Career Launch and Gardening
I have often told clients that “job hunting should be treated like a full-time job.” But it’s only August and I’m starting to regret that analogy with my clients who are recent grads. Why? Because it’s a “job” that offers no paycheck, no helpful feedback from supervisors, and no team of coworkers in the same boat to boost morale. It can feel lonely, frustrating, and disorienting.
If you have just graduated and are looking for a job, let’s reframe this!
Recent data in the WSJ suggests we’re now entering one of the toughest job markets for new grads in years (except for the pandemic years.) Despite a low overall unemployment rate, the struggle is real. However, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) First Destinations report, nearly 85% of 2023 bachelor’s degree grads and nearly 90% of Master’s grads were either employed or pursuing further education within six months after graduating.
I get that this can seem like an eternity to a recent grad and NO, not all of your friends landed their dream job before they walked, promise!
So, let’s ditch the old “marathon-not-a-sprint” mantra - it’s oppressive and outdated. Instead, think of your job search like tending a garden. You plant seeds regularly (applications, networking), water them consistently (follow-ups, relationship building), and understand that growth takes a minute. Some seeds won’t sprout, but with patience and steady care, the right opportunities will bloom.
Avoid Burnout: Garden With Intention
For many job seekers, a “full-time” search can lead to burnout. Back-to-back Zooms, networking calls, and informational interviews can leave you drained. Researchers call it “meeting hangover.” And yes, job seekers are just as susceptible as 9-to-5 workers.
Steven Rogelberg of UNC Charlotte, who studies workplace meetings, suggests structuring your day with intention by clustering meetings into blocks, adding, “Instead of sprinkling meetings throughout the day, cluster them in the morning or afternoon or around a natural break like lunch. And be sure to leave at least 10 to 15 minutes between meetings to recover and prepare.” I have used this technique and think it’s great advice: it gives your brain a chance to recharge and reflect and provides concentrated deep work time each day.”
I often suggest clients reset with a 20-minute walk, or a quick chat with someone who always brightens their day before diving into the next cold email. And volunteering- gets you out of your house & head, makes you feel good, and could turn out to be an unintentional steppingstone to an actual job offer.
Ditch the Guilt. Really.
You might feel like you “should” be filling your calendar or sending more messages. But it’s quality that matters, not quantity. Guilt about quantity is wasted energy- yours. Focusing on quality and your own schedule can raise your success rate.
Make it easy for contacts to say yes
When you reach out make it easy for busy professionals to say yes. Make a short, specific ask (10–15 minutes), with clear guardrails - e.g., “Would love 15 minutes to hear your take on industry trends or any advice you’d share with someone early in their career.” It can be a call (vs video, leave the choice to them) and be flexible with timing. Respect for others’ time goes a long way and can improve your odds of getting a response. It’s hard for someone to say no to a 10-minute call.
Set Realistic Expectations
Prepare thoroughly for every call, but don’t cling to a script. Let the conversation unfold naturally. Afterward, take a moment to jot down key takeaways and action items, so you can clear your mind and move on. It’s all part of tending your garden. while it’s important to see if you are over watering (too much?), or if certain plants need more light (is your pitch clear?) don’t obsess. You can prep but you can’t control everything.
Conserve energy by being selective with your time. Rogelberg suggests sorting meetings into “must-haves,” “nice-to-haves,” and “not-needed.” Prioritize accordingly. Even then, some great conversations will go nowhere. That’s okay. Disappointment is part of the process. and it is very unlikely one meeting will make or break your search. As important as it is to pay attention to the details when gardening, it’s important to remember it’s not possible for everything to bloom overnight.
Don't Go It Alone
One fabulous client joined a local job seekers group at the library in addition to our 1:1 coaching sessions. She described it as having accountability buddies and built-in cheerleaders for the wins and the rough patches. It helped her stay consistent and feel less alone. If you’re struggling or feeling you’re blocked, reach out. You don’t have to carry this alone. Support is strength. Also, consider reconnecting with your college’s Career Services - many have amazing resources for alumni aside from the online groups most offer.
Three Out-of-the Box Approaches That Work
These approaches may sound unconventional, but they’ve resonating with many of my clients and helped them regain clarity and motivation:
Build a Project of Your Own
Start small enough that you won't abandon it when job search stress hits. A weekly blog post about your field, a simple survey of industry trends, or even a photo journal of your daily life during this transition can work. The magic happens when you realize you're creating value independent of any employer - it shifts your mindset from "I need someone to hire me" to "I'm already contributing."
Use a “Search Seasons”
Try 10 days of focused search activity (applications, networking, research), followed by 3–4 days completely off. Protect the breaks. by staying away from LinkedIn and job alerts. Use this time for your project, relationships, or pure rest. The anticipation of the break makes the work periods more focused.
Move with Intention
Try matching different types of movement to different job search tasks. Take a walk somewhere green when brainstorming new directions. Do yoga – or actual weeding in a real garden! - when processing rejection. Celebrate small wins with a run. Physical rituals help your brain shift gears and prevents the job search from becoming an endless grind.
When you treat your job search more like a holistic, organic process and less like an exhausting sprint, you are using different tools and different techniques to cultivate and create something positive. You will have more energy, more clarity, and a sense of deep satisfaction as you eventually see your garden bear fruit
As a coach I partner with clients to navigate professional challenges efficiently and confidently, offering strategic solutions and practical tools—like helping new graduates land their first career-level positions—while maintaining their well-being throughout the process. If any of these tips helped, I would love to know and, if you have others would love to hear from you in the comments!