What I Learned About Myself While Job Searching in 2024

Posted on November 16, 2024

Job searching can be an intense, humbling, and surprisingly insightful journey. For me, it was more than just about finding the next role—it was about rediscovering who I am as a developer and as a person. Reflecting on the process, here’s what I learned about myself while navigating the ups and downs of the job market.

1. I’m More Resilient Than I Thought

Rejections are inevitable in job hunting, but each one taught me to bounce back stronger. Initially, it stung to hear “no” or, worse, receive no response at all. But over time, I learned to separate my worth from external validation. I started to view every rejection as an opportunity to refine my skills, rethink my approach, and find roles that truly aligned with my goals.

2. My Skills Are More Versatile Than I Realised

When I began tailoring my CV and portfolio to different roles, I discovered just how many transferable skills I’d developed over the years. My experience in debugging wasn’t just about fixing code—it demonstrated problem-solving and patience. Leading a project showed not only technical expertise but also teamwork and leadership. Job searching forced me to reassess and value the full scope of what I bring to the table.

3. Personal Projects Reveal a Lot About Me

During interviews, recruiters often gravitated toward the personal projects on my portfolio. These weren’t just lines of code—they were stories about what I’m passionate about and how I approach challenges. I realised that the work I did in my spare time wasn’t just “for fun”; it showed initiative, creativity, and my commitment to continuous learning.

4. The Job Is About Fit, Not Perfection

Early in my search, I focused on ticking every box in job descriptions, assuming I needed to be “perfect” to get hired. But as I gained confidence, I realised that companies value authenticity and potential just as much as technical skills. The interviews where I connected most with the interviewer—sharing ideas, discussing challenges, and showing genuine curiosity—were the ones that moved forward.

5. Imposter Syndrome Is Manageable

Job hunting brought imposter syndrome to the surface. Seeing job postings with intimidating requirements or competing with talented developers made me doubt myself. But I learned to reframe this feeling: instead of comparing myself to others, I focused on comparing my current self to my past self. This mindset shift reminded me of how much I’ve grown and what I’m capable of achieving.

6. Networking Really Works

I used to shy away from networking, thinking it was too “salesy” or only for extroverts. But connecting with others in the industry—through LinkedIn, meetups, and even casual chats—proved invaluable. Not only did I learn about opportunities, but I also gained advice and encouragement that kept me motivated.

7. I Value Growth Over Comfort

Job searching gave me the chance to reflect on what I truly want in a role. I realised that I’m not just looking for stability; I want opportunities to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. This realisation helped me prioritise roles that aligned with my career aspirations, even if they pushed me out of my comfort zone.

8. Confidence Comes from Preparation

Walking into an interview unprepared is a recipe for stress. I learned to research companies thoroughly, practice common questions, and prepare my own questions for interviewers. The more prepared I was, the more confident I felt—and that confidence made a noticeable difference in how I presented myself.

9. Staying Positive Is a Skill

Job searching isn’t easy, and it’s normal to feel frustrated or disheartened at times. But I learned that maintaining a positive outlook is just as important as updating my CV. Small wins, like finishing a project, learning a new skill, or receiving positive feedback, became reasons to celebrate and keep going.

10. My Career Is a Journey, Not a Destination

This process reminded me that every career has twists and turns, and that’s okay. Redundancies, rejections, and pivots are all part of the bigger picture. What matters most is staying curious, adaptable, and committed to growth.

Final Thoughts

Job searching isn’t just about finding a new role; it’s a deep dive into understanding your strengths, values, and aspirations. For me, it was a time of growth, reflection, and rediscovery. I came out of it not just with a new job, but with a clearer sense of who I am as a developer and where I want my career to go. If you’re in the midst of a job search, remember: every step of the journey is teaching you something valuable. Trust the process, and trust yourself.