you think are the strongest aspects of my work so far?” or “Is there any part of my application that stands out as particularly strong or areas that could use more development?” This approach focuses on specifics and makes the feedback actionable, helping you understand what you’re already bringing to the table.
Peer feedback can also be incredibly valuable, especially from colleagues or friends who are familiar with the challenges you’re facing. They may notice qualities in you that you overlook—like your ability to collaborate, adapt quickly, or think critically—which are just as important as technical skills. For instance, a colleague might tell you, “You’ve really been able to break down complex topics for our team,” which could be a transferable skill that you didn’t realize would be important in your next role.
When you receive positive feedback, keep track of it. Record the compliments or praise you receive, whether it’s an email from a manager or a comment from a peer. This can serve as a quick reminder of your strengths when the self-doubt creeps in. Looking back on these notes can help you reframe your mindset and remind you that others see your value, even if you don’t always feel it yourself.
Additionally, mentors or more experienced professionals can provide constructive criticism that helps you pinpoint areas for improvement. It’s not just about positive affirmations—having someone highlight the areas where you can grow is just as important. For example, a mentor could offer advice like, “You have strong communication skills, but if you want to stand out in this field, I’d suggest developing your technical expertise in X area.” This kind of feedback helps you see both your potential and the steps to take to keep moving forward.
As you start incorporating feedback into your job search or career development, take time to reflect on how far you’ve come. Maybe last year you weren’t getting the same level of feedback, or maybe you’ve grown more confident in your abilities. Recognizing this growth, however small, can serve as a powerful reminder that you’re always progressing and learning, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
Dealing with rejections
Rejections can be tough. Sure, they can offer opportunities for reflection and ways to strengthen your approach, but they can also take an emotional toll. After investing time, energy, and hope into an application, hearing “no” (or nothing at all) can be discouraging. And when it happens more than once, it’s easy to start questioning your abilities or losing confidence in yourself.
Unfortunately, rejections are an inevitable part of the process for everyone. Even experienced professionals face these doubts—often at the moments they’re pushing themselves toward something new or ambitious. Remind yourself: rejection isn’t a verdict on your worth or potential. Sometimes it’s about timing, priorities, or factors you have no control over. Here are a few ways to take care of yourself and stay grounded when rejection feels especially tough:
- Practice self-compassion. You’re allowed to feel disappointed. This process can be exhausting and emotionally draining. Practicing self-compassion isn’t about ignoring those feelings; it’s about giving yourself grace when they show up. A rejection doesn’t mean you’re not capable or worthy; it’s just a hard moment in a tough process. Taking care of yourself—whether that’s through rest, connection with friends, hobbies and projects outside of the job search, or even short self-compassion exercises (like the ones on self-compassion.org)—can help you stay grounded throughout the ups and downs of job searching.
- Recognize it’s a numbers game. The job search can feel deeply personal, but sometimes it’s just math. For many publicly posted roles, tens to hundreds of people apply for publicly listed roles (and for unusually competitive roles, the number of applicants can be much higher). Out of these, only 6-7 people are typically interviewed. Rejection often reflects the realities of this competition rather than your abilities or value. In fact, if you’re not encountering any rejections, it could mean you’re not pushing yourself enough and might be settling for roles that offer less impact than you’re capable of pursuing. The reality is, the only way to avoid rejection is to not try at all—something that would ultimately limit your opportunities.
- Anticipate that rejection is a possibility, even at the final stages. It’s natural to get your hopes up when you’re in final interviews or after a great conversation. But until you have an offer in writing, things can change. Companies often interview multiple candidates up to the last moment, and circumstances can shift. If this happens, it doesn’t take away from the fact that you were a strong contender. Try to keep a little emotional distance until things are official—it can help soften the blow if things don’t go your way.
- Learn what you can, when you can. When you’re ready, reflection can be helpful, but there’s no rush to “spin” a rejection into a lesson if you’re still feeling bruised. If you receive feedback, use it as a tool to identify areas for growth. Did a candidate with more specific experience edge you out? That might highlight skills to develop or ways to sharpen your application. You can also ask the hiring manager directly for feedback, but be sure to do so politely and with an openness to constructive criticism. While not all feedback will be detailed or guaranteed, it can sometimes provide useful insights for future applications. Even if you don’t get direct feedback, take a step back and reflect on the process. Are there any adjustments you might make for the next opportunity? This kind of reflection, done at your own pace, helps you stay focused on improving without losing sight of your overall goals.
Moving forward
Job hunting can be tough, frustrating, and filled with highs and lows, but you’re not alone in this! Every rejection, every moment of doubt, is just part of the process. It’s easy to feel like it’s never going to happen, but perseverance and self-reflection can make a big difference. Trust that with each application, interview, and learning moment, you’re getting closer to the right fit—whether that’s a great next role or even a better understanding of what you want. Keep going, be kind to yourself, and remember: it’s all part of getting to where you’re meant to be.
