These are the ONLY 2 THINGS THAT MATTER in Your Job Search
2 things matter in your job search and only 1 is in your control
After years as a recruiter, reviewing thousands of resumes and placing hundreds of candidates in new roles, I’ve noticed that job seekers often complicate the process. They worry about all sorts of factors they can’t control, and meanwhile, overlook the things they do have control over. In truth, there are only two things that really matter in your job search, and here’s the kicker—you can only control one of them.
1. Whether the Job You Want Open (This is Out of Your Control)
The first thing that matters is whether or not the type of job you’re seeking is even available. Unfortunately, this is something you can’t control. Whether your dream role is open at a specific company, or if there’s a position that perfectly matches your skills at the right time, is simply a matter of timing.
Sure, you can improve your ability to discover job postings by checking job boards regularly, networking with professionals in your industry, and setting up alerts for roles you’re interested in. But ultimately, you don’t control when opportunities appear. Yet, many job seekers spend endless time stressing over this part of the process, making the search much harder than it needs to be. The reality is that worrying about something you have zero influence over doesn’t help—so don’t let it steal your energy and focus.
2. How Well You Present Yourself as the Ideal Candidate (100% in Your Control)
The second thing—and the one you do have control over—is how you present yourself as the best fit for the job. This is where your energy is best spent, as it’s the one area where you have total influence. Every part of how you’re perceived by a hiring manager is something you can shape and optimize, from your resume to your interview preparation.
Here’s how you can take control and maximize your chances of standing out:
Revise and Target Your Resume: This means tailoring each resume to align with the specific job you’re applying for. If a job calls for customer service experience, emphasize any relevant roles where you interacted with customers or handled client accounts. Use action verbs and quantify achievements to show impact. You want the hiring manager to see at a glance that you’re a match for the position.
Write Polished, Professional Communications: When you’re reaching out to hiring managers, recruiters, or sending follow-up emails, every message should reinforce your professionalism and interest in the position. Research the company, highlight why you’re excited about the opportunity, and address specifics from the job description to demonstrate your commitment. Thoughtful, personalized communication goes a long way in showing that you’re invested in the process.
Prepare for the Interview with Purpose: Once you land an interview, your preparation should build on what’s in your resume. Practice discussing your experience in a way that ties directly to the job requirements. Think through examples that illustrate your ability to solve problems, work as part of a team, or deliver results—whatever skills the role requires. Each answer you give should reinforce why you’re the best candidate.
Unfortunately, too many job seekers take a “one-size-fits-all” approach, applying with generic resumes that fail to capture what makes them unique or qualified. They’re not spending the time needed to customize each application, and as a result, they miss out on opportunities to make strong first impressions. Applying for dozens of roles with a cookie-cutter resume won’t yield great results. In fact, it can even prolong your search as you miss chances to stand out.
The Takeaway
In the end, rather than stressing about what’s out of your control, focus on what you can influence: making every application count. Treat each job application as a first impression that could open the door to an interview. It might mean more effort upfront, but the results are worth it. The right role will appear, and when it does, you’ll be ready to shine.
So, put in the work where it really matters—refining how you present yourself. That’s where the true power lies, and it’s the key to turning job applications into job offers.
