What I Learned After Applying to 502 Jobs

Hi friend 👋🏼,

I applied to 502 jobs.

No, that’s not a typo. Five hundred and two.

I had 103 meet-and-greets, coffee chats, or informational interviews. I cold-messaged more than 200 people on LinkedIn. And somewhere in between cover letters, Zoom calls, and rejection emails—I found my voice, my grit, and the reminder that my network is my strategy, my brand is my power, and that women helping women has never been more real.

Let me back up.

Like so many women this year, I was impacted by a layoff. It was a moment of stillness that followed years of always having something to build, somewhere to go, and something to prove. And suddenly, I was on the other side—scrolling LinkedIn like it was a dating app, praying I didn’t miss the one opportunity that could change everything.

The reality is: finding a job doesn’t just happen. It takes strategy. It takes energy. And most of all—it takes work.

I Made Job Hunting My Job

After a few days of spiraling (you know the ones—pajamas all day, googling “what to do after a layoff”), I gave myself structure. I’m someone who thrives on direction, so I created a routine:

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., I focused on me—my MBA coursework, my Femme Force podcast, and the projects that fill my soul.

Then from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., I made applying to jobs my job.

I didn’t treat it like a maybe. I treated it like a must.

I built a spreadsheet—because yes, I’m that girl—and tracked every application, every follow-up, every “Hi [First Name], I’d love to connect.” I even shared it with another woman navigating the same uncertain waters, and we became accountability partners. One line item at a time, we became our own version of HR.

I Applied for Everything (Yes, Everything)

Here’s where it gets real: I applied for things in my field. I applied for things that weren’t in my field. I applied for roles I was overqualified for, underqualified for, barely qualified for—and some I’d never even heard of before.

At first, it felt chaotic. But eventually, it became clear:

This wasn’t just about getting a job. It was about figuring out who I am outside of my title.

Some people say, “Don’t waste your time applying to jobs you’re not a perfect match for.” And I understand the logic. But sometimes, when the path feels unclear, the best thing you can do is move anyway. Apply, explore, get curious. Every click is a breadcrumb.

And every rejection? Data.

LinkedIn Became My Office

Let me confess something: I had to start setting time limits on LinkedIn. I was treating it like Tinder. Refreshing, scrolling, thinking maybe this post will be the one.

But here’s what I learned: LinkedIn isn’t about the job postings. It’s about the people.

The real power lies in the messages, the “do you have 15 minutes to chat?” moments, and the brave DMs you send to someone whose story inspires you.

I reached out to over 200 people. Not all of them responded. But many did. And each one gave me perspective, advice, and sometimes—just hope. Hope that someone else sees you, that your work matters, and that your next opportunity is somewhere in a stranger’s inbox.

If you’re afraid to reach out, do it anyway. The worst they can say is nothing. And the best? Could change everything.

Your Network Is Your Strategy. Your Brand Is Your Power.

The reason I was able to even send those messages is because I had done the work before the layoff to build a brand.

I showed up. I shared. I networked with purpose. And when it all came crashing down, I didn’t have to start from scratch. I had people. I had stories. I had a presence.

If you’re not already thinking of your brand as a career insurance policy, start now.

You don’t need to be an influencer or post every day. You just need to be visible and valuable—online and in real life. Show people who you are before you ever need a favor. Because when the moment comes (and trust me, it will), you’ll already have trust.

Women Helping Women Isn’t a Cliché—It’s the Strategy

There’s something deeply powerful about reaching out to another woman and saying, “I see you. I’ve been you. How can I help?”

Some of my most valuable leads came from women who didn’t know me at all—but they remembered what it felt like to be job searching in the dark.

We have this gift, as women, of showing up with empathy and execution. And I’ve never seen that more clearly than during this season of uncertainty. We make referrals. We open doors. We say each other’s names in rooms that matter.

If you’re in a position to help someone right now, do it.

If you’re the one who needs help, ask.

We’re stronger together. Always.

Finding a Job Is Work

Let’s be clear: this process isn’t glamorous.

It’s draining. It’s disheartening. It’s rejection emails that sound like AI generated them. It’s getting ghosted after four interviews. It’s pep-talking yourself at 11 a.m. after refreshing your inbox for the third time.

But it’s also resilience.

It’s clarity.

It’s choosing to believe that what’s ahead is greater than what’s behind you.

And just like any job, it requires systems, stamina, and belief in your ability to get up and try again.

You don’t find a job. You build your way into one.

Final Thoughts: Organization, Momentum, and Grit

If you’re in the thick of it, here’s my advice:

• Get organized. Use a spreadsheet, a calendar, a whiteboard—whatever keeps you focused and consistent.

• Apply broadly. Don’t overthink yourself out of roles. The market is competitive, and curiosity counts.

• Build your brand. Talk about what you do and why you do it. Show up before you’re “ready.”

• Network strategically. Be clear in your outreach. Know your ask. Offer something in return.

• Know your worth. Not every rejection is about you. Some doors don’t open because they’re not your door.

Something great will come along.

But it probably won’t fall into your lap.

You’ll find it in the doing. In the showing up. In the message you almost didn’t send and the job you almost didn’t apply to.

So take a deep breath.

And then get back to work.

As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to connect with us on Instagram @femmeforce_co to stay updated with our daily doses of inspiration and Femme Force updates.

P.S. If you ever have questions, suggestions, or just want to chat, please feel free to reply to this email 📧 I'd love to hear from you!