I graduated in 2012, right when the US economy was just starting to recover. After a few months of internships I finally landed a role at an international media company. Then years later, right after a promotion, a company restructure wiped out my position. I've been through the grind more than once. When I see people graduating now or freshly laid off and panicking about their search, I get it. Here's what actually helped me.
I capped myself at 20 applications a day — but I tried to make each one count. For each role I actually cared about, I customized my resume against the job description and tried to find someone inside the company who could refer me. Quality beats volume when it comes to getting interviews. I tracked everything in a job hunting log: the role, the company, who I was planning to reach out to for a referral, and where things stood in the follow-up process. First-degree connections, second-degree alumni, third-degree group members — I kept track of all of it and figured out the right person to approach in each case. If you want a copy of that template, just say so in the comments.
I created a marketing-specific alumni LinkedIn group and used it as a legitimate reason to reach out to people at companies I was targeting. It gave me an intro angle that wasn't just "please help me find a job."
And honestly? I kept investing in my social life. I organized dinners, hosted hotpot nights, had people over. You'd be surprised how many referrals and resume reviews come out of casual conversations over good food. Networking doesn't have to feel transactional. When you stay genuinely positive and curious, people want to help.
Job searching is a process, not a verdict. The people who get through it best are the ones who find ways to enjoy at least parts of it — and that optimism attracts exactly the kind of help you need.
© 2026 Rachel Hong · Accelerator Consulting