The Long Job Search features stories and advice from women who got hired after a prolonged job search. In sharing their stories, we aim to support and inspire those navigating similar situations during their job hunt.

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I worked in marketing agencies for four years and then spent another four years in the product sales division of The Walt Disney Company. Overall, I have eight years of experience in marketing and sales, along with a Master’s degree in Marketing. This was all prior to my move to a new country, where I embraced uncertainty.

The long job search

My job search lasted nine months before I landed my current role. The most significant challenges I faced during this period were relocating to a new country with my husband, which made it harder to navigate the job market.

I thought finding a job would be easier given my strong experience and exposure, but it turned out to be much more difficult than I expected. Settling into a new country, especially without proper guidance, was tough. The biggest hurdle was the shift to AI; landing a job became challenging as I was bombarded with AI tools, most of which were subscription-based.

Staying grounded in an AI-driven job market

Searching for a job in an AI-driven market is tough. To interact effectively with bots and tools, you need the right skills and resources.

To stay motivated and maintain my mental health throughout the extended job search, I focused on setting aside time for self-care and ensuring I stayed positive. I made sure to learn something new each day to keep improving my skills. While it was challenging, staying consistent with these routines helped me stay grounded and focused.

I also made sure to travel and unwind, which helped me stay cheerful during the challenging job search days. Taking these breaks allowed me to recharge and maintain a positive mindset throughout the process.

Managing finances during the job search

During my job search, I used up my savings, applied for unemployment benefits, and relied on my spouse to support me in the meantime. We had moved to a new country because my husband had a stable job, and thankfully, that helped keep us afloat.

Breaking into marketing as an immigrant

It wasn’t exactly ideal, but taking a basic entry-level job worked for me. As a temporary immigrant, finding a full-time job was tough, and breaking into the core marketing field was tricky. I realized I needed to pivot when I couldn’t secure a marketing role immediately, so I started with customer service. Getting that job was comparatively easier and provided a good starting point while I continued to explore other opportunities.

Tapping into community

Networking played a crucial role in my job search. LinkedIn was a great platform to connect with professionals, and I also tapped into my alma mater’s alumni network in Houston, which included 25 members. Alma maters provide excellent networking opportunities and can be a valuable resource in building connections.

Consistency as the key

Don't lose hope and make sure to dedicate time each day to your job search. Getting stuck in a job you don't enjoy isn’t ideal, so it's important to keep focusing on self-improvement. Keep learning something new every day, whether it's a skill or a strategy, to stay motivated and prepared for the next opportunity.

⭐ Landing the job

I started with Indeed and kept applying. Initially, I focused on marketing roles, but as a mom to a toddler, I wasn’t ready to work weekends or travel far from home for a sales job. So, I pivoted to a work-from-home position, which turned out to be a great fit and provided an excellent starting point for my career in this new country.

Final words of advice?

My advice would be to keep trying, make time for self-care, and continue sharpening your skills along the way. It's crucial to stay persistent, maintain your positivity, and not get discouraged. Looking back, I wish I had been more open to exploring different industries earlier on, but overall, persistence and a positive mindset were key.