You're Not Failing - Your Strategy Is

If you're exhausted from your job search, you're not alone.

Entry-level jobs are down 15% while applications are up 30%.  But here's what I'm seeing with recent grads navigating this market: The ones who land roles aren't necessarily the most qualified. They're the ones who shifted their strategy.

From scattered to strategic.

The Scattered Approach (What Doesn't Work)

Most job seekers are in reactive mode:

• See job post → Apply → Hope → Repeat

• Send 50-200 applications in a few months

• Use the same generic resume for every role

• Hit "Easy Apply" and cross fingers

It feels productive because you're doing something. But if you're 100+ applications in with no traction, busy doesn't equal effective.

The Strategic Shift (What Actually Works)

Instead of sending 50 applications hoping something sticks, strategic job seekers focus on 10-15 where they actually fit.

What this looks like:

1. Narrow Your Target List

Cut your list from 200 vague possibilities to 20 roles where your specific background actually matters. If you have a psychology degree and volunteer experience, focus on nonprofit program coordinator roles, youth development positions, community outreach jobs - not random corporate positions that "might work."

2. Tailor Every Application

Generic resumes get filtered out by AI screening tools before humans ever see them. Mirror the exact language from the job description. If they say "project management," don't say "led team initiatives."

Show impact, not just responsibilities:

• ❌ "Coordinated 15-person volunteer team"

• ✅ "Increased volunteer retention 40% through structured onboarding program"

3. Be Interview-Ready

You can't control when the interview invitation arrives. But you can control whether you're ready when it does.

Interview-ready means:

• You can explain your career story in 2 minutes (not rambling)

• You've researched the company beyond their homepage

• You have 3 specific examples showing how you solve problems

• You've practiced answers out loud (not just in your head)

What You Can Control

You can't control the market. You can't control when the right opportunity appears.

But you can control:

• Your positioning - Do you look like "generic candidate" or "perfect fit for this specific role"?

• Your readiness - Will you fumble the rare interview or convert it?

• Your energy - Are you burning out on scattered applications or focusing strategically?

Three Things to Do This Week

1. Audit your target list - Are you applying everywhere or focusing where you have a real shot?

2. Practice your story - Record yourself answering "Tell me about yourself." If you cringe, keep practicing until you don't.

3. Tailor one application - Pick one role you actually want. Customize your resume to mirror their exact language. Show them why your skills solve their specific problems.

The right opportunity will come. Your job is to be ready when it does.

Need help clarifying where you actually fit? That's exactly what the LEAH Method™ helps with. Book a free 30-minute discovery call and let's talk through your specific situation.