Are you stuck in a job search that feels like an exhausting battle? In this transformative episode, Elissa reveals why your job search might be failing—and it's not about your resume or the market. Discover the three toxic job search modes (fight, flight, and freeze) that are sabotaging your success and learn the powerful paradigm shift that will help you land your ideal role with ease, confidence, and clarity.

Whether you're job searching by choice or navigating an unexpected layoff, this episode will revolutionize how you approach your career transition.

What You'll Learn:

The 3 Toxic Job Search Modes that drain your energy and repel opportunities

• Fight Mode: How battling the system creates negative "push away" energy
• Flight Mode: Why spray-and-pray applications and avoidance keep you stuck
• Freeze Mode: How analysis paralysis disguises itself as preparation

The Paradigm Shift that changes everything: Living in the emotional world of someone who already has the job

• Practical Strategies to transform your job search:
• How to know if your resume is actually working (hint: are you getting interviews?)
• The most powerful amplification strategy beyond online applications
• Why curiosity is the #1 energy to bring to every interview
• The "Doubt Download" exercise to clear mental blocks and reduce stress

Mindset Mastery for job seekers:

• How to maintain calm, grounded energy even after a layoff
• Why controlling your thoughts and feelings is your greatest power
• The connection between better thoughts, better feelings, and inspired action

Key Takeaways:

Your job search energy matters more than you think—fight, flight, and freeze modes actively repel opportunities

Living in the emotional world of someone who already has the job creates ease, flow, and faster results

If you're not getting interviews, your resume isn't working. If you're getting interviews but not offers, something's off in your interview energy

Don't over-rely on online applications—reach out to recruiters and potential colleagues to amplify your visibility

Curiosity is the most powerful energy to bring into any interview situation

Bridge roles are okay when you need cash flow, but don't let them become avoidance

Episode Highlights:

[00:00] Introduction: Why job searching feels harder when it's forced upon you

[04:08] The three toxic job search modes explained: Fight, Flight, and Freeze

[11:23] The paradigm shift: Living in the emotional world of the person who has the job

[13:47] How to know if your resume is working and what to do if it's not

[16:11] The power of outreach: Finding and connecting with recruiters and hiring managers

[18:34] Why curiosity is your secret weapon in interviews

[20:16] The Doubt Download exercise: Your action step to shift your mindset

"Change your thoughts and you change your life. Because it's that emotional world that lives between a thought and an action that's the trigger for something better for you."

Action Steps

• Identify Your Mode: Reflect on whether you're operating in fight, flight, or freeze mode in your current job search
• Do a Doubt Download: Write down all your negative thoughts about your job search—without judgment—to clear mental clutter
• Create New Thoughts: For each doubt, write an opposite or better-feeling thought that inspires action
• Amplify Your Applications: When you apply online, find a recruiter or team member at the company and reach out with a connection request
• Shift Your Energy: Before every job search activity, ask yourself: "How would I be feeling if I already had this job?"

Resources Mentioned

Previous episode on running towards something instead of running away

Resume optimization strategies

LinkedIn networking techniques

Interview preparation with curiosity mindset

Connect with Elissa

Website: elissashuck-careercoach.com

Follow on LinkedIn: Connect with Elissa Shuck

Free Resources: Career guides, resume tips, and coaching program information available on the website

About the Love Your Work Life Podcast

The Love Your Work Life podcast delivers transformational strength-based coaching for career advancement, leadership development, and life fulfillment. Hosted by career coach Elissa Shuck, each episode provides actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and expert guidance to help you land great jobs, advance your career, and lead with confidence.

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