Chapter 1: The Cost of Experience

In the current job market, does experience serve as an asset or a liability? As a veteran copywriter with significant industry exposure (read: not a recent graduate), I find myself in a competitive arena where some employers might perceive me as "too costly" or "outdated." This article delves into the hurdles faced by seasoned professionals during their job hunt, accompanied by a rather relatable account of a particularly challenging rejection day.

Yesterday was evidently designated for sending out rejection emails.

After being laid off from my full-time copywriting position in August 2023, I transitioned to freelance gigs and consulting work to maintain some financial flow. I secured a long-term healthcare client and several projects in luxury retail, but those contracts are set to conclude at the end of the month.

Consequently, I've dedicated about an hour each day to job hunting, applying to approximately 60–70 positions over the past couple of months. Each job description has been meticulously reviewed, and I've tailored my resume and cover letter accordingly. As a well-rounded and experienced candidate (read: mature), I am aware that my qualifications may lead some to view me as either too expensive or out of touch. However, neither assumption is accurate.

But yesterday was dominated by rejections. Last week, I had three promising second-round interviews—THREE!—all within a single week! I felt confident in my performance, having asked insightful questions, made relevant comments, and sent follow-up thank-you emails. Surely, one of these opportunities would come through!

Alas, fate had other plans. A steady stream of rejection emails arrived, one after another. One was merely a standard "we chose another candidate" notification, but two were more personalized, with HR indicating I was a runner-up.

(Were they being truthful? Who knows?)

Unfortunately, as Ricky Bobby famously stated, "If you ain't first, you're last." In today's job market, that sentiment rings true.

Here's a funny story that might either reassure you about your own job search or evoke sympathy for my plight. Not long ago, I received FOURTEEN rejection emails from the same company within a three-hour span. Initially, I was okay with the first notification, understanding that I was competing against hundreds of applicants, making the chances of an interview slim.

However, when the second email arrived, a flicker of hope ignited. Had they reconsidered? Were they realizing the talent they overlooked?

Nope. It was the same rejection letter for the same position. I accepted it gracefully, thinking perhaps they were just trying to emphasize their point. I opted to give them the benefit of the doubt.

But the emails kept rolling in. One rejection followed another every fifteen minutes. I wanted to respond with, "I GOT THE MESSAGE! YOU DON'T WANT ME! PLEASE STOP!" But as is often the case with rejection emails, there was no option to reply.

I understand it was likely a technical glitch, but what a demoralizing afternoon that was! And no, there was no follow-up apology for bombarding me with fourteen rejections.

Nevertheless, today is a new day. For now, I’ll continue my search for consulting opportunities, write here on Medium, and hope my savings stretch or that someone decides to transfer six million dollars into my account. (Hello, Elon? It’s me, Susan!)

If you’re feeling especially generous today, you can always buy me a coffee! I promise to pay it forward!

The first video, "Here's Why You Get Rejected From Jobs You Qualify For!" offers insight into common reasons why qualified candidates face rejection in their job search.

The second video, "How to Deal With Job Rejection to Land Your Dream Job | Esther," provides strategies for coping with job rejections and finding the path to your ideal position.