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Let's talk about something that every student thinks about at some point in their life—what do I want to be when I grow up? Whether you dream of being a doctor, an artist, a software engineer, or even an astronaut, one thing is certain: deciding your career path is a BIG deal. And guess what? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. That’s where career counselling comes in.

In this article, I’ll explain why career counselling is not just important—it’s absolutely life-changing. If you’re a student or know someone who is, you’ll want to read every word.

1. Understanding What You’re Good At
Raise your hand if you’ve ever been asked, “What’s your talent?” It’s a tricky question, right? Not everyone knows their strengths. Some of us might be good at math, while others might love to paint or write stories. But how do we know which of these skills can turn into a career?

This is where career counselling helps. A career counsellor is like a guide. They help you figure out what you’re good at by using tests, asking you questions, and looking at your interests. For example, if you’re someone who loves building things, they might suggest careers in engineering or architecture.

Why this matters:
When you know what you’re good at, it’s easier to choose a career that you’ll enjoy and succeed in. Imagine how boring life would be if you ended up doing a job you don’t like just because you didn’t know what you were really good at!

Also Read → How to Negotiate Effectively for Salary and Benefits

2. Getting Rid of Confusion
Here’s the truth: deciding your future career can feel like standing in the middle of a maze. There are so many options, and it’s hard to know which path to take. Should you choose something safe, like becoming a teacher? Or something exciting, like being a filmmaker?

Career counselling clears up this confusion. It’s like having a GPS that shows you all the possible roads and helps you pick the one that’s best for you.

A counsellor will sit down with you and explain:

What different jobs are like.
What skills and education you’ll need?
How much money you can earn in those careers.

Why this matters:
Confusion leads to stress, and stress makes it hard to make good decisions. A career counsellor helps you feel calm and confident about your choices.

3. Learning About New Careers
Did you know there are jobs like a “food scientist” or a “social media manager”? These are careers that didn’t even exist a few decades ago. If you’ve only heard of traditional jobs like doctor, lawyer, or engineer, you might miss out on careers that match your interests better.

Career counselling introduces you to these new and exciting options. Maybe you love video games. Did you know you could work as a game designer? Or maybe you love taking care of pets. Did you know you could be an animal behaviorist?

Why this matters:
The world is changing, and new jobs are being created all the time. Career counselling helps you stay updated so you don’t miss out on opportunities that are perfect for you.

4. Setting Realistic Goals
Let’s say you dream of being a scientist who works with NASA. That’s an amazing goal! But do you know what steps you need to take to get there? Sometimes, we have big dreams but don’t know how to achieve them.

A career counsellor breaks your goal into smaller, manageable steps. For example:

What subjects you need to study in school.
What degrees or training you’ll need in college.
How to gain experience, like internships or projects.
They also help you stay realistic. For example, if you’re struggling in science but love creative writing, they might suggest exploring careers in literature or journalism instead.

Why this matters:
Setting clear and achievable goals keeps you motivated. You won’t feel lost or overwhelmed because you’ll know exactly what you need to do.

5. Helping You Make Tough Choices
Let’s face it, choosing a career is not always straightforward. Sometimes, parents want you to follow a certain path, like becoming a doctor, but your heart tells you to do something else, like becoming an artist.

A career counsellor helps you navigate these tricky situations. They’ll listen to your concerns, talk to your parents (if needed), and help everyone understand what’s best for YOU.

Why this matters:
At the end of the day, your career should make you happy. Career counselling helps you balance your dreams with reality in a way that works for everyone.

Also Read → How I Negotiated a 50% Salary Increase Using These Strategies

6. Saving Time and Energy
Imagine spending years studying a subject, only to realize later that it’s not what you wanted to do. It happens more often than you think. A lot of students switch courses or careers because they didn’t plan properly in the beginning.

Career counselling saves you from this mistake. By planning your path early, you won’t waste time studying something you don’t like or need.

Why this matters:
Time is precious, especially when you’re young. Career counselling ensures you use it wisely.

7. Boosting Your Confidence
Ever feel unsure about your future? You’re not alone. Many students worry about making the wrong choice or not being “good enough” for their dream job.

Career counselling builds your confidence. When you understand your strengths, know your options, and have a clear plan, you’ll feel more prepared to face the future.

Why this matters:
Confidence is the secret ingredient to success. When you believe in yourself, you’re more likely to achieve your goals.

8. Adapting to Changes
Life doesn’t always go as planned. Maybe you start studying one subject and realize it’s not for you. Or maybe the job market changes, and the career you wanted isn’t in demand anymore.

Career counselling teaches you how to adapt. A good counsellor will help you develop skills like problem-solving and decision-making, so you can handle unexpected changes.

Why this matters:
The ability to adapt is one of the most valuable life skills. Career counselling prepares you for whatever challenges come your way.

9. Avoiding Peer Pressure
It’s easy to feel influenced by what your friends are doing. If all your classmates are choosing science, you might feel like you should too, even if you’re more interested in music or business.

Career counselling helps you stay true to yourself. A counsellor reminds you that it’s okay to be different and follow your own path.

Why this matters:
Your career is YOUR journey, not anyone else’s. Career counselling helps you focus on what’s right for you, not what others think you should do.

Also Read → I Started as an Intern and Ended Up as a Manager – Here’s How I Did It

10. Planning for the Long Term
A career is not just about earning money. It’s about finding a job that makes you happy and fulfilled. Career counselling helps you think beyond short-term goals and plan for the long term.

For example, a counsellor might ask you:

What kind of lifestyle do you want?
How important is work-life balance to you?
Do you want to work for a company or start your own business?
Why this matters:
Thinking long-term ensures you choose a career that aligns with your values and goals.

Final Thoughts
Career counselling is like having a map when you’re exploring an unfamiliar city. It guides you, shows you different paths, and helps you avoid getting lost. Whether you’re in high school, college, or even just starting out, career counselling is a smart step toward building the future you want.

So, if you’ve ever felt unsure about your career, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Seek out a career counsellor, talk about your dreams, and let them help you turn those dreams into reality.

After all, your career isn’t just about earning a living. It’s about creating a life you’ll love. And that journey starts with one simple step: asking for help.

CC - https://leetfort.com.ng/

Let me start with this: I’ve always found job interviews strange. I mean, think about it. You sit in a room with a stranger, answer some questions that may or may not have anything to do with the job, and somehow, from that conversation, they decide if you’re good enough. Does that make any sense? To me, it doesn’t.

Here’s the thing about interviews: they’re like trying to guess the weather by looking at the sky for two minutes. Sure, you might be able to tell if it’s sunny or cloudy, but that doesn’t mean you know if it’s going to rain next week. Interviews are too short, too fake, and honestly, just bad at figuring out who’s right for the job.

I know what you’re thinking. “But interviews are important! How else will companies know who to hire?” Well, I have thoughts on that, too. But first, let’s talk about why interviews just don’t work.

Also Read → How I Negotiated a 50% Salary Increase Using These Strategies

1. People Are Always Faking It
Here’s the thing. Nobody goes into a job interview acting like their true self. People dress up in clothes they’d never wear on a normal day, practice answers to questions they think the interviewer will ask, and spend hours trying to look confident. It’s not real.

Think about it. When you’re in an interview, you’re not being yourself—you’re being the version of yourself that you think they want to see. And guess what? The person interviewing you is doing the same thing. They’re also pretending. They’re pretending to be friendly, pretending to listen closely, and pretending they know how to judge you.

If both people are faking, how can that ever lead to a good decision? You’re not hiring the real person. You’re hiring their “interview persona.”

2. Weird Questions Don’t Prove Anything
Have you ever been asked, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Or maybe, “What’s your biggest weakness?” These questions are ridiculous.

Nobody knows where they’ll be in five years. Life changes too fast. And asking someone about their weaknesses? Please. Nobody is going to tell the truth. They’ll say something fake, like “I care too much” or “I work too hard.”

And then there are those companies that ask random questions like, “If you were an animal, what would you be?” or “How many tennis balls fit in a bus?” What does that even mean? How does my answer to that tell you if I can do the job?

These questions don’t test your skills. They just test how good you are at answering silly questions.

3. It’s All About First Impressions
Here’s a secret about interviews: most decisions are made in the first few minutes. If the interviewer likes you, they’ll look for reasons to keep liking you. If they don’t, it’s game over.

This is called “confirmation bias.” It’s when people make up their minds quickly and then look for evidence to support their decision. In an interview, this means that if you stumble over your first answer, you’re probably out of luck.

But what if you’re just nervous? What if you’re not great at talking to strangers but you’re amazing at the job? Too bad. Interviews only care about that first impression.

Also Read → I Started as an Intern and Ended Up as a Manager – Here’s How I Did It

4. Interviews Don’t Test Real Skills
Imagine this: you’re hiring a chef. Would you sit them down in a chair and ask them about their weaknesses? Or would you ask them to cook something?

Of course, you’d ask them to cook. That’s the only way to know if they’re good. But when it comes to most jobs, we don’t do that. We don’t test people on the actual work they’ll be doing. Instead, we ask them to talk about their work.

Talking about work is not the same as doing work. Just because someone can explain how they’d solve a problem doesn’t mean they can actually solve it. But interviews treat these two things like they’re the same, and they’re not.

5. Bias Ruins Everything
Here’s the truth: interviewers are biased, even if they don’t mean to be.

Maybe they prefer people who look like them. Or people who went to the same school. Or people who have the same hobbies. Even the way you talk or the tone of your voice can affect their opinion.

Bias isn’t fair, but it’s everywhere. And in interviews, it’s a big problem. A good candidate can get rejected just because the interviewer doesn’t “click” with them. And someone less qualified might get hired because the interviewer likes their vibe.

Is that how we should choose who gets a job? I don’t think so.

6. Experience Doesn’t Always Mean Better
Another thing about interviews is they focus too much on experience. If you’ve done the same job before, you’re more likely to get hired. But is that fair?

What about people who are new to the field but full of fresh ideas? Or people who don’t have fancy resumes but are hardworking and willing to learn?

Experience is important, but it’s not everything. And interviews don’t give people without experience a fair chance to prove themselves.

Also Read → How I Used AI to Automate Tasks and Free Up 10 Hours a Week

7. It’s a Waste of Time
Let’s be honest. Interviews take forever. You have to prepare, travel, and sit through awkward conversations. And for what? Most interviews don’t even lead to a job offer.

For companies, it’s even worse. They spend hours interviewing people, only to hire someone who might not even work out. It’s a lot of time and effort for very little payoff.

What’s the Alternative?
So, if interviews are so bad, what should we do instead? I have a few ideas.

Tryouts: Instead of interviews, give people a small task related to the job. If it’s a writing job, ask them to write something. If it’s a tech job, give them a coding challenge. Let their work speak for itself.
Blind Hiring: Remove names, photos, and other personal info from resumes. Focus only on skills and qualifications to avoid bias.
Team Activities: Bring candidates into a group setting and see how they work with others. This shows you how they’ll fit into the team.
Probation Periods: Hire people for a trial period. Let them do the job for a few weeks and see how they perform. It’s better than guessing based on an interview.

Final Thoughts
Job interviews are like playing the lottery. Sometimes you get lucky, but most of the time, it’s just a waste of time. They’re not fair, they’re not accurate, and they don’t test what really matters.

It’s time to stop pretending interviews are the best way to hire people. We can do better. And until we do, we’ll keep missing out on amazing talent just because they didn’t answer some silly question the “right” way.

"Is my university email the best way to land my dream job?" This question often pops up in the minds of students and recent graduates. As you step into the job market, every detail counts, including the email address you use for applications. Your email can say a lot about you before you even hit "send." So, let's see if using your university email is a smart move or if there are better options out there.

In today's competitive job market, presenting yourself professionally is key. Your email address is often the first impression you make on potential employers. But should that be your university email? There are pros and cons to consider, and knowing them can help you make the right choice. Let's dive into the details.

Benefits of Using University Email

Using your university email for job applications can have some solid perks. First off, it looks professional. When employers see an email from an educational domain, they might take you more seriously. It shows that you are currently enrolled or recently graduated, which can be a plus.

Professional Appearance: A university email often looks more formal than a personal one. For instance, john.doe@university.edu sounds more credible than johndoe123@gmail.com. This little difference can make a big impact.

Trust Factor: Employers tend to trust emails from educational institutions more than personal ones. They might think that a university email means you are serious about your career and education.

Access to Resources: If you're still a student, using your university email can give you access to career services and job boards that are exclusive to students. This means more opportunities at your fingertips.

However, while these benefits sound great, there are also some downsides to think about.

Also Read → How to Excel During a Job Interview: Tips from Experts

Also Read → Behind the Scenes: How Companies Really Hire

Also Read → (Case Study) I Started as an Intern and Ended Up as a Manager – Here’s How I Did It

Drawbacks of Using University Email

Now let's look at some of the drawbacks of using your university email for job applications. It's not all sunshine and rainbows.

Temporary Access: One major issue is that many universities deactivate student emails after graduation. Imagine applying for jobs with an email that suddenly stops working. You could miss important communications from potential employers.

Perception Issues: Some employers might view a university email as less professional compared to a personal or business email. They might think you're not ready for the real world yet if you're still using your school address.

Spam Filters: Another thing to consider is spam filters. Some companies might have strict filters that block emails from educational domains. If your application gets lost in cyberspace, it won't matter how great your resume is.

So, while using a university email has its perks, it's essential to weigh these against the potential downsides.

Alternatives to University Email

If you're leaning away from using your university email, don't worry - there are plenty of alternatives that can work just as well or even better.

Personal Email: Creating a professional personal email is one of the best options. Use a combination of your name and maybe even a middle initial or numbers if needed. For example, john.a.doe@gmail.com looks much better than johndoe1234@yahoo.com.

LinkedIn Profile: In today's digital age, having an updated LinkedIn profile is crucial. You can use this platform to connect with employers and showcase your skills and experiences without relying on just an email address.

Professional Domain: If you're feeling ambitious, consider getting a custom domain for your email. Something like john@doebusiness.com can really elevate how you present yourself and show that you're serious about your career.

These alternatives not only enhance professionalism but also ensure that you maintain access long after graduation.

Also Read → Social Media Trends Every Professional Should Know

Best Practices for Job Applications

When it comes to sending job applications, there are some best practices you should keep in mind to make sure you stand out positively.

Use Clear Subject Lines: Your subject line should be straightforward. Something like "Job Application: Marketing Intern - John Doe" makes it easy for employers to know what they're opening.

Include Your Name: Always include your name in your email address if possible. This helps employers remember who you are when they look through their inboxes later on.

Check Your Signature: Make sure your email signature includes relevant contact information and links to professional profiles like LinkedIn or personal websites if applicable. A simple format could be:

Best,
John Doe
johndoe@gmail.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe

By following these best practices, you'll present yourself as organized and professional right from the start.

Conclusion

So, should you use your university email for job applications? The answer isn't cut-and-dry; it depends on various factors like how long you'll have access to that email and how professional it appears. Weighing the benefits against the drawbacks is crucial in making this decision.
Remember, whether you choose to stick with your university email or switch to a personal one, make sure it reflects who you are as a professional. Feel free to customize this advice based on what works best for you in your job search journey.
I'd love to hear from you - what has been your experience with using emails for job applications? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below!

Are you thinking about applying for an internship at American Express? You're not alone. Many students are eager to join this prestigious company. But how many positions can you apply to? This article will help you understand the application process and provide useful tips. According to recent data, internships at top companies like American Express are highly competitive, making it essential to strategize your applications effectively.

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 70% of internships lead to job offers? That’s a pretty impressive stat, right? If you’re thinking about applying for an internship at American Express, you’re in good company. Many students dream of landing a spot at such a well-known company. But a big question pops up: how many positions can you actually apply to?

This topic is super important because understanding the application limits can really shape your strategy. When I was applying for internships, I remember feeling overwhelmed by all the options. It’s like walking into a candy store and not knowing what to pick. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know about applying for internships at American Express. Let’s dive in and see how to make the most of your applications.

Also Read → I Started as an Intern and Ended Up as a Manager – Here’s How I Did It

Understanding Application Limits

When it comes to internships, especially at a big company like American Express, there are usually some guidelines about how many positions you can apply for. From my experience, it’s not just about throwing your resume at every opportunity. Quality matters more than quantity.

American Express generally allows applicants to submit applications for multiple positions. However, I found out the hard way that it’s better to focus on roles that truly match your skills and interests. One time, I applied for five different internships just because they were available. I thought casting a wide net would increase my chances, but I ended up getting confused during interviews because I couldn’t remember the specifics of each role.

So, what should you do? First off, take some time to research each position. Look closely at the job descriptions and see which ones resonate with your background or career goals. You’ll want to tailor your resume and cover letter for each role instead of sending out generic applications. It’s way more effective.

Also, keep in mind that American Express is competitive. They want candidates who show genuine interest in their company and the specific roles they’re applying for. So, if you’re thinking about applying to multiple positions, make sure you can articulate why you’re a great fit for each one during interviews.

Tips for Applying to Multiple Positions

Applying to multiple positions can be tricky, but with the right approach, it can also be super rewarding. The first step is researching available positions on the American Express careers page. Trust me; this part is crucial. When I was looking for internships, I often just skimmed through listings without really reading them. Big mistake.

Take your time to look into what each role entails. Some might require specific skills or experiences that align perfectly with what you’ve done in school or previous jobs. For example, if you’ve worked with data analysis before, look for roles that mention data skills in their descriptions.

Next up is tailoring your applications. This is where things get personal. When I applied for my first internship, I sent out a one-size-fits-all resume and cover letter. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well. Instead, customize your documents for each position. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match what they’re looking for.

Managing your time effectively is another key tip. Keep track of where you’ve applied and any deadlines coming up. I used a simple spreadsheet to log my applications, interview dates, and follow-up reminders. It helped me stay organized and less stressed during the process.

Lastly, don’t forget to network! Reach out to current or former interns at American Express on LinkedIn or through campus events if possible. They can provide insider tips and maybe even refer you internally.

Also Read → How to Negotiate Effectively for Salary and Benefits

The Application Process at American Express

So now that we’ve covered how many positions you can apply for and how to strategize those applications, let’s talk about what happens once you hit that “submit” button at American Express.

The application process usually starts with submitting your resume and cover letter online through their careers page. After that, if they like what they see, you might get invited for an interview—this is where things get real.

I remember my first interview being super nerve-wracking. They typically ask both behavioral and technical questions during interviews at American Express. Behavioral questions are designed to see how you've handled situations in the past—like teamwork or problem-solving scenarios—while technical questions will test your knowledge relevant to the position you're applying for.

One thing I learned was to prepare specific examples from my past experiences that showcased my skills and strengths. For instance, when asked about teamwork, I shared a story about a group project where we had some serious disagreements but ultimately pulled together to succeed.

Don’t forget about follow-ups after interviews too! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you fresh in their minds.

Conclusion

In summary, knowing how many positions you can apply for at American Express is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to landing an internship there. Focus on quality over quantity by tailoring your applications and preparing thoroughly for interviews.

Remember to research available roles carefully and manage your time effectively throughout the application process. Each step counts towards getting that coveted internship spot.

Also Read → Behind the Scenes: How Companies Really Hire

Note - This will change how you think about getting a new job.

Over a decade ago, I interviewed with Vodafone. Through the windshield of my rental car, the building looked like a spaceship. It was in a huge complex, with a security gate. Once I got inside, there were weird lines on the carpet.

“They’re for the mail robot,” said a man in a blue suit noticing me noticing the lines. Those were the only words he spoke as he walked me to the interview.

The interview went well, I’d prepared a Bear Bryant quote — It’s not the will to win that matters, everyone has that. It’s the will to prepare to win that matters. I thought it landed perfectly. Still, the executive hiring for his team strung me along for a few months and then ghosted me, except it wasn’t called “ghosting” then. It was called, “…and I never heard from them again.”

That experience was a harbinger for what was to come in the job market: feeling unable to meet a secret criteria and then getting ghosted.

Turn the clock ahead 15 years. If you’ve been job hunting and thinking, “What the hell is wrong?” you’re not alone. The white-collar job market is as flat as a lake at night right now.

No, it’s not you. You’re not imagining it

Also Read → I Started as an Intern and Ended Up as a Manager – Here’s How I Did It

It can take a year to find a job, and that’s if you’re in the top 5%.

I’ve talked to people who are still looking after two years. People aren’t talking about this shift because it’s embarrassing to them, yet it comes out, usually attached to a question like, “Is this normal?”

Yes. It is.

Eight months is the fastest I’ve seen a client with above-average credentials get a new job. This client was laid off in a buyout that got a lot of press coverage. To give you a sense of this person as a candidate— several press releases went out when she was laid off and several came out eight months later when she was hired for a new job.

She might not have explicitly known what I’m about to tell you, but she understood it and acted on it.

Full disclosure: this guidance is not some “instant” miracle that will make cats sleep with dogs and unicorns jump over rainbows, but it will help you understand the sea you’re swimming in whether you dove in or got pushed.

The five stages of how employers fill open roles.

Employers go through five stages when they fill jobs and they are the opposite of how most job seekers try to get a job.

Phase one: “We have an announcement to make…”

Rather than hire someone from the outside, the powers that be promote from within. I saw this happen infrequently in a long career, yet it does happen.

Why people — and it’s people who make these choices — don’t promote from within more is another article. Essentially it’s the magical thinking that a new person from outside the company will be better, is pervasive.

There’s also the lateral move. No one gets promoted. They just move things around. This happens a lot. The organization chart gets reorganized so someone who already had lots of power, is suddenly “responsible for” more people. That person, already in a high tax bracket, either works harder — not likely — or works the manager beneath them harder.

You know the drill: the job goes bye-bye, but the work doesn’t.

It doesn’t always happen this way, yet lateral moves and inside hires are how some roles get filled. Sometimes a company is required to post these jobs, sometimes they aren’t.

Phase two: it’s not what you know …

If the job doesn’t get disappeared or go to someone on the inside, the “boss” with the vacancy asks around, “Does anyone know anyone?”

Someone once asked a Cabinet member how she got her job, and she replied, “You have to go to school with the president.” I’m paraphrasing, but you get the picture. Networking is more passive than people think.

Some companies pay employees a “finders fee” if they recommend someone for an open role. The reasoning is simple — it’s on you. Even the biggest dolt won’t recommend someone who’s going to reflect badly on them. The recommending employee gets some money and the person they recommend gets a job.

It’s not what you know it’s who you know. If you suck at small talk, and many of us do, all is not lost.

Also Read → How to Negotiate Effectively for Salary and Benefits

Next: professional associations.

Some people think they’ll get better candidates from professional associations. Check to see if the professional associations you’re paying dues to offer help to job seekers and get your information in their system. Everyone is looking for an “edge” and even recruiters will come here hoping to find new talent.

One of my first jobs after college was with a professional association. We had a job board and the smart companies came to us first because they’d learned that people who were serious about the profession were closer to the professional association.

Regardless of how you do it, try trade and professional associations cause when you win, they win and companies use them.

Still nothing? Call a recruitment agency.

If no one’s friend, sorority sister, or fraternity brother fits the bill, and the professional association doesn’t immediately pan out, the fourth option is a recruiting agency.

Everyone assumes it starts here or a company just posts the job on LinkedIn, but that’s expensive and can result in an overwhelming number of applicants.

Recruiters are a mixed bag. They can be freelance, from a “reputable” firm, or give a vibe they’ve given their passport to the “Boss” and are working for their freedom in a basement.

Here’s the kicker with this new kind of recruiter: don’t be surprised to see different rates per hour for the same job, cause they’re all skimming part of your salary and making it part of their salary.

Don’t get me wrong, recruiters deserve to make a living but you also deserve to know how they’re making that living.

If you haven’t said “Yes” to one of these recruiters who often will both email and call you or message you, here’s what happens.

You get excited because a recruiter has reached out to you and shiver me timbers, it’s a job you can do! Not long after they ask you to sign something — they do this via email — saying only they can represent you for this job. It’s weird, but here’s why they get you to literally “sign up” with them.

You might jump on board with them, but don’t be surprised when you get 20 more emails about the same job but with different hourly rates.

The competition is stiff among recruiters. Two recruiters from the same recruiting firm might email you and try and represent you for a given job.

Do this instead.

Search for the job described, and choose the recruiter you want to work with, or if you can, go directly to the hiring organization. At the very least you can choose the recruiter you want, but don’t be surprised if they ask you to sign something that says only they can represent you to this client.

It won’t take long for your résumé to be harvested into the silo of unemployed and you’ll hear from several recruiters, some of them will be scammers.

The paradox of the final phase.

Job boards are the last place most employers go and it’s the first place most job seekers go.

We go to job boards because the jobs look plump and delicious and they’re delivered right to your inbox. It’s easy to apply and it seems so likely you’ll get a call. Applying to jobs you find on the job board makes you feel like you’re working at it! Yet the email with the job you’re perfect for went to thousands of people likely tens of thousands.

Job boards are a cattle call and the chance you’ll get called is slim.

Someone will invariably comment, “You’re wrong! I got a job applying on a job board.” Yet, the vast majority don’t. If the market is better, than it is right now, it happens more often.

Another danger of the job boards is you slowly stop looking for your ideal job as much as you’re looking to be someone’s ideal candidate. Job seekers slowly evolve into the proverbial frog in the pot of water that keeps getting hotter.

You’re money is running out you can see the credit card limits from where you’re standing and as time passes you start molding yourself and compromising to fit what you see on offer.

Job hunting is non-linear and full of stupidity

What’s viewed as acceptable behavior has changed, arguably for the worse. You’re going to get ghosted and made to wait for weeks and even months.

Becoming annoyed or indignant is exhausting and you need that energy so change your expectations. Use your energy to log your experience on Glassdoor or some other “what’s the company like?” site and move on.

I asked a friend about her job hunt recently and she said, “I’ve taken the summer off. The market is horrible and jobs are hard to find so I’ve decided to take a break.” If you can afford to, take some time off without guilt.

I’ll leave you with a tip: rather than treat job hunting like a “full-time job,” Do five things every day toward finding a new job. You can pick five from this list. It’s from 2024, yet it offers some good ideas.

Good luck!

Also Read → Behind the Scenes: How Companies Really Hire