Career Advice for Job Seekers
It’s March and you haven’t found a job yet. What should you do?
As the calendar turns to March, the “summer” job search shifts from a distant thought to an immediate priority. For early-career candidates, this month is the ultimate crossroads: while many high-level corporate internships in tech or finance locked in their cohorts months ago, the vast majority of mid-market firms, nonprofits, and seasonal employers are just now opening their gates. Whether you are hunting for a career-defining internship, a steady full-time entry-level role, or a high-energy seasonal position at a resort or camp, March is the month to transition from passive browsing to aggressive outreach.
To find success in today’s market, focus on skills-based positioning and proactive networking. Employers in 2026 are increasingly moving away from strict GPA requirements in favor of “proof of impact”—so ensure your resume highlights specific projects where you’ve used AI tools, managed budgets, or solved complex problems. If you’re looking for local or seasonal work, don’t just wait for a posting; “drop-in” culture is making a comeback for small businesses, and a professional in-person inquiry can often bypass a crowded online applicant tracking system. Set a goal to submit a specific number of tailored applications each week, and remember that for many summer roles, the hiring window effectively closes once the “rolling” spots are filled.
Quote 1 – Amit Agrawal
The month of March is the time to shift your approach from looking for a big-name brand to looking for a spot in the just-in-time marketplace. Large enterprise hiring cycles generally peak in the fall, (generally) and mid-market and startup-type organizations typically will start their heaviest spring recruiting this month since they typically hire for immediate project needs as opposed to on an annual quota cycle. I’ve had the opportunity to build my engineering teams through scaling and I have found that these smaller companies have provided early-stage talent a great opportunity for greater direct impact and much quicker access to mentors.
The most effective way to establish an opportunity right now is to stop mass-applying and to start signaling. I have hired hundreds of people who work in development and I can tell you that finding someone who can demonstrate a live project they worked on or a document of a project they completed in a very short period of time stands out much more than a person who has perfect grades in a major. Use this time to build a proof-of-work portfolio that provides evidence of your ability to solve a problem for a specific type of industry. You want to focus on proving to the employer what you have already done instead of telling the employer what you can do.
Do not overlook the ability of conducting an informational interview with the founder or team leader of smaller companies. They will likely have positions that are not publicly listed and they often value a direct approach through your initial contact. If you can provide detail about how your experience matches up to their current priorities, you will avoid the clutter of the traditional job application process altogether.
It can be easy to feel the pressure from seeing others land opportunities before you do; however, remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Finding a job that fits you and your skillset-even if it takes a few extra weeks-will create a stronger foundation of success for the future than taking an opportunity simply because you need a job quick. Take the time to evaluate the quality of the job opportunity compared to the speed of receiving an offer.
Amit Agrawal, Founder & COO, Developers.dev
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Quote 2 – Nabilah Shamseddine
As a multi-unit franchise leader and growth specialist for brands like Orangetheory and BARKology, I’ve spent years hiring and coaching early-career talent to build high-impact teams. I’ve found that success comes from a “grassroots” approach to growth–the same mindset you need if your job search has stalled by March.
If traditional applications aren’t working, pivot to emerging wellness sectors where you can offer specialized value, such as understanding science-backed treatments like PEMF or Red Light therapy. I used this strategy to scale The Covery and BARKology, focusing on niche expertise to stand out in crowded markets.
Treat your career like a franchise rollout by tracking your daily outreach and focusing on “community-driven” networking in your local city. When I was an Area Developer, I hired leaders who demonstrated they could cultivate local networks and elevate service standards rather than those who just submitted the most resumes.
Focus on brands that value “people-centric coaching” and premium client experiences, as these environments are where early-career professionals thrive best. Stay vision-led and refine your process every single day until the market responds to your unique value.
Nabilah Shamseddine, Founder & CEO, Barkology Wellness
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Quote 3 – Rudy Mosketti
Having spent 40 years in the food industry and serving in Vietnam, I’ve learned that a career is a calling that requires a servant’s heart. I’ve reviewed hundreds of RJM Smoke House LLC applications and know that genuine character often outweighs a specific degree.
In March, businesses in Springfield start gearing up for graduation catering, so look for industries entering their peak season where hands-on help is needed immediately. Visit these local spots in person to show you have the hospitality and heart that a computer screen simply cannot capture.
Align your search with your values, as we do by donating 50% of our Tuesday earnings to charity to serve the Springfield community. Demonstrating that you care about a company’s mission and faith-driven purpose will make you stand out to an owner more than a standard cover letter.
If you’re feeling stuck, stop by Rudy’s Smokehouse for some slow-smoked barbecue and observe how a mission-oriented team functions. Shifting your focus from “finding a job” to “finding a way to serve” will change your perspective and attract the right mentors.
Rudy Mosketti, Founder, Rudy’s Smokehouse
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Quote 4 – Ryan Pittillo
As a franchise owner and head football coach, I’ve built winning teams by looking for “team-first” players who understand that the person matters more than the number. When the traditional hiring season feels like it’s closing in March, you need to stop sending generic resumes and start pitching a visual “game plan” for the specific role you want.
At ProMD Health, we use an AI Simulator to help patients visualize their results; you should provide a similar “preview” to employers by showing exactly how you’ll solve a specific problem during your first 90 days. Approach a local business with a proactive strategy instead of a request for help, proving you have the “can-do” attitude we look for in our Bel Air practice.
Being ingrained in the local community through initiatives like our “ProMD Helps” program is the most effective way to bypass automated hiring filters. Volunteer for a local charity or community event where you can demonstrate your work ethic and character directly to decision-makers in a high-impact, low-pressure environment.
Ryan Pittillo, Owner, ProMD Health Bel Air
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Quote 5 – Janne Lynch DDS
I transitioned from social work to dentistry after realizing my first career wasn’t providing the tangible, lasting help I wanted for families. Having practiced in Manhattan and rural Texas before building AZ Dentist, I understand that a stalled search often requires pivoting toward roles where you can provide immediate, concrete results.
If you are struggling in March, identify the “marriage of science and artistic skill” in your field to differentiate yourself from the competition. I leveraged my city-wide award-winning sculpture talents and a chemistry minor to secure a spot at the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry.
Seek out high-intensity environments, such as the year-long oral surgery externship I completed in rural Texas, to gain valuable experience that others avoid. Building a diverse portfolio of technical skills, from aesthetic training at the Larry Rosenthal Institute to surgical expertise, makes you an indispensable asset.
Stay “up-to-date” by investing in specialized training through flexible payment options like Cherry Financing or Care Credit. Mastering both allopathic and biologic schools of thought will help you deliver world-class value that keeps your career trajectory on an “ongoing journey” of success.
Janne Lynch DDS, Dentist, AZ Dentist
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Quote 6 – Dan Keiser
I graduated from Kent State University in 1993 during an economic downturn, taking seven years to finish a five-year degree, so I understand the “bumpy ride” of a slow start. My breakthrough came from joining a tiny three-person firm where I was forced to run projects solo within two months, giving me “under the hood” experience no large firm could offer.
If standard applications aren’t working by March, pivot to unconventional alignments like the Gahanna Lincoln High School architecture program where I found a role as an educator. This teaching position allowed me to build Keiser Design Group as a side business, managing ten personal projects a year while maintaining professional stability.
Persistence is your greatest asset; I once hired an intern, Noah, who spent an entire year searching for a chance before he contacted me directly to discuss his career. Use any current downtime to travel to foreign countries to see how culture and environment dictate design, which expands your “box” and makes you a more valuable, mission-minded candidate.
Dan Keiser, Principal Architect, Keiser Design Group
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Quote 7 – Mary Sullivan
If you try to show up in the spring without a signed offer, it would take an aggressive redoubling of your networking. As most of the mainstream job posts on job boards are filled by March, you will want to access this “hidden market” and begin asking for informational interviews from those working there. It bypasses all algorithmic filters, and it creates a kind of meaningful connection that every job seeker has to find in order to access unadvertised job opportunities.
In the meantime, focus on upskilling in a few special places. Or maybe get a new certification or at least give back to open source! Clearly someone had time to kill. With both exposure and craft thusly being handled in this two-pronged manner, you’ll be that desirable talent everyone is after.
Mary Sullivan, Business Owner, Company That Buys Houses
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Quote 8 – Scott Brown
You should be treating your job search like a job, and working on it every day. This would include spending time networking and setting up informational interviews. For every person you have an informational interview with, you should ask them if they think there is someone else you should be speaking with who could connect you with more people or help you get into the position you’re seeking. Of course, if you need income, you can take on temp work with a temp agency, gig work through apps, or online income through things like paid surveys, focus groups or online freelancing on platforms like Upwork.
Scott Brown, Founder, Focus Group Placement
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Quote 9 – Shannon Beatty
Assess where things go wrong in your approach. If technology is not working for you, the object should be direct networking and professional chitchat. Real relationships are messy and often devolve into the territory of assumed roles that hard-coded systems fail to see. Seek out short-term gigs or consulting work if you need more reps while applying. Some new certification or some how-to on the latest IT software packages can help your resume catch attention amid a looted housing of competitors. They will need to be both resolute and adaptable in a contracting market.
Shannon Beatty, Real Estate Investor, House Buying Girls
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Quote 10 – Zachary Smith
Try in March, when many companies have recently finished signing off on their new budgets. Reconsider your tactics, and redo your resume with some new keywords. Focus down and spend less time clicking “apply” from job boards. Contacting your former employees or industry-based connection can similarly help to disclose unadvertised job openings. In the meantime, you may consider expanding your search for temporary or freelance work. Practicing to perfect your interviewing technique will also build valuable confidence. Keep plugging away, and polish your game until it fits what someone might be looking for.
Zachary Smith, Founder & CEO, Ready House Buyer
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Quote 11 – Geremy Yamamoto
March is the perfect time to reboot your job search. Then you’re going to need to write up a resume detailing just what you’ve achieved so that you get through those SIPs that pre-select documents for you. Picking up smaller markets or projects keep the ball rolling while getting through that transition. You’d be surprised how many unposted jobs a little networking with fellow professionals can unearth. Direct messaging recruiters or even folks you used to work with is in reality a thing that dice etc do not have. You are a better, more ‘elite’ person with the acquisition of new skill. At a time when I need your schedule to sustain me and not weigh me down. So when the right one comes, you’ll be ready to grab it.
Geremy Yamamoto, Founder, Eazy House Sale
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Quote 12 – Jonathan Carcone
Bumping into the Old Wall in March blows, but remember when late spring hits there are plenty more fishes in that sea. Keep your method sacred — straight up. If the applications are going into a black hole, it’s time to dust off that resume today. If you couldn’t get those interviews to convert, practice for performance. Focus on networking IRL. Disappointing roles can also be unearthed through personal connections in the greater Los Angeles real estate community. A decade of decor investments in everything helps the sum total as well. Authentic conversations create fans and referrals.
Jonathan Carcone, Principal, 4 Brothers Buy Houses
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Quote 13 – John Karsant
If you are still searching for a job by March, then start considering being self-employed. Maybe not as a long-term plan, but to keep you earning. With the monetization of social media, podcasting, and AI, there is a democratization of opportunity on the Internet, such that your “Resume” will be significantly less important than your ability to use the tools available to you.
You can use ChatGPT to write copy, Descript to produce a niche podcast, or Canva to create professional marketing visuals and animation materials for local businesses. The same thing happened when I began Level Up Leads. It was not about having a prestigious educational background; it was about identifying a problem and using the tools available to solve it.
Use this time to build your own platform and sell your output directly to the market. Whether through direct sales of your own freelance services or creating a content brand, the goal is to stay relevant and learn new skills.
John Karsant, Founder and CEO, LevelUp Leads
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Quote 14 – Gary Gray
If it’s already March and you still haven’t secured an internship or entry-level position,continue showing up for interviews and remain in the hunt. As a new college graduate, you’re competing with other applicants and the “experience gap.” It will take time before employers recognize your potential and finally give you a shot at landing a role.
Each interview is a lesson on how improve your pitch, and also, what companies are searching for. It may be taking a little longer than expected to land that first role, but some of the best career paths will require a longer “ramp-up” to gain traction.
So,instead of allowing the quietness of March to get under your skin, treat your job search like a disciplined day-to-day operation. If you continue to put yourself out there and maintain your momentum, something will eventually come your way.
Gary Gray, CEO, CouponChief.com
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Quote 15 – Cody Schuiteboer
Late March seems late in the recruiting game, but all is not lost — and panic certainly isn’t the answer. But there is plenty of hiring, particularly outside of structured campus programs, year-round, so step one is to stop acting like it was a missed window and start treating it as a numbers problem you can still solve. Honestly judge what isn’t working: If you’re applying widely and hearing nothing, your resume or targeting is off. If you’re getting interviews but no offers, the problem lies in how you are presenting yourself. Address the issue at hand instead of just adding more applications to the black hole. This is, in fact, the ideal time to be leaning on people, professors, previous internship supervisors, unsure of how to make something out of nothing that summer you spent filing and hoping for a return offer, your aunt-in-law living in another city where you’re actively trying to target potential contacts not for a job outright but just asking whether you can talk. The best entry-level positions are rarely advertised. And even beyond that, perhaps a short-term contract role, an internship extension, or a freelance project might help you build your resume while you look on. That’s what I’m getting at when I say that being in motion and being seen as such matters more right now than waiting for some perfect role to materialize.
Cody Schuiteboer, President & CEO, Best Interest Financial.
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Quote 16 – Dora Bloom
Don’t Stress Out about Not Finding a Job Yet- It’s March! The Hiring Continues for Early-Career Hiring for the Spring Until Summer. Instead of Applying through Job Boards, Think Proactively about Speaking to Other People such As Alumni, Professors and Professional Contacts to Set Up Short Informational Interview or Q&A to Help Develop a Professional Network. Consider Having One or Two Different Paths That Employers Can Clearly See How You Will Fit into Their Organization.
If You Think You Don’t Have the Experience Required for a Job You Want, Make Your Own Experience. Accept Freelance Work, Volunteer Work or Short-Term Jobs Working on Projects that Will Build Skills for You and Show Employers You Have Initiative. Review Your Resume to Be Sure You Are Focusing on and Highlighting Your Accomplishments Rather Than Your Responsibilities and Take the Time to Customize Each of Your Applications. Your First Job Will Not Determine the Rest of Your Career. It Is Important to Remain Proactive and Build Up a Momentum Because Only a Small Number of People Will Get into the Right Position Immediately and Instead Just Be Patient.
Dora Bloom, Chief Revenue Officer, iotum
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Quote 17 – Saini Rhodes
The truth is, March is actually when hiring begins in earnest for most companies, so this isn’t as opportune a time as it seems. What I would look at first is whether this strategy has been effective – if you’ve been applying widely online with little to show for it, doing the same thing won’t produce a different result. Tighten your sights, learn which companies you actually want to work for, and apply directly rather than waiting for applications from job sites to come through. Networking is more important than most new professionals realize. Talking to someone who is already on the inside of a company gets results faster than any application.
Saini Rhodes, Real Estate Expert, Clever Offers
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Quote 18 – Rafael Sarim Oezdemir
March is not late – the bulk of early-career hiring takes place between March and June, so the opportunity is right in front of you and happening now. Look at whether you’re waiting for a particular job or salary that’s unnecessarily limiting your choices. Flexibility at this point is not a compromise – it’s what the vast majority of people end up doing to get their first real job. Stop applying through job boards and start networking with people within companies you’re interested in working for. One actual conversation will beat a dozen applications through a portal every time.
Rafael Sarim Oezdemir, Head of Growth, EZContacts
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Quote 19 – Milos Eric
As we see at OysterLink, March is a verification point and not a point of failure.
When you haven’t been able to secure a role at this time, the reason for this is generally due to your positioning, not your potential. Most early-career candidates focus on what they did, instead of what they contributed. Ensure that your previous experience (internships, campus jobs or student projects) allows you to display measurable impact (i.e., revenue supported, event managed, customer served, process improved).
A second suggestion is to expand your range of target roles. When looking for hospitality and service positions, a greater variety of roles increases your chances of being hired. Many candidates get hired faster focusing on transferable skills versus exact titles.
The third suggestion is to expand your direct engagement with employers. Applying for jobs via online applications is essential, increasing your proactive outreach to hiring managers and recruiters will help increase your visibility.
Most importantly, continue to engage. A short-term role, certification or contract work will maintain momentum and continue to enrich your profile. Employers hire candidates that show movement over perfect candidates.
Milos Eric, Co-Founder, OysterLink
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Quote 20 – Robert Fausette
March is a sort of reset and rethink month on your searching. If you are throwing out tons of applications as a strategy and it’s not getting you hits for interviews right now, then I would say move from high-volume applications to one with more focus. One thing I’ve learned in 2026 is that they prefer a skills-based resume, rather than the chronological layout. With digital fluency already being required in almost every industry, it is time to become AI literate.
It’s the quickest way to tap into the hidden job market. Third, you can discover new leads through informational interviews. Do not forget to take care of yourself and that it cannot be all work,-to avoid burning out. For new budgets and new opportunities, spring has come.
Robert Fausette, Owner & CEO, Revival Homebuyer
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Quote 21 – Darcy Turner
March is a great time to re-design your job search strategies. If your strategy has moved on without you, find a new professional face for the 2026 marketplace. Companies seem to value specialized technical skills over generality. Posting an update to your portfolio of work can be a ball game changer.
New opportunities are frequently paved by personal relationships. Forums are often industry-specific and many remote work forums generate good leads for the companies you would want to work with. Discipline keeps it going. New data feeds can give you the big idea going forward.
Darcy Turner, Founder, Investor Home Buyers
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Quote 22 – Anton Strasburg
If you’re still looking for employment once March arrives, do not panic; simply revise your approach. First, to get yourself started, begin by limiting your choices to 1-2 jobs and a few specific industries, this means that your applications will make sense developmentally. Second, rather than submit many applications, focus on creating “proofs”. Each week, create one small portfolio item/project; each week, also complete a short-term actual project for either a local business or a non-profit; finally, after completion of each project, write up a summary of your experience and the knowledge you gained from completing it. When making a hiring decision, managers will invariably remember actual physical evidence of work you produce vs. just expressing broad interest.
Simultaneously, streamline your networking strategy and create a replicable networking process. You should generate at least 10 different outreach messages to 10 different individuals per week, plus you should try to have at least 2 brief conversation with someone regarding their opinions about whatever type of job may interest you. Prepare for and practice your interviews as if it were a skill that someone would need to practice in order to successfully perform; keep track of your performance by recording your delivery of response; design a more coherent explanation of what you are trying to say; and finally, follow up on all completed activities as well as those you will complete in the future. If you need to find self-support while job seeking, then make arrangements for a temporary employment situation in order to facilitate your use of your current skills until you are able to locate a permanent position.
Anton Strasburg is a Content Creator for the property of FreeConference’s Notes.
Anton Strasburg, Media Manager, FreeConference.com
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Quote 23 – Dr. David Ghozland
First off, relax. Early spring is still active hiring season, so there’s no need to panic yet. In the meantime, go back and edit your CV, cover letter and LinkedIn. Take a pause and try to figure out what went wrong with your previous applications, what wasn’t landing and fix those gaps first. And I know most people say to send out as many applications as possible, and yes, volume doesn’t hurt, but filtering out which jobs you apply for can also save you time, protect your energy, and honestly spare you a lot of unnecessary disappointment.
Dr. David Ghozland, Owner and OB/GYN, David Ghozland
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Quote 24 – Zack Moorin
Spring recruiting season is fast approaching, so it’s important to keep your chin up. Daily Learning: For all the professional opportunities available around us, we need to align our profile with data that is wholesome and makes sense tomorrow or today. If sounds like things have slowed on your end revamping up your portfolio or earning a relevant niche certification will at least get you seen on the hiring managers radar.
Interpersonal cold — Pyrrhic victories and winning hearts. Your old colleagues will lead you to unadvertised vacancies, as can local industry functions. That is a next-level bit of quotient from barriers to people. You will move, in small, considered steps, toward your new identity as advisor.
Zack Moorin, Founder, Zack Buys Houses
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Quote 25 – Colton De Vos
Not finding a job when you are actively seeking one can be frustrating. Especially so, when you aren’t sure what barriers are keeping you from moving forward. The most important thing you can do, is keep trying and not give up. Identify which tasks are needed to keep the job hunt going (networking, applying to jobs, building skills, improving resume and portfolio, etc.) and build a cadence into your weekly routine. Schedule time for yourself to contribute to each of these areas and don’t be afraid to ask hiring companies for feedback if you aren’t selected. By blocking off set time for specified job-seeking tasks, you continue to improve your odds of getting hired while reducing any ambiguity about effort or focus.
Colton De Vos, Marketing Specialist, Resolute Technology Solutions
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Quote 26 – Azman Nabi
By March, I’d stopped checking the usual job boards. I found better luck with remote and contract listings, especially for content work. I started with small content gigs, which built my portfolio and led to full-time offers. Also, don’t send the same resume everywhere. Mention something specific about their mission. They notice.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Azman Nabi, Organic Growth & Content Lead, CoinGape
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Quote 27 – Mansha Aziz
Here’s what worked for me. I jumped on freelance platforms when I started Allusive Digital, and it was how we built our team globally when local jobs dried up. Just put up a straightforward profile listing what you do and your schedule. It takes some grinding, but each project adds to your experience and your contact list. That’s what leads to the next gig.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Mansha Aziz, Founder, Allusive Digital
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Quote 28 – Matt Bowman
If March arrives without job success, consider whether you’re being too NARROW in your search criteria and missing adjacent opportunities. Students often fixate on specific job titles or perfect-fit roles when their real goal should be getting professional experience in their general field. Your first job doesn’t need to be your dream job—it needs to be professional experience opening doors to better opportunities.
The broadening strategy: if you want marketing roles but aren’t getting offers, apply for customer service, sales support, or operations roles at companies you admire. Once inside an organization demonstrating capability, internal mobility becomes possible. One of our best marketers started in our customer support role, showed interest in marketing work, and we transitioned her internally six months later. Her support experience made her a better marketer because she understood customer perspectives deeply.
You should also be honest about whether GEOGRAPHIC LIMITATIONS are restricting your options unnecessarily. Remote work has expanded opportunities, but many entry-level roles still require in-person presence. If you’re only searching in one expensive competitive market, you’re competing against thousands of others. Consider whether relocating to markets with more opportunities and lower competition makes sense. One graduate struggling to find marketing work in New York found multiple offers after expanding her search to mid-sized cities where talent competition was less intense and her credentials stood out.
Matt Bowman, Founder, Thrive Local
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Quote 29 – Ben Rose
Try picking up a small project on Upwork or Fiverr. I’ve had people I worked with start with these gigs and end up with full-time offers. You make money while waiting to hear back from other jobs. It feels like a grind at first, but the connections and skills you build are real and often lead to better opportunities.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Ben Rose, Founder & CEO, CashbackHQ
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Quote 30 – Runbo Li
Job hunt dragging on? Make something and share it. When I was building Magic Hour, I posted my AI video tests online and caught the eye of a few hiring managers. It proves you’re someone who builds stuff instead of just waiting, and that you can handle real challenges. That’s what stands out.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Runbo Li, CEO, Magic Hour
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Quote 31 – Tashlien Nunn
Listen, if March rolls around and you’re still job hunting, get your hands dirty with something online. I’ve seen engineers on GitHub land interviews just by posting what they’re building. Employers in SaaS want to see what you can make, not just hear about it. When I was hiring, the people who caught my eye were the ones sharing a small tool they’d built and connecting over stuff people actually use.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Tashlien Nunn, CEO, Apps Plus
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Quote 32 – Tobias Burkhardt
Here’s what I learned from a long job hunt. Forget big plans. Just stick to the basics. Same bedtime, a walk outside every day, maybe some food prep so you’re not just eating cereal for dinner. The people who do this handle the rejection better. They show up to interviews sounding like themselves, not some desperate version. It keeps the whole process from completely taking over.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Tobias Burkhardt, CEO, Paretofit
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Quote 33 – Cyrus Partow
Haven’t landed a job yet? It’s fine, these things take time. When I started ShipTheDeal, I picked up some freelance stuff, small remote projects. It kept me earning and learning while I looked for full-time work. Felt a little weird at first, but now it’s my go-to move whenever the job market gets strange. My advice is to find project work while you apply. It keeps you busy and your portfolio gets better.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Cyrus Partow, CEO, ShipTheDeal
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Quote 34 – David Bokman
I wouldn’t just apply online. I’d reach out directly to people in the fields you’re interested in. A friend of mine helped out with a real estate event and ended up with an internship that was never even posted. Sometimes a creative intro or just a good question can start a conversation and lead to opportunities you didn’t even know existed.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
David Bokman, CEO, Philly Home Investor
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Quote 35 – Lisa Clark
If you haven’t found a job by March, don’t worry. I’ve been there. I learned that just emailing people in your industry for a coffee chat led to interviews for jobs that were never posted online. You figure out what they’re actually hiring for. So, keep busy. Get a certification or volunteer. It shows you’re not standing still and makes your resume stand out.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Lisa Clark, Director, Bell Fire and Security
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Quote 36 – Carmen Jordan Fernandez
If it’s March and you still don’t have a job, I tell my students not to just wait around. When I was at the University of Hong Kong, the students who picked up a new language, even just getting a certificate, suddenly started getting interviews they were passed over for before. Online courses and good webinars can build your confidence. You don’t need results tomorrow. What you do now makes you a more interesting candidate later.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Carmen Jordan Fernandez, Academic Director, The Spanish Council of Singapore
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Quote 37 – Justin Carpenter
Still looking in March? Don’t panic. I’ve hired plenty of people who found jobs later in the season and they ended up doing great. Try a part-time job or internship. It helps pay the bills and lets you figure out what you actually enjoy doing. From what I’ve seen, the people who try a few different things end up finding a good fit and get more confident for real.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Justin Carpenter, Founder, Jacksonville Maids
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Quote 38 – Zuri Obozuwa
Look, if March rolls around and you’re still looking for a job, try getting some contract work in software or real estate tech. When I started Bluestairs, I hired people who showed me their own projects, not just their diplomas. One guy built a real estate app on his own time. That kind of thing matters more. Don’t wait for permission. Start building something with a small team and get your work out there.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Zuri Obozuwa, Founder & CEO, Bluestairs
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Quote 39 – Kari Brooks
If the job hasn’t come through yet, focus on building things you can show. I’ve seen so many Treehouse students start where you are, build a portfolio with real projects, then land jobs once they could prove their skills. Online programs give you concrete examples for interviews, even without a computer science degree. It’s about what you can do, not where you learned it.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Kari Brooks, CEO, Team Treehouse
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Quote 40 – Allen Kou
It’s tough when March hits and you’re still looking. I know people in hospitality who volunteered at local events in Sacramento, met the right people, and landed jobs because of it. Honestly, just stay busy and meet people. Jobs often pop up when you’re not even looking for them.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille
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Quote 41 – Andrew Yan
Build something in public. Start a side project or a newsletter about your job search. When I recruited at Google and AthenaHQ, we paid attention to the people who were actually making things. A GitHub project shows your skills better than a resume. A newsletter gets your story in front of the right people. That’s how founders find their best hires, in my experience.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to my personal email
Andrew Yan, Co-Founder and CEO, AthenaHQ
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Quote 42 – Heather Vesely
I remember when I was first applying to jobs it was difficult. I would get discouraged if I didn’t hear back from a job or I found out it was a fake job listing. However, if I could go back and give myself a piece of advice, it would be to keep applying every day, even if you don’t hear back. Yes, there are spam job listings and yes, some companies will not get back to you but unfortunately that is the process right now. I would recommend setting a goal of submitting at least 10 job applications a day. You can treat it like a job. Carve out time in your day to get the 10 applications sent out by the deadline of end of day. You can also follow up with the companies you sent resumes to. There is no harm in sending a polite message or email asking if they’ve received your application. At the end of the day, try not to get discouraged and when you do get that interview, make sure to show your potential future employer why you would be best for the job.
Heather Vesely, Digital Marketing Specialist, My Supplement Store
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Quote 43 – Jennifer Adams
March is approaching, and you are still unemployed, so the biggest thing to do is to remain active and not stop looking at the goal. It is at this time of the year that one feels like switching the way. I am telling you that this is the time that candidates ought to be planning on how to approach things, rather than thinking that it is a failure.
Peruse through your resume and make sure you are able to see your skills, certifications, and pertinent experience. The hiring managers should be in a position to know clearly how you can make a difference in case they choose to employ you. Make your job application materials professional and to the point, and modified to the jobs that you are interested in.
I would wish to warn university graduates against relying solely on applications that are done through the Internet. Contact employers directly and also make acquaintances within your college. Most employment opportunities occur via discussions and suggestions, however. Meanwhile, also maintain your work credentials by acquiring additional courses or certifications. Consistency and constant learning of new things will help a candidate to be recognizable, and when an opportunity to get a good deal comes, he/she will be well placed.
Jennifer Adams, Vice President and Lead Clinical Educator, Texas Academy of Medical Aesthetics
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Quote 44 – Blake DeWitt
It is March, and you are not really falling behind, provided that you have not secured a job yet. Many companies wrap up their budgets in the first quarter, and therefore, it is in the second quarter that they raise the degree of hiring. One of the beats is what we take to be lateness. As the owner of Investorade, I encounter students and fresh graduates who are unable to secure employment every year, and it is not so much a matter of talent. In the majority of cases, it is about their positioning.
Work, activities without a specific purpose, are not the reason why employers hire you. They want to hire results. Rather than speak your language with its duty orientation, whereby the outcomes of your action can be measured and thus illustrate your improvement, efficiency gains, or revenue support, transform it. A good measure is what will ensure that you are listed on a shortlist after coming out of anonymity.
Thereafter, change the amount to the concentration. The other sites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, are helpful but highly congested. Instead of posting the resumes of dozens of companies, all you need to do is list the companies that are reasonable for your career and then demand a real conversation with the companies. Referrals have never failed to enhance the possibility of getting an interview since they are done in good faith. On the way to finding a job, you should not give up building your portfolio through freelance work, earning certifications, or through contract work that proves that you are not lazy. March is no criticism at all; it is a reaction. Change tactics and continue to add to your value every week.
Blake DeWitt, CEO, Investorade
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Quote 45 – Jan Lutz
Do not panic – use this time to get real experience through volunteering, freelancing, or internships.
I know it feels scary when everyone else seems to have jobs already. These feelings are completely valid. Thankfully, there’s a silver lining to the situation. Because of the current graduate hiring cycle, many employers will be more focused on skills than degrees.
Here are my specific suggestions:-
- Get experience, even if it isn’t paid. If your interests lean toward marketing, consider volunteering to run social media accounts for nonprofits. If you are more inclined to code, offer your skills to create websites for small businesses.
- Do some freelance work. You could even do it at a very low cost. Working with a client will teach you so much more than what you will be taught at school.
- Add five more connections every day on LinkedIn from your desired industry and reach out to them to schedule a call.
- Get your resume and LinkedIn profile updated if you haven’t already. Write more about the results than the activities. “Helped with sales” sounds a lot worse than “helped with sales.
The right opportunity is out there. Your goal should be to utilize your time to gain skills and create a network to the point where employers cannot ignore you.
Jan Lutz, Director HR | co-founder, Quantum Jobs List
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Quote 46 – George Fironov
However, if the month is March and you still have not been able to find a job, then you should not rely on this strategy of sending out general resumes. Instead, you should try to make your search for a job more specific. For example, you should try to focus more on a particular kind of job and try to send out your resume, along with a message to the hiring person about the kind of projects he is currently working on.
You should also try to look for a contract or an internship, which can be a great experience and can help you to impress the hiring managers. For example, you should try to optimize your search to obtain better results. For example, you should try to keep a record of the response rate.
You should also try to look at networking as a task and try to set a particular number of informational interviews per week.
George Fironov, Co-Founder & CEO, Talmatic
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Quote 47 – Debbie Emery
First, take a breath. You’re not behind and you’re not alone. With that said, now is a great time to get your head in the game. Start tapping into your network before making your next move. Reach out to professors, former supervisors, or family friends and ask to have quick conversations, not just ask for job opportunities. People love to help or give advice when they don’t feel pressured.
I would also advise to consider widening your definition of “the right job.” Hourly or part-time roles can be a fantastic bridge to get your foot in the door. At Juvo, we see early career candidates land full-time opportunities through roles they initially overlooked because of resume building experiences and connections they didn’t expect to make.
Debbie Emery, Co-Founder & CSO, Juvo Jobs
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Quote 48 – Jeff Patten
If you don’t get a job by March, you should get to small companies where you can talk to the boss immediately. Big groups complete hiring in the wintertime, so small shops are your best bet. These shops still want help. You should write a weekly letter to demonstrate that you know your stuff. I used this to construct a name on retail wine. Most people send a bare page that one of the tools might flag. There are systems examined on how text is built. They check if the work is real or made by a bot. small teams want real people that can tell a good story. Reach out to the owner with a message on the reason why you like their shop. This demonstrates that you are able to think for yourself. Then you win the game.
Jeff Patten, Co-Founder and Wine Industry Expert, Flatiron Wines & Spirits
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Quote 49 – Jonathan Palley
There’s a point in every job hunt where you have to consider widening your scope if you aren’t getting results. This could mean looking for work in an adjacent field or even something completely unrelated, looking for work in a new location, and exploring new online search tools. At the end of the day, hiring is a numbers game, and even the best candidates need to send out a lot of applications to get anywhere.
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