How to Set Yourself Up for a Successful Job Search (Even if You’re Still in High School)
At some point in your life, you will join millions and millions of people who have been on the hunt for the perfect job. I want you to know: job hunting can be overwhelming and even depressing.
But the good news? There are concrete ways to make it easier.
How do I know? Because I’ve been there… more than once.
My Job Search Story
I’ve navigated job searches at different seasons of my life — each one teaching me something new about resilience, clarity, and self-worth. (Which didn’t seem worth it at the time, but looking back it was.)
1. Fresh Out of College
Like so many grads, I ran into the “must have one to three years’ experience” dilemma.
My first job out of college was at an insurance call center explaining to angry customers why their doctor bills were so high. I was one of the few who actually took time to help people understand their coverage.
Unfortunately, we were paid based on call volume, not quality so my paycheck suffered. Three months later, I found a headhunter who helped me land a new job as an administrative assistant in financial services.
2. The Global Financial Crisis
A decade later, I found myself unemployed during the 2008 recession. Fourteen long months of networking, resume rewrites, interviews, and moving every three months to a different friend’s house taught me humility and persistence.
Ultimately, it was a stranger I met through networking who helped me land my next role.
3. The Toxic Job
Years later, I faced another challenge: an extremely toxic, high-stress workplace. I worked long hours, developed stress headaches, and even needed medical treatment for them.
Eventually, I realized no job is worth your health, so I quit.
Through all of it, I learned that job searches aren’t just professional transitions; they’re deeply personal growth moments.
Perspective: Keep Your Head in the Game
It’s strange to know you’re capable and still have to persuade others to take a chance on you.
A few things that kept me grounded:
Daily pep talks: When I was first looking for jobs, I had to remind myself that every college grad starts with no experience. Eventually someone will take a chance on you. When I was unemployed, I told myself, “I will get through this. One day I’ll have a job. I don’t know what it will be, but I’m doing what I need to do.” And eventually, I did.
Cheer Yourself Up: You have to be your own cheerleader. Write down any wins that happen when you’re job searching, even if your win is applying to numerous jobs per day or updating your resume or having a coffee with a networking contact.
Job searching is a mental marathon. The right job will come with time.
You’re the Boss of Your Job Search
Treat your job hunt like your job. Create structure and boundaries:
Schedule your search: Pick specific times each day to apply, network, or update your materials.
Take micro-actions: Take small daily steps (like updating your resume or reaching out to one contact).
Give yourself permission to rest: You can’t job-hunt 24/7. Do things that you won’t be able to do once you have a job, like taking a long walk, visiting a museum, or spending time with friends or family.
If you’re a college grad, dedicate focused time each day:
Reach out to adults in your network.
Ask for introductions and advice.
Follow up with thank-you notes.
Use your college’s career services.
💡 Pro tip: Get professional experience however you can. Work part-time, freelance, or volunteer in your desired field. It builds confidence and your resume.
Positioning: Know What You Bring to the Table
Part of your job search is learning and then communicating the value you bring to the role.
Ask yourself:
What are my strengths?
What are my weaknesses?
What environments do I thrive in?
What “problem” do I solve?
Once you answer these, create your personal positioning statement:
“I help [type of person/company] do [what] so that [result].”
This kind of clarity doesn’t happen overnight, but when it does, it changes how you approach and talk to potential employers.
Need help figuring this out? My coaching clients use their personalized strengths discovery profile experience to find language that fits who they are and how they work best.
Related: How to Help Your Teen Build Confidence
Remember: This Is Temporary
The job search process can feel endless, but it isn’t.
It takes courage to keep showing up each day and getting rejected. Or ignored. But each application, each conversation, and each reflection brings you closer to the right fit.
You have unique strengths that someone out there is looking for. Once you learn to communicate them clearly, the search becomes less painful — and far more empowering.
Coaching in Action
If you read this and thought, “This all makes sense, but how do I actually do it?” — let’s talk.
I’ve helped hundreds of high-achieving individuals approach their job search and their careers differently whether they were just starting their careers or desiring a change, thinking about “What’s next?”
Here’s what two of them said afterward:
“Great news! I started a new job this week. It’s sorta perfect — creative, flexible, and with a dream boss. I wouldn’t have made the move without understanding my goals and strengths.”
“I got the role! Thank you for helping me find confidence and direction through the process. I couldn’t have done it without our coaching work.”
Final Thought
When you take time to understand who you are, what you bring, and why it matters, you set yourself up not just for a job, but for life-changing success.
Go get ’em. You’ve got this.
About Anna
Anna Nelson is a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and ICF-Certified Coach who helps professionals, teens, and parents make confident, intentional decisions about work, education, and life. Learn more about her Strengths-Based Pre-College Prep Program or book a free strategy session.