Don’t Let the Market Get You Down

It’s no secret—the job market feels slow at the moment. Roles are taking longer to open up, competition is fierce, and even the most experienced candidates are waiting weeks just to hear back. If you’re job hunting right now, it’s easy to feel disheartened. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone, and this period doesn’t define your skills or your worth.

While you can’t control how fast things move or how many roles are available, you can control how you show up each day. Creating a bit of structure around your job search can make a big difference. Give yourself clear, realistic goals—maybe that’s applying for a few roles a week, following up with contacts, or spending a short amount of time each day on LinkedIn. Consistency matters more than doing everything at once. It’s about keeping the momentum going without burning yourself out.

Connection is also key. It’s easy to feel cut off during a job search, especially if you’re used to being part of a busy team or workplace. But staying in touch with others makes a big difference. Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, or contacts in your network. Have conversations, ask questions, and engage with what’s going on in your industry. Most job opportunities don’t come from adverts—they come from people. Staying visible and involved helps more than you might realise.

Learning something new can also help you stay motivated. That doesn’t mean you need to take on a major qualification or change careers. Even short courses, webinars, or reading about trends in your field can help you feel sharper and more confident. It’s also fine to learn something just for yourself—keeping your brain active and curious is part of staying resilient.

Mindset matters more than people think. It’s completely normal to feel frustrated, especially after a few rejections or weeks of silence. But try not to take it personally. Rejection is part of the process—and often, it’s not about you at all. Make sure you take breaks, get outside, and do things that make you feel good. Celebrate the small wins. A useful conversation, some positive feedback, or even just getting your applications done for the day—they all count.

Above all, remember this: you’re not the only one finding it hard right now. There are many great people in the same position, and the market will move again. In the meantime, keep showing up, stay connected, and take care of yourself.

You only need one “yes.”

And if you’re in the middle of a search and want to share tips, chat, or just connect with others going through it—feel free to reach out. Let’s support each other.