Hiring may have slowed down this year, but people are still landing jobs—and it’s not just luck. They’re doing it by facing their fears head-on. Despite uncertainty about layoffs, competition, and even AI, they’re taking action anyway. That’s the courage advantage.
Fear of Rejection:
When it comes to trying, failure and rejection are part of the game. It’s natural to experience rejection when you put yourself out there. That doesn’t mean you’re not great at what you do, it just means someone else was a better fit this time around.
What it also means is that you applied for a job, went through the process, and had an opportunity to put yourself out there, make a connection, and practice your interview skills. That’s progress.
Yes, it’s not always fun to hear a “no,” but it shouldn’t shake your confidence—it should build it. You put yourself out there, and that’s something to feel proud of. Your resume was seen, maybe it was even impressive enough to land you an interview, and from there, you can expand your professional network. See, being rejected isn’t all bad.
Uncomfortable About Networking:
If networking gives you the ick, you’re not alone. It can feel uncomfortable to reach out to someone and ask for help. But in a competitive market, avoiding it is a mistake. Having a “man on the inside” could be the thing that gets your resume noticed.
Often, networking feels awkward because it’s treated as an afterthought rather than something authentic. The fix? Don’t just network when you are in the market for a new job—make it an ongoing habit.
Reach out to former colleagues to say hi, attend an industry event, or join an alumni group. When someone in your network asks for an introduction and you can help, do it. You never know when you’ll need that favor returned. Helping others also makes it easier to ask for help when you need it.
So be brave, reach out to two people right now. It could be just to say hello or comment on something they’ve recently shared. Or go for a big swing and ask someone if they have 15 minutes to chat about what they’ve been working on. You may get a few no’s or be ghosted, but the more you do it, the braver you’ll become.
Anxiety From Artificial Intelligence:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hottest buzzword at the moment, if you’re not talking about it or using it, or talking about how you’re using it, there’s probably cause for concern.
While headlines warn that AI will replace jobs, the real risk is being replaced by someone who uses AI more effectively. AI is also being used by HR departments to screen resumes, which means sending out the same generic resume for every role could be a costly mistake.
To stand out, customize your resume for each job and use the right keywords. Learn how AI can make your work more efficient—but don’t rely on it to write your application materials for you. Hiring teams can usually spot AI-generated content instantly.
So, have the courage to experiment with new tools and find ways AI can enhance your work. That way, when the time comes to showcase your skills, you’ll be ready.
The Courage Advantage
Take advantage of the time right now to build your courage muscle. As they say, “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.” If you’re willing to put in the work to make the job search a little less scary, you’ll set future self up for success.
Keep applying after rejection, ask for help, even if it feels uncomfortable, and adapt to new technologies. Courage is the ultimate competitive advantage.