Job Search Truths: What You Need to Know

Kelly Grivner-Kelly
Latest posts by Kelly Grivner-Kelly (see all)

The job search journey can be long and filled with unexpected challenges. Many job seekers are caught off guard by some of the “unspoken rules” that recruiters and employers expect them to know. If you're feeling stuck or frustrated in your job search, here are some hard truths that could help you turn things around:

First Impressions Matter—Even Before You Speak

Before you even have an interview, your application materials, email interactions, and phone etiquette already shape the recruiter’s perception of you. Make sure your voicemail is professional. If a recruiter calls and they hear a casual greeting like, “Hey, you know what to do,” it could hurt your chances. Instead, go for something like: “Hello, you've reached [Your Name]. I can't take your call right now, but please leave a message, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.” This may seem like a small detail, but recruiters appreciate attention to detail and professionalism.

Negativity Can Sabotage Your Job Search

It’s easy to become jaded after a few rejections, but negativity is a huge red flag to recruiters. Whether in interviews or emails, avoid sounding defeated or bitter. If an interviewer asks why you're leaving your current job, don’t say, “My boss is awful and the company treats everyone terribly.” Instead, reframe it:
 “I’m looking for a new challenge where I can grow my skills and contribute to a dynamic team.” Employers are looking for people who can handle challenges with a positive outlook.

It’s Great to Have a Dream Job, But You Must Compete for It

Having a dream job or goal is fantastic, but it’s not going to be handed to you. You must be the most competitive person in the room to make it happen. This means going above and beyond in how you present yourself, network, and interview. Ambition and preparation are key to standing out in the crowd.

Quality Over Quantity – Tailor each Resume

One of the hardest truths is that sending the same resume to every job won’t work. Employers are looking for specific skills that match their job posting. It’s not about how many resumes you send, but how well each one is tailored. Customizing your resume makes it easy for employers to see how you can meet their needs.

Avoid Answering Calls When You’re Not Ready to Talk

If a recruiter calls when you're in a loud or distracting environment, it’s better to let it go to voicemail and call back when you can focus. Let the call go to voicemail if you can't have a focused conversation. Call back in a quiet space where you can engage professionally. Answering with, “Sorry, I can’t really talk right now,” makes you seem unprepared.

Working from Home Without Childcare Can Be Challenging

While working from home can seem like a dream, it’s not always feasible if you don’t have reliable childcare. Balancing work and home responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming without the proper support system. Many remote jobs also require uninterrupted focus, which can be hard to manage with kids at home.

Networking Is Essential 

Applying to jobs online can feel like a numbers game, but most people get their foot in the door through networking. LinkedIn is a great platform for building connections, but don’t just send a cold connection request without a note. Instead, write something similar to: “Hi [Name], I admire your work at [Company] and would love to learn more about your journey in the field. Would you be open to connecting?” Personalizing your outreach shows genuine interest and increases your chances of getting a response.

Be Organized -Use a Tracker Like Huntr

Job hunting can get chaotic quickly, especially when you’re applying to multiple positions. To stay on top of deadlines and follow-ups, use a job application tracker like Huntr.co. It helps you keep track of the jobs you’ve applied for, the status of each application, and key follow-up dates.

Send a Thank-You Note After the Interview

One of the simplest yet most overlooked steps after an interview is sending a thank-you note / email. It shows professionalism and gratitude, and reinforces your interest in the position. Within 24 hours of your interview, send an email similar to: “Hi [Interviewer’s Name], I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I enjoyed our conversation and am excited about the potential to contribute to your team. Please let me know if you need any further information from me.” A thoughtful thank-you note can leave a lasting positive impression and may even influence the final decision.

Rejection Is Part of the Job Search—And That’s Okay

Rejection is part of the process. Sometimes, despite being a perfect candidate, timing or internal dynamics don’t work in your favor. Instead of thinking, “Why don’t they want me?”, ask yourself: “What can I learn from this experience to improve my chances next time?” If possible, ask for feedback to refine your approach.

The job search can be tough, but understanding these hard truths will help you navigate it more effectively. From first impressions to networking, every step you take moves you closer to landing your next role. Embrace the process, learn from your experiences, and keep moving forward!

Kelly Kelly, the Serving Spouses Program Manager at Hire Heroes USA, draws on over 10 years of Business Management experience. As a veteran military spouse herself, she understands the challenges of finding meaningful employment. Having been a client of Hire Heroes USA, Kelly witnessed firsthand the organization's mission in action. She played a pivotal role in creating the Serving Spouses program and currently oversees its specialized Transition Specialists, workshops, and webinars tailored to military spouses' unique needs. Kelly is dedicated to mentoring veterans and spouses, helping them define and achieve their professional goals. Since joining Hire Heroes USA in 2016, she has helped over 1500 veterans and military spouses find employment. 

If you would like more information or need assistance getting in contact with your Transition Specialist, log into your MyTrak or register at www.hireheroesusa.org to be assigned a Transition Specialist.