Job hunting is a humbling, often exhausting, and sometimes enlightening process. It forces you to take stock of what you bring to the table, how you present yourself, and what you’re really looking for. In my first blog, I shared the unexpected lessons I’ve learned while navigating this journey. But there’s more, particularly when stepping into new experiences and embracing authenticity.
One of the most impactful steps I took was joining a networking group of entrepreneurial women in Port St. Lucie, my small but growing city in Florida. We meet for three monthly luncheons to celebrate each other by introducing ourselves and what we do (all 70 of us), sharing testimonials between door prizes, and making meaningful connections. I’ve expanded my professional network through these gatherings and found a sense of community. We collaborate, refer business to one another, and actively work to replace the ubiquitous "I got a guy for that!" with "I got a gal for that!" Because truthfully, we do have a gal for that. These women excel in everything from dumpster rentals to fairy hair. And they are only the most transformational group I've met.
This week alone has shown me the power of networking in ways I never anticipated. On Monday, I had breakfast with Theresa, a wellness coach I met and clicked with through networking with a different, fun group, and we are now friends. We are also establishing an exchange of services—she will coach me, and I will help her with her digital marketing. I attended one of the monthly luncheons on Tuesday, where I strengthened connections and won a beautiful flower. By Wednesday, I was at a wellness networking event hosted by Theresa, where I connected with an alternative meditation studio. Now I’ll be at a full moon sound bath this Saturday—an experience I would not have considered before. And today I had breakfast with Maggie, a contact from the Tuesday group, who is now interested in hiring me to develop interactive content for her.
These opportunities—professional collaborations, personal growth, and new experiences—stemmed from doing one thing I had not challenged myself to do before: networking. It isn’t just about job leads; it’s about expanding your world in ways you can’t predict. These moments have reinforced the importance of being open to new experiences and the valuable lessons learned from job hunting and career growth.
This is important: There's something else transformational about this experience. It has reminded me of something too easy to forget: I am a unique individual with years of proven experience and much to offer.
Early in my job search, I struggled in interviews. Not because I lacked the skills but because I was too focused on appearing “professional.” What does that even mean in 2025? But I felt like I still needed to fit into that rigid idea of wearing blazers, putting my hair up so no one would notice the blue streaks, and keeping things polished to a degree that just wasn’t me.
The result? I was stiff, over-rehearsed, and ultimately, probably forgettable. Deep down, I knew something wasn’t clicking. Things started shifting when I loosened up and ditched the blazers (gasp! she has tattoos), let my hair down (literally), and leaned into my natural communication style. I took my mentor DeJuan Price, MBA, PMP, APR 's advice and began dressing according to the culture I wanted to work in. I stopped masking my personality and blue hair and embraced everything I am. The interviews felt different. They were more conversational, more natural, and more me.
The reality is that I’m a bit unconventional. I think in unexpected ways, solve problems differently, and bring a creative, strategic perspective that’s hard to teach. But none of that comes through when I’m busy trying to present a polished, one-size-fits-all version of myself. Now, I walk into interviews knowing that the right company will appreciate what makes me different; that’s precisely what makes me excellent at what I do. One of the most valuable lessons learned from job hunting is that the right opportunities come when you show up as your authentic self.
A hard truth I’ve come to accept: I could be the perfect candidate, but if the job isn’t the right fit, it’s not going to work. And the reverse is also true—the right job won’t feel like an uphill battle in the interview process. Yes, preparation is essential (2025 marketing interviews are brutal, and you need to think FAST), but they shouldn’t require exhaustive memorization or force me to contort into something I’m not. I’m interviewing to do work I excel at and have the credentials, experience, and results to back it up.
Instead of pretending I can mold myself to fit every job description, I’ve started applying for roles that genuinely interest and fit me. They are positions that align with my values, expertise, and the work I want to do. This shift has been game-changing. When the opportunity is right, I won’t need to overcompensate—I can show up confidently, speak to what I know, and trust that the right company will see my value.
Job hunting isn’t just about landing a position; it’s about learning who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you truly want from your career... and then landing the right position. Networking pushed me beyond my comfort zone and helped me remember my worth through the eyes of others. Authenticity transformed my interview experiences and helped me attract the right opportunities. And most importantly, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about proving I’m qualified—it’s about finding the place where my skills, values, and personality genuinely fit.
If you’re in the midst of your own job search, consider embracing who you are. Step into the room as yourself, seek out connections who uplift and inspire you, and go after roles that excite you. The right opportunity isn’t just about getting hired; it’s about finding where you belong. In that process, we can gain transformative lessons that can shape our careers and confidence for years.