The What: Wrapped 2023 – A Job Hunt Tale
2023 was my year of job hunting, and while others were wrapping up their dating experiences, I took a different spin. Laid off in October, I dove into the job market with over 700 applications and many rejection letters. But trust me, it gets wilder.
In the grand scheme, job hunting is like a rollercoaster, and I was strapped in for the ride. It began in August when I decided to focus more on applying for jobs rather than dating. Little did I know my job hunt would become the most entertaining saga of the year.
The How: Job Hunt Hacks and Interview Madness
Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty – the job hunt hacks that turned rejection letters into job offers. I revamped my approach based on tips from recruiters, making changes to my resume, cover letter, and how I applied for jobs. The result? A whopping 230 rejection letters. Sounds like a lot, right? But in job hunting, rejection is a sign of engagement.
Out of those 700 applications, I had 15 rounds of job interviews. Three of them even went to the third round, showcasing that my efforts were getting attention. Eventually, I secured not one but two job offers. The first, however, was a masterclass in misleading job descriptions. On day one, they dropped the bomb that my role was entirely different from what was promised. The second day brought the realization that “training” was merely a myth – all I did was move my mouse around, which, to some, might sound like a dream job, but not for someone aspiring to make meaningful career moves.
The second job offer came with its own set of surprises – a shockingly low initial offer. But here’s where negotiation skills kicked in, and after a bit of back-and-forth, I landed in my sweet spot with excellent benefits. Plus, the job aligned with my passion – a win in my book.
Oh, but let’s not forget the Achieve recruiter debacle. Overqualified, non-negotiable salary, and a rejection that brought me immense joy – the perfect example of dodging a bullet.
The Where: Navigating the Job Market Rollercoaster
So, where did all this madness unfold? The job market, my friend, is a wild terrain where reality often dances with illusion. From the deceitful dance of job descriptions to the unexpected twists in salary negotiations, I navigated a rollercoaster without the intention of slowing down.
The Achieve recruiter incident, though frustrating at the time, became a pivotal moment of clarity. It reinforced my determination to seek positions where creativity thrives, my worth is acknowledged, and professional development is not an afterthought.
The Why: Crafting a Job Hunt Planner
Amid the chaos, a realization dawned – the need for a job hunt planner. As someone who learned the ropes through trial and error, I wanted to create a resource that would guide others through the labyrinth of job hunting. The planner, currently in the works, aims to provide tips on job hunting, applications, resume enhancement, LinkedIn strategies, and the tools that played a key role in boosting my salary by over 20k.
To stay in the loop and get exclusive updates about the planner, join my VIP list at girlinhtown.com. I promise not to spam your inbox, but I will give you a heads-up when the planner goes live. Because, let’s face it, job hunting can be a maze, and having a guide can make all the difference.
The Reflection: 2023 – A Rollercoaster of Lessons
In hindsight, 2023 was a year of volatility in the job market. The number of rejection letters may seem daunting, but each was a stepping stone toward success. Bagging two job offers amidst the chaos was a testament to the skills acquired and lessons learned. It’s a far cry from the 1700 job applications I sent two years ago.
Reflecting on the journey, I recognize the importance of being mindful in the job hunt. Quality over quantity was the mantra. The experiences, both good and bad, shaped my approach and led to a much better outcome.
The Future: Turning Chaos into Career Success
As I wrap up the rollercoaster ride of 2023, I’m filled with gratitude for the lessons, the laughs, and the victories. Job hunting may have its share of challenges, but each rejection, each interview, and each negotiation was a stepping stone toward a better career. It’s about turning chaos into career success, and I’m here to share the playbook.
The journey doesn’t end here. In fact, it’s just the beginning. I’m here to help others navigate the unpredictable terrain of job hunting, armed with experience, humor, and the lessons learned in the unpredictable year that was 2023.
