After spending a couple of years at a company known for its "job security," I, along with many others, found myself caught in a recent wave of layoffs. The initial shock quickly turned into anxiety—I hadn't job hunted in years, and the market felt more uncertain than ever. This post shares my journey and the lessons I learned along the way.
The Overwhelm of Job Searching
The first few weeks were daunting. I spent countless hours tailoring resumes for different positions, lost track of dozens of applications across multiple platforms, and struggled to research companies thoroughly enough to feel confident going into interviews. At one point, I started questioning whether the roles I was applying for even aligned with my career goals.
I was stuck in the same frustrating cycle so many of us face: sending out application after application, hoping something would stick, but feeling increasingly disconnected from what I truly wanted in my next role.
That’s when I realized I needed a more strategic approach to job searching—one that prioritized quality over quantity and focused on the opportunities that truly aligned with my goals.
Quality Over Quantity
Over time, I learned that quality always trumps quantity. The "spray and pray" approach to job applications is not only exhausting but also ineffective. I saw better results when I focused on analyzing fewer opportunities in depth rather than mindlessly applying to everything in sight.
The Hidden Job Market Is Real
Remember when job descriptions actually told you what you needed to know? Yeah, me neither. Some of the best opportunities I found came from looking beyond job postings and truly understanding companies—their culture, recent developments, and employee sentiment.
This shift in approach helped me find roles that weren’t just available but actually aligned with what I was looking for. Networking, researching beyond job boards, and understanding a company’s direction became just as important as polishing my resume.
Interview Preparation Is More Than Memorizing Answers
After struggling in an interview because I wasn’t aware of a recent company acquisition (something I should have known about), I realized how crucial comprehensive preparation is. Beyond practicing common interview questions, it’s essential to stay informed about the company, industry trends, and how external factors might impact the role.
Taking Control of Your Job Search
The tech industry’s instability isn’t going away anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean we have to feel powerless in our job searches. Whether you’re actively looking or just keeping an eye on opportunities, having the right approach can make all the difference.
If you’re in the midst of a job search—especially after a layoff—remember, you’re not alone. This process is challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to find a role that truly fits your goals and values. Take the time to:
- Clearly define what you want in your next role
- Research companies thoroughly before applying
- Prepare thoughtfully for each interview
- Keep track of your progress and learnings
In an attempt to make job searching less about mass applications and more about finding the right fit, I am building https://www.eloovor.com which is basically an all in one career tool that aims to take the the monotony of job applications away from you.
The goal is simple: to help you stand out in your job applications while automating the tedious but necessary parts of the process. The app takes care of everything you need for your job search and is packed with powerful AI features.
When you start using the app: Firstly, You can analyze your resume and get actionable suggestions for improvement. It also checks your keyword usage and helps optimize it to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Writing compelling resume content can be challenging, so the app includes an input enhancer—just type what you want to refine, and it will rewrite it in a polished, professional way based on the suggestion.
You can also track your job applications while leveraging AI-driven insights. With just one click, you can research potential employers instead of wasting time searching the web. The app also offers a job fit analysis based on your profile and the job description, generates personalized resumes and cover letters, and even prepares interview materials and tips to help you stand out. It’s like having a personal career coach in your pocket.
it’s completely free! Try it out at https://app.eloovor.com.
I’d love to hear your job search stories and the tools or strategies that have worked for you. Drop a comment below or reach out directly
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