Hi! It's Cheraine from Jobclub 💚
A note for anyone heading into 2026 who is still searching:
If you're reading this and you're still looking for your next role, I want to start with something important:
You're not behind. You're not broken. And 2026 doesn't have to feel like 2025.
Job searching is exhausting. The silence. The rejections. The interviews that seemed to go well but led nowhere. The constant second-guessing of whether your resume is good enough, whether you're aiming too high, whether the market will ever turn in your favour.
I see you. And I want you to know that what you're feeling is valid, but it's not the full picture.
Here's What I Know to Be True
The people who land roles aren't always the most qualified. They're the ones who stayed visible, kept refining their approach, and didn't let setbacks define their story.
That can be you next year.
Not through hustle culture. Not through sending 200 applications a week. Not through pretending you're fine when you're not.
But through small, intentional shifts that compound over time.
What I'm Seeing in the Market
Yes, it's been tough. But things are moving.
Organisations that paused hiring in 2024 and 2025 are starting to rebuild. Projects that were put on hold are getting funded again. Leaders who've been "making do" with lean teams are finally getting headcount approved.
The opportunities are coming. Some are already here.
The question isn't whether roles exist. It's whether you're positioned to be seen when the right one opens.
A Few Things Worth Remembering
Your value didn't decrease because the market got harder. A tough hiring environment doesn't reflect your worth. It reflects economic conditions, budget cycles, and timing. None of which are about you.
Rejection isn't feedback on your potential. Most rejections aren't even about you. They're about internal candidates, changed priorities, or hiring freezes that happened after the ad went live. Don't carry weight that was never yours to hold.
Rest is part of the strategy. You cannot pour from an empty cup. If you're burnt out, taking a week off from applications isn't giving up. It's giving yourself a chance to come back sharper.
Small progress is still progress. One improved resume bullet. One new connection. One conversation that didn't lead anywhere but taught you something. It all counts. Keep going.
What I'd Encourage You to Focus on
Get clear on what you actually want. Not just any job. The right job. What does that look like? What kind of work, environment, leadership, and culture would make you thrive? Clarity attracts the right opportunities and helps you filter out the wrong ones.
Audit your materials with fresh eyes. Your resume and LinkedIn profile might have been great six months ago. But are they still working? Do they reflect where you're heading, or just where you've been? Sometimes a small refresh makes a big difference.
Build relationships, not just applications. The best roles often come through connections, not job boards. This doesn't mean awkward networking. It means genuine conversations with people in your field. Commenting on posts. Reaching out to say hello. Being visible in ways that feel authentic to you.
Prepare like you mean it. When interviews do come, be ready. Research the company. Practise your stories. Anticipate their concerns and address them before they're raised. Preparation is the difference between "good interview" and "you've got the job."
Protect your energy. Unfollow accounts that make you feel worse. Limit your time on job boards if they're draining you. Surround yourself with people who remind you of your strengths. Your mental state matters more than your application volume.
A Gentle Reminder
Job searching can feel incredibly lonely. Like everyone else has it figured out except you.
They don't.
Behind every "I'm excited to announce" post is a story you didn't see. The months of silence. The interviews that went nowhere. The moments of doubt that almost made them give up.
You're not seeing the full picture when you compare yourself to others. So please, be kind to yourself this year.
You've Got More in Your Corner Than You Realise
Every experience you've had, every skill you've built, every challenge you've navigated, it's all still there. The market doesn't erase your value. A few rejections don't undo your track record.
You have something to offer. The right organisation will see it.
Your job right now is to keep going until they do.
If You Need Support Along the Way
I'm always sharing tips, insights, and encouragement on LinkedIn. If you're not already following along, that's a good place to start.
And if you're feeling stuck, if your applications aren't landing, your interviews aren't converting, or you just don't know what's not working, sometimes a fresh perspective is all it takes.
My inbox is open. No pressure. Just here if you need me.
Here's to 2026 being the year it clicks for you!
You've got this.
Merry Christmas 🎄
Cheraine 💚
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