The Importance of Consistency in Job Hunting

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in life, and certainly none in the job market. As PhDs, we are no strangers to hard work and perseverance, but often we can approach an industry job search with the wrong mindset—searching for guarantees. If you’re waiting for certainty that applying for a position will land you the job, or if you’re trying to evaluate every opportunity for its likelihood of success before taking action, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Job searching isn’t about guarantees—it’s about consistent, relentless effort in the face of uncertainty. The reality is that applying for jobs and networking often feels like throwing darts in the dark. You won’t know which application will get a response or which connection will lead to an opportunity. Most of your efforts won’t yield immediate results, but that doesn’t mean they’re wasted. Each application, networking event, and outreach email builds momentum, teaches you something, and brings you closer to the one “yes” you need to get hired. Approaching your job search without guarantees means reframing your mindset. 1. Stop treating rejection as failure. Instead, see it as part of the process—a necessary step in finding the right fit. Remember, even the most qualified candidates face rejection. 2. Focus on what you can control: crafting strong resumes, tailoring applications, preparing for interviews, and building genuine connections. Worrying about outcomes is wasted energy. Shift that energy toward what you can actively do today. 3. Embrace persistence. Job searching is a numbers game, and the odds improve with every application you submit and every conversation you initiate. Set daily or weekly goals to ensure consistent progress—whether it’s applying to five roles, reaching out to three connections, or attending one networking event. The key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels like nothing is happening. Progress is cumulative, and opportunities often arise when you least expect them. Here’s the universal truth you need to hold onto: it only takes one “yes” to change everything. The one application you almost didn’t submit, the one LinkedIn message you debated sending, the one interview you thought went poorly—any of these could be the breakthrough moment. But you’ll never reach that “yes” if you hold back, overanalyze, or wait for certainty. Success in the job market requires throwing yourself fully into the process, taking action again and again, and trusting that persistence will pay off. The lesson is simple... Stop searching for guarantees. Instead, focus on relentless effort and consistent action. Build momentum, stay persistent, and embrace the process, knowing that every rejection brings you closer to the one “yes” that matters.

What Shakespeare & Serena Williams Taught Me About Job Searching What do a 16th-century playwright and a 23-time Grand Slam winner have in common? Relentless consistency. 🧠 You could have a resume written by Shakespeare himself... 🎾Or deliver a single presentation better than Serena’s 128 mph serve… And still not get hired in this market. Because it’s not about one perfect thing. There is no silver bullet. ( I've been saying this for a long time) It’s not about a flawless resume, or a standout interview, or a viral LinkedIn post. It’s about doing hundreds of tiny things well—consistently. Like: Reaching out to the right hiring manager (not just hitting "apply") Updating your LinkedIn headline with keywords your audience is searching for Following up after an interview with more than just a “thank you” Posting content that builds trust before you ever hit send on a CV Shakespeare didn’t become iconic because of one play. He kept writing, testing, and performing—over and over again. And Serena? She didn’t win 23 Grand Slams by hitting one perfect serve. ↳ She trained relentlessly. ↳ She fine-tuned every angle of her game. ↳ She mastered the tiny things most people overlook. That’s what job searching is actually about. It’s not about hoping one recruiter or perfectly written will change everything. It’s about the accumulated power of showing up, tweaking, improving, and staying in the game. So the next time things feel slow, ask yourself: “What are the small things I can do today that compound over time?” → Winning isn’t loud. → It’s not always dramatic. → It’s usually just quiet consistency, repeated daily.

I run six days a week - not because I love it - but because I have to. Consistency saved my life - and taught me a lot about showing up, even when I don’t feel like it. Years ago, my doctor told me I was overweight and borderline diabetic. That was the wake-up call. I started running for my health—but over time, it became something more. Now, it’s a habit. A part of my identity. If I don’t run, I don’t feel like myself. And this mindset applies directly to job hunting. A lot of people treat the job search like a sprint - firing off resumes in a flurry, then burning out when they don’t hear back right away. But here’s the truth: job hunting is a job. And like any job, success comes from consistent effort, not occasional intensity. ✅ Block out time every day ✅ Track your outreach and follow-ups ✅ Set small, realistic goals each week ✅ Keep showing up, even when the motivation isn’t there Because - just like running—the most important days are the ones when it’s hard to get moving.

Persistence, Consistency, and Creativity: Thriving in a Tough Job Market (Speaking of persistence and creativity, ChatGPT was down this morning, and Perplexity.ai was helpful 😂) In today's job market, the competition is fierce, and it can be disheartening to see the statistics reflecting the challenges we face. According to LinkedIn's latest employment market report, there has been a 27% year-on-year rise in applications per application. Additionally, the Technology, Information, and Media industry has experienced a significant decline of nearly 40% compared to July 2022, making it one of the hardest-hit sectors. However, it is during these tough times that our true character is revealed. As James Lane Allen wisely said, "Adversity does not build character, it reveals it." Instead of letting these statistics discourage us, let them ignite a fire within us to be better, to push harder, and to rise. Here are some key points to remember and actions to take to navigate the tough job market: 1. Embrace Persistence - Understand that success rarely comes overnight. It takes time, effort, and perseverance. - Keep applying for jobs, even if the competition is fierce. Each application is an opportunity, and you never know when the right opportunity will come knocking. - Network actively and reach out to professionals in your desired field. Building connections can open doors and lead to unexpected opportunities. 2. Maintain ConsistencyDevelop a routine and stick to it. - Consistency in your job search efforts will yield better results over time. - Set achievable goals and break them down into smaller tasks. Celebrate each milestone you reach, no matter how small. - Continuously update and improve your skills. Take online courses, attend webinars, or join professional organizations to stay relevant in your industry. 3. Cultivate Creativity - Think outside the box and explore alternative career paths or industries that may have better prospects. - Showcase your creativity in your job applications and interviews. - Highlight unique experiences, projects, or skills that set you apart from other candidates. - Consider freelancing, consulting, or starting your own business. These options can provide flexibility and opportunities for growth. Remember, it's not about the ease of the journey; it's about the growth and resilience we develop along the way. In my personal experience, seeking help and guidance when I was feeling stuck or overwhelmed played a crucial role in my success. Leveraging coaching at different phases of life allowed me to land a new job, embark on a solo backpacking trip around the world, write a children's book, and even launch my own coaching business. So, let's embrace the challenges, stay persistent, consistent, and creative. Let's use this adversity as an opportunity to reveal our true character and achieve our goals. "Adversity does not build character, it reveals it." - James Lane Allen