Navigating the Job Market

I am back.

After a bit of silence, I’m excited to be writing to you again. The past few months have been a whirlwind for me. First, I was knee-deep in job applications, and once I landed my new role, I needed time to adjust to the new routine. Now, with nearly four months of experience under my belt, I’ve realized how much I missed writing and sharing my journey with you all.

If you’re a recent graduate searching for your first full-time job, trust me, I’ve been there. And today, I’d like to offer some tips I’ve picked up along the way.

The Job Market is Tough—It’s Not Just You

Let’s face it: the job market hasn’t exactly been kind lately. Companies are freezing hiring, there are fewer positions posted, and application processes are taking forever. But here’s the key takeaway: don’t get discouraged. It’s not always a reflection of your qualifications—it’s the market.

Here are some strategies that can give you an edge:

1. Always Apply Through Referrals

Put yourself in HR’s shoes. They receive hundreds of applications for a single role. Some of them get filtered out by systems because of missing keywords or formatting issues. Others might get skipped simply because the HR manager was having a long day and your CV didn’t stand out.

This is why referrals are golden. When someone from within the company refers you, your CV is more likely to get reviewed seriously and fast-tracked to the next stage. If you’re referred, you’re seen.

2. Conduct Informative Interviews

If you’re thinking, “But Kei, I don’t know many people at the companies I want to work for”, you’re not alone. That’s where informative interviews come in, something I learned at Stanford. Reach out to people in the roles or companies you’re interested in. Ask them about their experience—what they like about their role, their work culture, etc. You’ll gain valuable insights and, often, they’ll remember you if an opportunity arises.

3. Practice Telling Your Story

Whether it’s for interviews or networking events, get comfortable with telling your story. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Knowing your personal narrative and how it connects to your career goals is crucial for leaving a lasting impression.

4. Think Outside the Box

Don’t be afraid to go beyond traditional methods. Reach out directly to HR or even the CEO with a well-crafted message about how your skills can contribute to the company’s success. Personalize it and show them you’ve done your homework.

5. Respond Graciously to Rejections

If you get a rejection, reply with gratitude for their time and express your interest in future opportunities. HR teams remember the candidates who leave a positive impression, and you never know when an opportunity might pop up.

6. Understand the Hiring Process

A lot of online job postings already have internal candidates, some sources even mention at least 50% of all job openings are filled by internal candidates. So, if you get rejected, don’t take it personally—it’s often not a reflection of your abilities.

7. The Most Important Tip: Network

Seriously, networking is everything. Let people know you’re looking for a specific role in a particular industry. It’s amazing what doors a good network can open. The more people you tell, the more opportunities will come your way.

I hope these tips resonate with you and help you in your job search. I’ll be sharing more insights in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

Kei