Talk Jobs: Are you the hero or the victim in your career story?
J. T. O’Donnell
Darren: I can’t seem to catch a break. I want a new job, and I keep getting rejected. I feel like the world is against me and that I’ll never get what I want. What can I do to get these companies to pay attention to me and give me a chance?
J.T. O’Donnell: Darren, I know how tough it is to feel like you’re putting in the effort and not getting the results you deserve. Job search rejection can feel personal and defeating, but there’s a powerful shift you can make that will change how you approach this situation — and how the job market responds to you.
The power of perspective. There’s a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson that I often refer to in my coaching: “People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.”
Your view of the world, particularly when it comes to your career, plays a massive role in the opportunities you attract — or don’t attract. Right now, it sounds like you’re feeling stuck in a loop of rejection and frustration. That’s completely understandable, but here’s the key: Your perspective is shaping your reality.
When you feel like the world is against you, your energy and approach can start to reflect that. But what if you shifted your perspective? Instead of viewing each rejection as confirmation that things aren’t working out, what if you started to see them as opportunities to refine your approach and grow stronger for the next round?
Are you the hero or the victim in your career story? We often fall into one of two roles in our career story: the victim or the hero. I work with a lot of people who felt like victims of their circumstances. They faced rejection after rejection, toxic work environments or tough layoffs. But at a certain point, they made a pivotal choice: They decided to become the hero of their own story. The shift from victim to hero doesn’t mean denying the challenges you’re facing. It’s about reframing how you see them. The people who succeed, especially in a competitive job market, are the ones who take control of their narrative.
Ask yourself this: How can I start being the hero in my own career story? This doesn’t mean you won’t face challenges, but it does mean you’ll be in the driver’s seat, choosing how you respond to them.
Your opinion shapes your reality. Emerson’s quote reminds us that our opinions aren’t just reflections of the world around us; they’re reflections of who we are and how we interpret our experiences. You might feel like companies are rejecting you because the world is against you. But if you constantly view your job search through that lens, you’re setting yourself up for more disappointment. Why? Because the energy you put out affects how you approach each application, interview and conversation.
When you walk into an interview or submit an application, are you thinking, ‘They’re probably going to reject me?’ If so, it’s no surprise that you’re not getting the results you want. But if you walk in thinking, ‘This is a chance to show them what I’ve got, and whether or not I get this role, I’m going to make an impression,’ you’ll approach things with a completely different energy.
The job market is tough, no question. But instead of focusing on what’s going wrong, start asking yourself: How can I change the way I see these challenges? You can’t control what companies decide, but you can control how you present yourself and how you interpret their feedback.
How to get companies to pay attention
Now that we’ve talked about mindset, let’s get into some practical steps to help you stand out in this competitive market.
1. Be the solution to their problem. Companies are hiring to solve a problem or fill a need. When you apply for a job, don’t just submit a generic resume and hope for the best. Do your research. Find out what the company is struggling with and position yourself as the solution. In your cover letter or interview, talk about how your skills can help them solve their most pressing problems.
2. Customize every application. Customize your resume for each application by highlighting the skills and experiences that directly align with the job description.
3. Leverage networking. The hidden job market is real. Start building relationships within the companies or industries you’re targeting. Use LinkedIn to connect with employees or join industry groups. When a job opens up, they’ll already know who you are and why you’d be a great fit.
4. Refine your online presence. Hiring managers often look at candidates’ LinkedIn profiles before making a decision. Make sure your profile reflects the skills and accomplishments you want to highlight. Post regularly about industry trends, engage with others’ content, and demonstrate that you’re a knowledgeable participant in your field.
Change your perspective, change your opportunities. Darren, your perspective can either hold you back or propel you forward.
You have control over how you respond to the challenges in your career. Take charge of your narrative, become the hero of your story and companies will take notice.
