What’s in Your Control—and What’s Not—in a Job Search?

I’ve been reflecting lately on the balance between what we can control in our careers and what we can’t. Have you thought about this too?

This question often comes up in my work with job seekers, particularly when someone feels like they’ve done everything right—but they still aren’t landing interviews or getting offers.

As a career coach, my job is to identify areas where they can be more strategic or effective. And usually, there is more that can be done—whether it’s adjusting their resume, refining their outreach strategy, or targeting roles more effectively.

But I also have to acknowledge something humbling: not everything is within our control.

Call it fate, destiny, luck, or divine timing—sometimes, things just don’t align the way we hope, despite our best efforts.

This reminds me of the Serenity Prayer: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Here’s how this can apply to a job search:

✅ I can’t change being impacted by a layoff. But I can focus on my next steps, update my resume, and reach out to my network.

✅ I can’t make a networking contact respond to my message. But I can follow up, connect with others, and keep building relationships.

✅ I can’t control how long my job search takes. But I can continue refining my strategy, learning new techniques, and staying resilient.

Finding peace in a job search often comes down to recognizing what’s in your control—and making peace with what isn’t.

What about you? What parts of your job search have felt in your control, and what have not? How do you navigate that balance?