Why Your Job Search Feels Stuck—And How to Fix It

Are you tired of sending out resumes and hearing nothing back? Or getting ghosted after a great interview?

Let’s be real: the job search can feel like una montaña rusa—one minute you’re pumped, and the next, you’re drowning in unanswered emails and second-guessing yourself.

But what if I told you there’s a way to turn this chaotic process into a clear path to success?

Whether you’re sending out applications at midnight or psyching yourself up for an interview, you’re not in this alone.

Here are five ways to own your job search (and keep your sanity).

1. Make Your Resume Unforgettable

Your resume is more than a list of jobs—it’s your chance to make a great first impression on paper ready to say, “This is why you should hire me!”.

Think of it as a highlight reel of your professional life. It should tell your story, showcase your wins, and do so in a way that’s meaningful.

➡️ Use bullet points that highlight achievements: Start with action-packed language and describe not just what you did but how it made an impact. For example, instead of “responsible for managing sales,” try “increased revenue by 20%.” See the difference?

➡️ Customize it: Tailor your resume for each job. Yes, it’s extra work, but vale la pena. Review the posting and ask, “What skills are they looking for?” Then, make sure those skills jump off the page. Pro-tip: use keywords from the job description—recruiters love that.

➡️ Prove your worth with numbers: Employers love data. Did you manage a team? Say how many people. Did you save money? Say how much. The more specific, the better. This isn’t about bragging; it’s about owning your worth.

➡️ Show personality subtly: Add a personal touch that creates connection. Interests like “leading local community events” or “mentoring students” can make you memorable. Remember, you’re a whole person. Let who you are shine through.

2. Bring Main Character Energy Into Your Interviews

Interviews can feel like stepping onto a stage—luces, cámara, acción!  

But instead of getting anxious about the spotlight, own it! When you walk into that room (or log onto that Zoom), remember: You’re the main character. Shoulders back, chin up, and wear that smile like it’s your secret weapon.

➡️ Know their world: Research the company beyond its website. Check out recent press releases or LinkedIn updates. Pick at least one thing that stood out to you and share with them. This shows you’re genuinely invested.

➡️ Practice makes powerful: Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reviewing key skills in the job description and crafting answers that demonstrate your expertise. For example, if conflict management is listed, be ready to answer, “Can you describe a time when you resolved a disagreement with a team member?” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to make your responses structured and impactful.

➡️ Use storytelling: Craft a compelling 60-second elevator pitch that highlights a pivotal moment in your career (the hook), describes how it shaped your skills and perspective (the journey), and ends with your current mission and the impact you’re passionate about making (the purpose).

➡️ Look good, feel good: Whether it’s on Zoom or in-person, wear something that makes you feel confident. It can truly change your mood and attitude going into the call.

➡️ Ask standout questions: Skip the basics like “What’s the company culture?” Ask bold ones like, “A year from now, how would you know that this role was successful and added value to the team?”

➡️ Flip the script:  Remind yourself that you’re evaluating them just as much as they’re figuring you out. Ask yourself, “Does this role honor my worth? Does this team align with my values?” You’re not just selling yourself; you’re making sure they deserve you.

3. Your Network is Your Net Worth

Networking isn’t about what people can do for you. You’re not just collecting business cards and asking for favors. It’s about planting seeds that can grow into beautiful collaborations.

Reframe “network” for “community”—and think of it as a collective of mujeres poderosas who believe in you and your dreams and get excited about lifting each other up.
 

➡️ Warm up your current circle: Reach out to former colleagues, classmates, or even friends. Let them know you’re on the jon hunt and ask for advice or introductions. No tengas pena. Someone might know someone who knows someone…

➡️ Attend events (virtual or in-person): Whether it’s a conference, a webinar, or a local meetup, show up ready to learn and meet like-minded professionals. Don’t know where you start? Sign up for my Monthly Cafecito Hour. And remember to treat yourself after the event as a reward for putting yourself out there!

➡️ Nurture relationships: Reach out to mentors, colleagues, or even esa amiga who seems to know everyone. Drop a message like, “I’ve always admired your career path—any advice for someone in my position?”

➡️ Leverage social media: Comment thoughtfully on posts in your field. Join professional groups on Facebook or Slack. Engage. It works.

➡️ Join the Latina power squad: Seek out professional groups, meetups, or online communities that uplift Latinas. We’re stronger together, and collaboration beats competition every time.

➡️ Master the coffee chat: Reach out to someone inspiring on LinkedIn and say, “I admire your work in [field]. Can I treat you to coffee for 15 minutes of advice?”

4. Take the Leap—Even When You’re Scared

Rejection stings, doesn’t it? As Alondra mentioned in our episode, job searching is not good for the ego.

The fear of rejection can hold anyone back. But amiga, growth lives outside your comfort zone.

Apply for that job that excites you, even if it feels out of reach. Say sí to opportunities that stretch you, even if they scare you a little. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s doing the thing despite the fear.

➡️ Apply anyway: We hold back if we don’t check every box on a job description. ¿Quieres saber un secreto? Job descriptions are wish lists, not dealbreakers. No one checks all the boxes. If you meet 70% of the qualifications, go for it! Employers value potential, adaptability, and willingness to learn as much as experience.


➡️ Upskill strategically: If there’s a glaring gap, close it. Take a quick online course, gain experience through volunteering or side projects, or ask a mentor for guidance.

➡️ Embrace rejection: Yes, rejection stings, but it’s proof you’re putting yourself out there. Each “no” is one step closer to the right “yes.”

5. Trust The Process

The job search will have its altas y bajas—from ghostings that sting to celebratory tacos after landing an interview. But here’s the good news: eventually, it comes to an end.

Let yourself feel it all. Cry it out if you need to, but then get back up because eres una guerrera.

Honor the process and remember to acknowledge how far you’ve come. Your worth isn’t tied to a title or a paycheck; it’s in who you are and how you show up every day.

➡️ Set small daily goals: Maybe it’s sending out three resumes or updating your LinkedIn. Make these goals realistic.

➡️ Stay organized: Use a spreadsheet or app to track where you’ve applied and when to follow up.

➡️ Celebrate every step: Sent out three resumes today? Treat yourself to something nice—a glass of wine or maybe un rico postre.

➡️ Give yourself grace: Didn’t get that call back? Remember, it’s not rejection; it’s redirection.

➡️ Stay grounded: Your value isn’t tied to a job. You’re a force of nature, with or without that job offer.

➡️ Take care of yourself: Most importantly, take breaks. Go to the gym, meet up with your girlfriends for brunch, or book yourself that massage!

Final Thoughts

The job search may be tough, but so are you.

Your job doesn’t define you. The title you get, the company you work for, or the position you land doesn’t determine your worth. You are a whole person—you’re someone’s daughter, friend, sister, mother, coworker. You’re great, and that’s what truly matters.

Remember, the job is just one small part of your life. Keep that in perspective, and don't forget how much you have to offer, no matter what your career looks like.

The next chapter of your career is just around the corner. You’ve got this, and I’m here cheering you on every step of the way.

Catch the full episode with Alondra Canizal Hsu for more job search advice.