Five months ago, my world shifted. Google informed me that my marketing and sales enablement role was relocating to Mexico City. It felt like the rug was ripped out from under me. After over 20 years of continuous work in this field, the sudden uncertainty was jarring – I'd almost forgotten what it felt like *not* to be working.
The job market I faced was vastly different from the one I entered. Gen X was always told, "No bragging, let your work speak for itself." That advice is obsolete now. Self-promotion isn't just encouraged; it's essential. For someone like me, accustomed to letting results speak, putting myself out there feels deeply uncomfortable and new.
The sheer volume of applicants is overwhelming. I'll see a posting go live, and within 10 minutes, 100 people have applied. The thought of cutting through thousands of applicants to showcase my value is daunting. Adding to the stress is the prevalence of fake job postings designed for phishing, leaving me constantly wondering, "Is this opportunity even real?"
The interview process itself has transformed. I've faced multiple rounds requiring elaborate presentations. My internal reaction is often, "Whoa, I'm not applying for a CEO role!" Even for mid-level positions, the expectations feel incredibly high and the competition fierce.
This journey has been a roller coaster. I've never been a job-hopper, and this process forced me to confront an uncomfortable truth: I'm a control freak. Learning to surrender and trust the process has been one of the biggest challenges, yet I know I must have faith that the right position is out there.
While I haven't landed my next role yet, three key strategies have significantly improved my job search:
**1. Leveraging AI Knowledge**
My time at Google has been a blessing, especially regarding my resume. The company's tech- and AI-forward environment gave me valuable exposure. Instead of viewing the job hunt as a setback, I'm treating it as an opportunity to master new technologies. Tools like ChatGPT helped me craft a compelling elevator pitch. I even used NotebookLM to generate a podcast *about myself* by inputting my profile and resume. Hearing it back, I thought, "Wow, I *am* good at this!" For one interview, I used AI to build a one-pager prototype concept for an AI coach, demonstrating how it could benefit the company despite my lack of direct experience in that specific training area. This ability to showcase AI fluency feels like a distinct advantage – it's clearly what employers want to hear about.
**2. Utilizing a Job Coach**
Google's transition support has been invaluable. For six months without an internal placement, they provided services that optimized my resume and connected me with a dedicated one-on-one job coach. Access to resource hubs, recruiter-led webinars, and Q&A sessions offered direct insight into what hiring managers seek. Perhaps most importantly, the weekly group meetings created a community. Sharing stories and struggles with others in the same boat provided crucial emotional support and practical advice. It’s been a lifeline.
**3. Capitalizing on Experience and Networking**
If there's one non-negotiable in this market, it's networking. Without that "Hey, we know Jen, she's excellent" connection, getting a callback feels nearly impossible. Since late June, I've applied for about 25 external roles and secured seven interviews. Crucially, I received referrals for all but one of those interviews. After two decades in the industry, I can lean on a network built on trust and proven results. My colleagues and contacts have been incredibly supportive, willing to advocate for me and open doors. That network, forged over the years, is proving to be my most powerful asset right now.