Let’s talk about something wildly underrated: the absolute audacity it takes to apply for a job.

Especially as a creative.

Whether you’re a freelance graphic designer trying to break into a new niche, a mid-career visual designer ready for a leadership role, or someone rebuilding their confidence after burnout — putting yourself out there is no small thing.

You’re basically saying:

“Hi, here’s everything I’ve ever done, ever thought about doing, or might be capable of if you give me half a chance. Please judge me — silently — through a 2003-era applicant tracking system.”

It’s vulnerable. It’s brave. And sometimes, it’s downright absurd.

‍

The Comedy and Chaos of Applying

Here’s the usual sequence of events:

1. Update the CV (again).
2. Pretend you enjoy writing cover letters.
3. Fill out an online application that asks you to retype everything already on your CV.
4. Try to sound enthusiastic about a company you heard about two minutes ago.
5. Hit ‘Submit’.
6. Wait in silence.
7. Get rejected by a bot.
   

It’s basically a full-time job just to apply for a job. And the best part? That’s before you even land an interview.

‍

Interviews: The Stage Performance of a Lifetime

Let’s say you make it through the digital gauntlet. Now you get to:

• Sound confident
• Be charming
• Show initiative
• Know everything
• Stay humble
• And somehow not sweat through your favourite shirt

All while explaining how you “handle pressure.”

Honestly, why isn’t this a competitive sport?

‍

Applying is an Act of Courage

Every time you hit “Apply,” you’re choosing courage over comfort. You’re trying — even when the system isn’t built for you. And that deserves recognition.

As a creative career coach, I work with so many people — designers, freelancers, neurodivergent creatives — who tell me they feel drained, defeated, or just plain lost during the job hunt.

And to them (and you), I say this:

You are not your rejection emails.

You are not your job title.

You are not a failure for not being hired yet.

You are doing something hard. And you’re still here.

‍

Practical Tips to Keep Your Head Up

Need help surviving the job hunt with your sanity intact? Here are a few creative hacks:

🛠️ Create a “Franken-doc”

A master Google Doc full of reusable cover letter lines, interview answers, and killer adjectives. Mix and match to save time (and brain cells).

💻 Use “Easy Apply” with caution

It’s tempting — until you realise you’ve applied for 27 jobs and can’t remember a single one. Great for quick wins, not great for clarity.

📊 Track your applications like a spreadsheet nerd

Name, link, date, status. Colour-code it if you’re feeling fancy. Bonus: it makes rejection feel like data, not defeat.

⏰ Timebox your job hunt

Give it a start and end time. Otherwise, you’ll forget to eat, blink, or speak to another human all day.

🎙️ Talk to actual people

Friends. Mentors. Creative coaches. Not just your cat. You need people who’ll remind you that you’re not a walking disaster — you’re a bloody talented designer.

❤️ Detach your worth from the outcome

Yes, rejection stings. But it’s not a verdict on your value. Often, it’s just timing, fit, or (let’s be honest) someone not reading past page one.

‍

Final Thought

If you’re currently in the thick of the application jungle, I see you. You’re doing something courageous in a system that often feels cold and chaotic. And that effort matters.

You’re not alone.

And if you need help — whether it’s refining your CV, getting clarity on your next step, or simply remembering how brilliant you are — I’m here.

‍

Need Support on Your Creative Job Hunt?

If you’re a creative who’s feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or one rejection away from turning your laptop into modern art, let’s chat.

I offer:

✅ CV and portfolio audits

✅ Creative career coaching for freelancers, mid-career designers, and neurodivergent creatives

✅ Support to help you rebuild confidence, clarify direction, and stand out for the right reasons

Book a free discovery session here →

‍