GRADUATING & STILL JOB SEARCHING? THE FIX MIGHT NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK
- Trie Angeleva, Professor Dream Job
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
Why Your Effort Isn’t Paying Off — And What To Do Instead
If you’re weeks from graduation and still don’t have a job lined up, you’re not alone. And no, you’re not a flawed candidate. But there’s a good chance you’re fixing the wrong things.
The job search can feel like one giant guessing game. You apply, tweak, rewrite, refresh. And when you hear nothing back? You redo your résumé. Apply to more jobs. Again and again.
But here’s what I see again and again as a career coach: Soon-to-be grads aren’t lazy. They’re working hard — on the wrong part of the process.
Let me explain.
Remember Those Games On The Price Is Right?
You know the ones. You’re presented with a half a dozen prizes or grocery items — and six price tags. Your job? Match the right price to the right product.
Easy enough, right?
Except when you push the big red button, all you get is a buzzer. No feedback. No hint. Just a “nope.” So you switch two of the tags. Buzz. Then a few more. Still wrong. You keep going, the timer ticking down, hoping eventually you’ll land on the right combo.
It’s chaotic. Stressful. And if you're not careful? You’ll start changing things that were actually right — just because you're desperate for something to work.
Sound familiar?
That’s exactly what the job search starts to feel like. Your résumé might be fine. Your LinkedIn might be great. Your energy might even be strong.
But if one part of your process is off — or if your strategy is out of order — you’ll keep hearing the equivalent of that loud buzzer. (Or worse … complete silence.) And you won't know what's triggering the buzzer and what's not so you keep tinkering or staying the course on the wrong path.
The Secret To Breaking Out Of The Stall
What most grads don’t realize is that the job search isn’t just a linear checklist. It’s a combination lock. There are dozens of potential factors that affect whether or not you get noticed, get interviews and get hired.
The mistake?
Trying to fix everything — or worse, the wrong things.
→ Rewriting a résumé that was already strong.
→ Sending 100 more applications without adjusting your message.
→ Ghosting your network when they’re the ones who could actually help.
When I created my $7 guide — 7 Quick Fixes To Launch Your Dream Career — I designed it to do one thing: help you pinpoint where you’re stuck and give you the exact fix to move forward.
Because you don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the right next thing.
Sneaky Sticking Points You Might Be Missing
Here are a few of the most common culprits I see trip up soon-to-be grads:
Unclear focus — You’re applying everywhere, but haven’t taken time to clarify what fits you best.
Resume mismatch — The words you're using don’t align with industry language — or with your online presence.
Weak interview answers — Rambling, vague or generic responses that don’t tell your story.
Body language — Shaky presence in interviews that makes you seem unsure or low energy even when you’re not.
You can be brilliant — and still get stuck here. The good news? These are fixable.
The Bottom Line: Job Search Fix, Graduate, Launch Your Career
If you are graduating soon and what to fix about your job search feels like a mystery you can’t solve, you’re not alone. You’re just doing what you thought you were supposed to do.
Now it’s time for a smart shift.
🌀 Grab the 7 Quick Fixes guide — and stop playing guessing games with your career. 🎓 It’s built for grads who are ready to move forward with clarity and confidence.💡 $7 →
And if you’ve got a friend who’s still spinning, pass this along.
No more buzzer.
The right offer needs you.
And you deserve to love what you do.
Maria Katrien 'Trie' Angeleva Heslin, MA, MA
Certified Coach, Author & Trainer
Dubbed “Professor Dream Job,” by her students, Trie is a former COO and founder of Reimagine Monday. She specializes in helping individuals transform their careers and lives through mindful, strategic approaches. Trie developed and taught career success courses at Indiana University, building on her proven methodology, The Love Monday Method. Her latest release, Launch, designed to help new college grads get unstuck in their search and empower their new career, is now available for Pre-Order.
With two Master's degrees, a Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, six coaching certifications and a deep passion for guiding new graduates and professionals in their prime, Trie supports individuals in navigating their career paths with clarity and confidence, and is dedicated to helping YOU turn your dream job into a reality.
Connect with Trie at trie@reimaginemonday.com.
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