{"id":6612,"date":"2025-09-24T12:27:08","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T12:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.ie\/careerhub\/?p=6612"},"modified":"2025-09-24T12:28:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T12:28:19","slug":"building-resilience-in-todays-job-market-for-returners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/backtoworkconnect.ie\/careerhub\/building-resilience-in-todays-job-market-for-returners\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Resilience In Today\u2019s Job Market"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In our recent webinar, we welcomed Brooke Sheehan<\/a>, a life designer coach, to share her expertise on building resilience, confidence, and focus in the job search process. Brooke spoke candidly about her own return to work after a career break and offered practical strategies to help job seekers move forward with courage, even when the market feels uncertain.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Reframing Rejection and Self-Doubt<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Rejection is one of the biggest hurdles Returners face. Brooke reminded us that rejection isn\u2019t a reflection of self-worth\u2014it\u2019s simply part of the process. Confidence, she explained, is not innate but built through action, persistence, and small wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By identifying your personal \u201cwhy\u201d for job searching, it becomes easier to stay motivated when setbacks arise. This clarity acts as an anchor during the more difficult moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building Confidence Through Action<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Confidence grows when we take steps forward, even small ones. Brooke used a simple story about her son practicing his lines for three minutes to show how immediate action reduces discomfort and builds momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Confidence is learned, not inherited<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

She encouraged job seekers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49Schedule dedicated time for applications and networking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49Focus on the process, not just the outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc49Recognise areas of life where confidence already exists, and transfer those lessons to career goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Navigating Today\u2019s Job Market<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The current landscape brings unique challenges\u2014AI screening systems, automated rejections, and \u201cghosting\u201d from employers. Brooke urged participants to treat these as systemic issues rather than personal failures. Staying consistent with applications, networking, and skill-building helps maintain momentum, even when responses are limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also contrasted the \u201camateur\u201d vs. \u201cprofessional\u201d approach to job searching, encouraging a structured weekly plan that includes networking, research, and applications rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity to appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategies for Focus and Productivity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Job searching can easily get derailed by procrastination, distractions, or emotional fatigue. Brooke offered tools such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714\ufe0fSetting timers and creating a dedicated workspace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714\ufe0fUsing accountability partners to stay on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2714\ufe0fScheduling specific, non-negotiable time for job search activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She emphasized the importance of boundaries, managing digital interruptions, and tackling emotional blocks that hold us back from putting ourselves out there\u2014especially on platforms like LinkedIn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview Preparation: From Mindset to Practicalities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to interviews, Brooke\u2019s advice was both practical and mindset-focused. She recommended:<\/p>\n\n\n\n