“Dress for the culture you want to work in.” That advice has been on my mind as I decide what to wear for my 3:30 interview later today. It’s a simple yet powerful idea, offering a rare sense of control in a process that often feels anything but.
We all know jobs aren’t found by circling listings in the newspaper or scheduling interviews via payphone anymore. Today, finding work is a full-time job—unpaid, expensive, and entirely digital. Times have changed, but the hustle hasn’t. It’s just evolved.
Yesterday was one of those days that laid bare the highs, lows, and relentless effort of a job search. Here’s how it all played out—three months of highs, lows, and unpaid work distilled into one day.
The day started early with an interview I’d been preparing for all week. It was with a German company, and recently watching Love is Blind Germany in the original language turned out to be an unexpected language refresher, leaving me feeling fluent again despite the gap. Hot tea in hand, I logged on, ready to answer their questions and, hopefully, impress. I heard back early today, Europe time: I made it to the next round. Tomorrow at 8 am, I’ll meet with team members to see if I’m a culture fit. Fingers crossed. At least this time, I know what to wear.
Mid-morning, I met with a local digital marketing professional I connected with at a networking event last week. I genuinely enjoy networking, especially when it leads to meaningful professional connections with peers and potential clients. Yesterday’s coffee meeting reminded me how valuable it is to step out of my comfort zone and build relationships face-to-face. Over coffee, I got a download on the local marketing scene, which was much-needed as a new resident. We discussed industry trends, shared ideas, and discussed collaboration opportunities. It was a productive and energizing conversation, a reminder that not all job search work happens behind a screen.
Back home, it was time to focus on the heart of the job search: applications. Even with the help of AI (and trust me, it helps), crafting personalized cover letters, submitting applications, and networking your way into interviews feel like a never-ending to-do list. But the work paid off yesterday: four interview requests landed in my inbox. Three are solid opportunities, and one, well, we’ll get to that.
Throughout the day, I received the usual three or four rejection emails. Rejections are never easy, but they offer a unique perspective: they highlight roles where I’m most likely to stand out and help guide my search in more intelligent directions. It’s like using data to optimize my journey, reminding me how far I’ve come since those early scattershot applications were driven by sheer desperation.
One of yesterday’s interview requests was from a company I was initially thrilled about—until I realized it was for an in-person position based in Miami. Today, I confirmed it’s indeed based there. A 3-to-5-hour commute each way is simply not feasible. Letting go of what seemed like a great opportunity was frustrating, but it was also a reminder to double-check job locations before hitting “apply.”
At the same time, it validated that my applications are positioning me as a strong candidate. Mistakes like these are part of the process. For instance, realizing too late that I’d applied for an in-person role taught me to triple-check job details and never let excitement override practicality. Lesson learned: always check the commute before picturing yourself as the star hire.
Over time, I’ve also learned to be more thoughtful about where I apply in the first place. That clarity comes after overcoming the paralyzing fear of the beginning—when unemployment feels overwhelming, and you fear the worst. You get stronger and more resilient. Mistakes like these refine your approach, making your search more focused and intentional.
One of the interviews I scheduled will be a 15-minute call for what could be a fantastic opportunity. The process to get here has been anything but short: I submitted my resume and portfolio and provided written answers to a detailed questionnaire. And now, this brief conversation will be my first live interaction with the hiring manager, the company's owner.
The process is unique and feels like it’s mine to lose. No pressure, right?
Add research and interview prep time to the daily grind, and let’s keep going.
One of the most exciting career opportunities I heard about came directly from LinkedIn networking. It began with a connection over a comment. A few weeks later, that person posted a job listing, and I could directly reach out to express my interest. That small but intentional step gave me an edge, leading to an opening to apply.
Now, I’m in the running for a role that perfectly aligns with my skills and career goals. I have an interview next week! This experience reinforces that LinkedIn isn’t just about building professional connections—it’s a powerful tool for creating real opportunities.
Taking the time to engage meaningfully with your network on LinkedIn can open doors you couldn't even see before. Being intentional, proactive, and authentic can turn friendly digital connections into tangible career moves.
The last interview email of the day was with a talent agency for a growth marketing position. This one’s exciting but highlights how much effort goes into landing the ideal role. After submitting my initial application, they asked for a detailed written questionnaire, which I completed. Yesterday, they followed up to request a video interview. Not just any video interview, though: seven two-minute responses to technical questions I’d already answered in writing, plus two new ones. That’s 14 minutes of polished, on-camera answers. For someone who doesn’t feel at home in front of a camera, it’s daunting.
At 5:00 PM, I had a call with DeJuan, a powerhouse professional woman I deeply respect and consider a mentor. She generously offered her time to support me, bringing her valuable expertise and perspective. I’d been feeling overwhelmed and disheartened about recording that video interview. It felt like another hurdle exposing my flaws rather than an opportunity.
DeJuan’s advice shifted my mindset completely. “Think of this as an opportunity space to showcase who you are,” she told me, “not something that exposes your flaws.” It was exactly what I needed to hear. By the end of our call, I felt more grounded and ready to tackle the challenge ahead, no longer viewing it as daunting but as a chance to highlight my strengths.
The job search isn’t something you can do alone. Trust your network; trust your people. As a strategist, I always say, “People trust people.” It couldn’t be more relevant here. The job search exemplifies this concept, illuminating the intersection of personal and professional. Our networks fuel the journey, guiding us toward where we want—and need—to be.
Like raising a child, getting a job truly takes a village. The peers who cheer us on, refer us, recommend job listings, and connect us with hiring managers all play a role. And especially the mentors and friends who guide, encourage, and teach us something valuable along the way. They make a real difference. It’s virtually impossible to do this alone, and I’m grateful for every support that has helped me keep going.
As for that advice about dressing for the culture you want to work in? It came from DeJuan, too. As I prepare for my 15-minute interview, I know exactly what to wear: something that reflects who I am and aligns with my dream job. It’s a small yet powerful step toward success.