How I overcame "the pain in the AI" job market!
Job eliminated to first day on new job - 1 month. You don't have to be the best, you just need better strategy.
On January 5th, I was informed that my position was eliminated due to budget cuts.
My heart sank. I was in shock.
I sat in my office chair, staring at my laptop screen, only to realize my network access was already gone—I couldn’t even say goodbye to my team. For the first time in over 20 years, I was unemployed.
I was stunned and uncertain.
I knew many people who had lost their jobs in the same market I work in. Some took months to find new roles; others are still unemployed. I didn’t feel comfortable without the daily structure that work had provided throughout my adult life.
My degree is in Psychology, but my career has been in Healthcare Integration. You might expect a post like this to sound like many others:
“Don’t give up—the perfect job is out there.”
“This change is bringing you to a crossroads.”
“Take this time to learn new skills so you can meet all 99 ‘must-haves’ for the role.”
I’m sorry to say this—but warm, fuzzy words only go so far. Sharing what actually worked can be far more helpful.
Here are some things that helped me. There’s no guarantee they’ll work for everyone, but they are a solid starting point.
Time to Feel
I allowed myself two hours to feel everything that comes with suddenly losing a job.
During those two hours, I told my family what happened. I also started receiving texts, calls, and private messages on Facebook and LinkedIn from colleagues who had heard the news. Their encouragement and shared leads helped me more than they will ever know.
Once those two hours were up, I made a decision: every minute moving forward would be dedicated to finding a job.
The only time I would look back was to leverage my skills and experience—not to dwell on the role I lost.
Don’t Stop Your Daily Routine
Every day, I woke up and got ready for work exactly as I had before: clothes, hair, makeup, routine—everything.
Why?
If you look at photos from the Great Depression, people stood in employment lines wearing their best suits and dresses. Even during the highest levels of poverty and unemployment, people dressed for opportunity.
In today’s world of Teams and Webex meetings, I wanted to be ready for any last-minute request for a face-to-face interview.
People often say, “Take a few days off before you start job hunting.” I think that’s terrible advice.
Day one becomes worry about bills.
Day two convinces you that sleeping in and hiding under the covers is “self-care.”
Before you know it, a week has passed—and it’s easier to delay action until the paychecks stop.
While you’re resting, someone else is applying for the job that could have been yours.
Put on Real Pants (Yes, Really)
Like many in this industry, my role was fully remote. COVID changed how we dress, work, and socialize.
It’s easy to walk from your bedroom to your office wearing business attire from the waist up—and something far less professional below.
Here’s the part you might not like:
If you truly want a job, be willing to put on actual pants and show up.
Everyone wants remote work. But many hybrid or onsite roles have fewer applicants and higher pay (not always—but often).
For seasoned professionals especially, many of the relationships that shaped our careers were built in office settings. Some of my most meaningful accomplishments would never have happened in a fully remote environment.
Humble Up and Speak Up
I once worked on a team with a motto: “Get Naked.”
Yes—this was in an office setting in a Mormon community, which made it even funnier.
“Getting naked” meant putting pride aside and openly asking for help. When someone did, the team stopped, listened, and collaborated on solutions. It built trust and accelerated learning.
Posting on LinkedIn that you’re looking for a job is a good start—but it only reaches people already connected to you.
Here’s where humility matters.
Privately message former colleagues. Tell them you lost your job and are actively looking. The relationships built in shared offices are often the ones that lead to real referrals.
On Facebook—be vocal. Even if someone isn’t in your industry, they may have connections or ideas that help more than you expect.
Hire a HUMAN Resume Builder (and Interview Coach)
Yes, there are free AI resume builders.
And yes—they produce the same templates as thousands of others.
After receiving countless “We’ve decided to move forward with another candidate” emails, I knew something had to change.
Hiring a human was expensive—but worth every penny.
I learned that branding isn’t just for influencers. I needed to learn how to stand out—on paper and verbally.
Stop using AI for resumes and cover letters.
A real person took time to understand me as both a professional and a human. She knew my industry, tailored my resumes, and created adaptable cover letters that actually told my story.
Don’t Let AI Disqualify You
One job application changed everything for me.
I met every listed qualification—until the final questionnaire question:
“Do you have a degree in finance, hospital administration, or business administration, or at least 10 years of experience with project management certification?”
My degree is in psychology.
I answered “no.”
An automated message instantly told me I was unqualified.
Despite having over a decade of hands-on experience doing exactly that job.
That was a gut punch.
Here’s what helped: LinkedIn Premium.
It allowed me to message recruiters and hiring managers directly. Instead of using generic AI cover letters, I wrote informal, human ones—telling my story in ways my resume couldn’t.
I explained how my psychology background shaped my approach and success. That direct outreach gave me a second chance when AI filters shut the door.
Consider Contract Work—and Recruiters
I never considered contract work before—it didn’t feel stable.
Then a former teammate reached out. Years later, despite layoffs, he was still employed as a contractor. He explained pay ranges, flexibility, and recruiter connections.
I needed income quickly—and contract roles often move faster and pay more.
Many contract roles turn into full-time positions.
Recruiters rely on great talent. Some provided interviews, insights, and even offers. The full-time role I accepted ultimately came through a recruiter.
The job market has changed. We need to change with it.
Stop Applying Where Everyone Else Is
Applying for a job with 700 applicants feels like a football play straight into the middle of the defense—sometimes it works, but is it smart?
Instead:
- Click “See all jobs at this company”
- Look for roles with fewer applicants
- Explore affiliated and competing companies on LinkedIn
Look where others aren’t looking.
It increases your odds.
Row Together
A boat reaches its destination faster when everyone rows in the same direction.
Collaborate with others who are job hunting. Share leads. A role not right for you might be perfect for someone else.
If I don’t get the role, I’d rather see someone I know succeed.
I know this was a long post—but if it helps even one person, it was worth every word and every minute it took to write.
💛
