You’ve done everything right.
Learnt your phonics.
Ticked off every key stage.
Picked the right GCSEs, A-levels, a solid degree… maybe even a master’s.
And now?
The tramlines stop. And the path ahead? Feels foggy at best.
For the first time, there’s no clear next step. You’re likely carrying an average dept of over £45,000, and every time you receive an email that starts with “unfortunately”, it knocks you a little more. You tell yourself not to take it personally, but it chips away at your confidence. You might have applied for 50+ roles already – and it’s a brutal time to enter the job market. The pressure builds, the doubt creeps in, and the whole thing starts to feel impossible.
And the hardest part?
You know you’re capable. You’ve worked hard. You’ve got the qualifications. But when the rejections keep coming, it’s hard not to wonder if you’re the problem.
How to take control of your next step
You are not the problem.
This might feel bruising, emotionally and practically, but it’s not a reflection of your potential.
Maybe you’ve moved back home after years of living independently, and suddenly everything feels harder than it should. It’s a tough emotional shift, especially when you’re trying to move forward from a place that feels like a step backwards.
This isn’t just about finding a job. It’s about figuring out what comes next when nothing feels clear.
You don’t need all the answers – but there are steps you can take to start moving forward.
Start with who you know.
- You might not feel like you have a “network” yet, but even friends-of-friends count. Think about who could spare 15 minutes for a chat about how they got into their industry. These conversations build confidence, offer real insight, and often lead to unexpected connections. If you’re not already on LinkedIn, now’s the time to get set up. It’s one of the easiest ways to find and reach out to people working in the fields you're interested in - and a simple message can open opportunities.
Get visible.
- Industry events, virtual meetups, shadowing, short-term placements - anything that gets your name out there matters. Even among hundreds of applications, people remember faces and conversations. And don’t underestimate LinkedIn. Start by following companies you’re interested in, commenting on posts, and connecting with people in your chosen field. It might feel awkward at first, but showing up is often what makes the difference.
Prioritise quality over quantity.
- If you’re hitting “easy apply” several times a day, you’re unlikely to stand out. Slowing down and submitting thoughtful, tailored applications is usually far more effective (and far less disheartening). But before you start applying, get clear on what you're looking for. What kind of role, industry, or company actually feels like a good fit? That clarity makes everything easier; from choosing where to apply, to writing a CV that actually reflects who you are.
Value practical experience.
- A short-term job in retail, hospitality or admin might not be the dream - but it can keep you afloat, build resilience, and give you stories to tell in interviews. You’ll pick up transferable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and dealing with pressure, all of which employers value more than you think. It’s not a step backwards. It’s a way to stay in motion while you figure out your next move.
Work with a career expert.
- You’ve already invested years of study (and a significant amount of money) into your future – so don’t stop short now. Sometimes, the biggest shift comes from having someone objective in your corner. A career mentor can help you figure out what you actually want, refine how you present yourself, and build the confidence to go after it. Getting your career assets in place – a strong CV, an optimised LinkedIn profile, and a clear strategy - gives you confidence and credibility to move forward.
Unlike family or friends, a mentor brings an outside perspective – grounded in experience, not emotion. They’re not tangled up in the stress, the worry, or the frustration. They’ll help you see what’s possible, without the pressure.
And one more thing – be kind to yourself. This isn’t just a job search. It’s an identity shift, a confidence wobbler, and for many, the first big test of resilience. You don’t have to do this alone.
The final step: Strong CV. Clear strategy. Real results.
Standing out in today’s market takes more than a good degree – you need the tools that show who you are and what you offer. This is where career assets come in: a strong CV that tells your story, a LinkedIn profile that presents you professionally, and a clear message that makes you memorable.
And yes, LinkedIn matters. It’s often the first place employers look – and a half-finished or non-existent profile can be a red flag. A strong one? It builds trust, backs up your CV, and helps you show up in the right places. It’s also where opportunities often begin, through quiet conversations, mutual connections, or posts you didn’t know would get seen. The right profile helps you get visible, follow companies you admire, and connect with the people who might just say yes.
These aren’t just admin tasks – they’re strategy. When your career assets are strong, you’re more confident, more consistent, and far more likely to be noticed by the people who matter.
That’s where I can help. Because after all the effort you’ve put into your degree, you deserve more than guesswork, generic advice, or being left to figure it all out alone. Most graduates step into the job market without the tools, the strategy, or the confidence to turn their hard work into the career they actually want. GET HIRED is how we change that.
That’s exactly why I created GET HIRED – a two-session package that walks you through the entire job search process. We build a standout CV, an impactful LinkedIn profile, and a clear strategy for applying for roles you genuinely want – with applications that get noticed and interviews you’re ready for.
It’s for graduates who are ready to stop guessing, start making progress, and finally feel confident about what they bring to the table.
If you’re just getting started, you might prefer:
Free CV Template
A great first step if you’re staring at a blank page. My CV Template is clean, easy to use, and packed with prompts to take the stress out of writing your own CV.
CV GLOW UP
Ideal if you already have a CV but it’s falling flat. I’ll review it, give personalised, practical feedback, and help you turn it into a document that gets shortlisted – not ignored.
If you want the full picture… confidence, clarity, AND results…
..then GET HIRED is where the transformation really happens!
Hi, I’m Leanne
A business & career strategist and mentor, with 30 years global corporate experience. I’ll help you get clear on what you want, build the confidence to go after it, and create career assets that actually work – from standout CVs to a LinkedIn profile that gets you seen. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure what’s next, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and direction.
Get clear. Get confident. Get hired. If you’re ready to feel more in control of your job search, let’s talk.
