Nearly a year ago—15 days shy of a full 365 days, to be exact—I clicked “submit” on an application for a role I was genuinely excited about.
Last Friday, I finally got a reply: “Thanks! But, alas… not at this time.”
A year. Twelve months. The span of four seasons.
While the sting of any rejection is real, the sheer length of time it took to get a reply was a powerful, if slightly absurd, reminder of the current job market reality. If nothing else, this experience shows the sheer, unrelenting volume of applications hitting companies right now, from major tech firms to local small businesses.
HR teams are swamped. My friend who owns a coffee shop gets daily applications for barista roles even when she’s not hiring, and she saw over 40 applications for a baker’s role. Multiply that by thousands for in-demand tech and design positions, and you begin to see why it can take 12 months just to get a canned “good luck, check our careers page” email. It truly feels like an alternate, time-dilated reality of uncertainty.
So, how do we navigate this endless waiting game without losing our focus or our minds?
A Pep Talk for the Job Search Marathon
This isn’t just advice for others; it’s a daily pep talk for myself. If you’re still in the search, I hope this helps you keep going.
1. Keep the Faith and the Fire Going
It’s easy to feel defeated after silence or rejection. But your talent is real, and the right role for you exists. Maintain that belief. Treat the job search like a project with an end goal, not a personal reflection of your worth.
2. Apply Smartly, Not with a Shotgun
While volume is high, your energy is finite. Focus on quality over quantity. Tailor your resume and cover letter for specific roles, demonstrating a clear connection between your skills and their needs. Spend that saved time better preparing for the few roles you’re most passionate about.
3. Work Your Freelance Muscle (and Grow a Thick Skin)
Need to generate income and keep your skills sharp while you wait? Freelance. It’s competitive out there, too, but it’s a vital way to build your portfolio and test your resilience. Every client interaction—good or bad—is a real-world learning experience.
4. Beef Up Your IN-PERSON Network
In a world drowning in digital applications, personal connections are gold. Most interviews, especially in creative and tech fields, still come from who you know. Attend local meetups, go to conferences, volunteer, and get coffee with people you admire. Prioritize building relationships over chasing leads.
5. Keep Making and Keep Sharing
Don’t wait for permission or a paycheck to be a designer, artist, or maker. This is perhaps the most crucial point. Keep creating things that excite you and share them.
- Portfolio work: Build that AI-powered tool, launch that micro-site, or design that vibe app.
- Creative hobbies: Make videos, woodcarvings, little 3D-printed Star Wars ornaments, or whatever brings you joy.
As a designer, I know the need to constantly refresh my perspective, which is why I often turn to sites like wblacklock.com for a dose of inspiration and clarity. Making is your therapy and your best marketing tool.
6. Do Not Take the Timing or Silence Personally
This is the hardest part. The silence, the ghosting, and the year-long replies are a reflection of an overwhelmed hiring process, not a reflection of your potential or talent. Let the impersonal nature of the process remind you that the silence isn’t about you; it’s about volume.
To everyone still navigating this long, uncertain journey: You are not alone. The job market is tough right now, but your commitment to keeping your skills sharp and your head high is what will ultimately pay off.
This too shall pass. Keep going.