On the job hunt again

I wrote about this before in 2021

Many things have changed since then. If you are curious about the past, I invite you to read the old article in Medium.

When looking back, the first thing I realised was that the previous tools (resume.io, webflow, notion) were slowing me down. Now I use:

I am also using Claude/ChatGPT sparingly for additional assistance, e.g. grammar checks, resume adjustments, portfolio code.

So, before getting into the heavy stuff, find the path of least resistance for navigating these turbulent waters.

#1: Keep your tool stack simple.

Leaving the current job

This is the third time I am on a job search since I graduated in 2019.

The first time, in 2021, I had to shut down my own startup, concludio 🥲. Three months later, I joined Kiron as a UX Designer. I was there on a two-year contract. After that, in 2023, it took me six months to find my next role at Paulina24 as a Senior UX Designer.

This third time, in 2026, I got laid off for operational reasons.

#2: Do not despair. You are not alone.

Where to begin?

A lot of advice out there suggests applying only to a few companies that really matter to you, rather than applying everywhere. The reality is more complex than that. While it is important to not lose hope and work towards your goals, the job market right now is brutal and the expectations are changing.

Here is a good video about what the reality looked like a year ago, and much of it still applies.

Also, if you don’t have a curated online brand, or have not taken the “safest” career path so far, or you are just starting out, or or or… let’s address the elephant in the room: it is rarely that straightforward for us.

Nevertheless, let’s begin with a framework, because that is how we approach every problem, right?

In PostHog’s hiring process, they use a scoring scale for candidates (most likely all companies do). I use the same scoring for my own decision-making.

#3: Any company scoring 1 or 2 is not worth applying to. Otherwise, fingers crossed.

On resumes, cover letters, and portfolios

Looking at my previous success stories, a few patterns stand out:

Times change, so the same patterns are unlikely to always guarantee success. But the following questions remain important to keep in mind:

I know this all feels like a lot of work, and believe me, I feel a lot of resistance too, especially because the whole system is not designed to be fair. But that doesn’t lead us anywhere now, does it?

#4: Fight the inner resistance and do the necessary work to present yourself authentically.

The interviews

When interviews feel genuinely two-sided and talking to the team feels good, that is a strong sign of high compatibility.

When they don’t, well, my brain goes blank or I start rushing into answers. That is why practicing beforehand matters a lot. Below are some of the questions I have been asked in interviews from different roles.

And here’s a good video on how to prepare for the interviews.

#5: Stop telling yourself you can improvise or that you will recall a real example on demand.

Last words

All these reflections are clearly messages to myself first and foremost. Even though this is the third time I am on this boat, it still feels like the first time. And even though I am more confident and more experienced, searching for a job is a vulnerable position.

So, whoever else out there is like me and needs support on this journey, let’s talk. Write me on LinkedIn or send me an email.

Oh and good news: New EU law means employers must disclose salary in hiring process starting June 2026.