Why does job-hunting feel like such a marathon these days?
You apply for jobs every day but never get a response, you get rejected even though you’re fully qualified for the job, you go for an interview and then hear nothing back or — even worse — you can’t find a single job posting that’s relevant to your field.
If you are in this situation, remember that your emotions are valid. Feeling anxious is normal, but it’s important to keep in mind that you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing, and there’s always a way to get through challenging times like these.
What the job market tells us
According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for January 2025, the unemployment rate dropped slightly, but over half of those unemployed in December 2024 were still unemployed in January.
This data suggests that the recent uptick in the employment rate didn’t help that many people, and there are still some major issues, especially surrounding inclusion of racialized people in the workforce.
In fact, some groups continue to face high unemployment in 2025. Rates hit 15.2% for South Asian Canadian youth, 16.6% for Chinese Canadian youth and 18.6% for Black youth. Meanwhile, the rate for non-racialized youth was 10.8% (Statistics Canada, 2025).
It’s also worth considering that in 2024, 1 in 10 businesses said the top challenge they faced was recruiting qualified employees. This highlights how demanding the hiring process is. The hiring freeze in Quebec’s public service and the suspension of the Quebec Experience Program’s graduate stream until June also explain why employers are struggling to access qualified workers (Le Devoir, 2024).
Beyond the storm of statistics showing why it’s so hard to find a job, the reality these facts display is that there are many others in the same boat who understand what you’re feeling.
Your feelings are normal
Your feelings are normal — it’s all part of the process. When you compare yourself to others, you’ll realize that what you’re going through is part of a shared human experience. This can help you get some perspective and remind yourself that you’re not behind or at a disadvantage — you’re exactly where you should be. Have you taken some time to think back on your journey and the challenges you’ve overcome to reach this point? If you give up hope of finding a job now, you’ll be turning your back on all the sacrifices you’ve made to get this far.
So, what can you do about this situation?
Don’t let stress and anxiety make you lose sight of your goals. To maximize your chances of success in the job hunt, use uOttawa’s wellness resources to take care of yourself.
First things first: pay attention to your physical health. That means eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and staying active so your body will have the energy it needs to manage stress properly.
Your next step is to set reasonable goals for yourself. Taking small steps will help you achieve your big dreams. Break up the job-hunting process into several more manageable tasks that you have control over. For example, set a goal to submit three applications per day or to network with one recruiter per week. This way, you’ll strengthen your skill set, and you’ll get a feeling of pride and accomplishment every time you finish one of these tasks.
Finally, celebrate your small victories. Getting invited to an interview is a sign that your application stood out to your prospective employer. That remains true even if you don’t end up getting the job. Maintaining a positive attitude will boost your motivation and help you stay optimistic.
Remember this: whatever tough times you’re facing, they won’t last. Be gentle on yourself, ask for support if you need it and remember you’re not alone in this. If you are struggling with your job search, make sure you drop in to the Career Corner and consult their resources regularly.