Job hunting can be a job in itself — and not the fun kind. The application process sometimes feels like it never ends. The interviews are draining, and the rejections sting. And if you're not careful, the whole thing can wear you down before you even land a single offer.
If you're a Laravel developer on the hunt for your next role, here's a more thoughtful, more strategic approach to keep your job search on track — without losing your mind along the way.
Apply smarter, not harder
You don't need to rewrite your resume for every role. Or research every company before you even hit "submit." Save that energy for when it matters.
Build a solid resume and a boilerplate cover letter. When applying, tweak just a few sections — the company name, role title, and one line about their mission. That's it. Focus on volume upfront. The more quality applications you send, the better your odds, especially in a competitive market. When the interviews start rolling in, then go deep on research and prep.
Do your homework — just in time
Instead of obsessing over every job listing, wait until you land an interview. Then start your prep. Look into the company's mission, values, and products. Write thoughtful answers to common behavioral questions that are tailored to their goals.
Rehearse them. Record yourself. Make sure your answers sound natural, not scripted. You'll be ready, and you won't have burned out before even getting a callback.
Set realistic daily goals
Some days, you'll feel motivated. Other days, not so much. Having a daily target (say, three to five applications) helps keep you moving without going overboard. When interviews ramp up, pull back on applications so you don't overload yourself.
The key is to stay consistent without letting the process steamroll you.
Breaks are part of the process
You will, unfortunately, get rejected - sometimes from multiple companies in a row. That doesn't mean you're not qualified. It just means the fit wasn't right. If the grind starts to wear you down, step away. Take a day (or a week) off. Play video games. Rest. Reset.
You're not helping your case if you're dragging yourself through interviews at half-speed.
Collect and refine your go-to stories
As interviews pile up, you'll start to see common themes. Use that. Keep a running list of questions that have come up in previous interviews. Add to your answer bank as you go. That way, you're not starting from scratch each time.
Soft skills can seal the deal
Behavioral and situational questions aren't just fluff. They're often the deciding factor. So, prep real, specific examples from your past roles. Think: "Tell me about a time you handled a tough deadline," or "Describe a time you disagreed with a teammate."
You'll need to dig deep (sometimes even to older jobs) to find the right stories.
Share your journey (yes, really!)
Talking about your job search on social media might feel uncomfortable, but it can pay off. You never know who's watching or who might refer you to a role you didn't even know existed.
Being public about your journey can also build support, keep you accountable, and help others going through the same thing.
Networking isn't begging
If you're waiting for job boards to deliver your dream job, you're going to be waiting a while. Most of the best roles are never even posted. Networking isn't about cold-DMing a CEO — it's about building real connections over time.
Go to conferences. Comment on posts. Share your work. Reach out when it feels right. And yes, if there's a company you love, tell them. They might just remember you when the right role opens up. You'd be surprised how many times you'll be referred or warmly remembered just because you've been showing up online, day by day.
Want better interviews? Stop cold-applying to everything
Cold applications work...sometimes. But if you rely on them alone, expect longer timelines and more hurdles. Reaching out through your network or engaging with companies directly often leads to shorter, more human interview processes — and better-fitting offers.
Final thoughts
You can get a job just by applying. But to get the right job that fits your skills, values, and long-term goals, you need to be thoughtful. Plan your time. Prep with intention. Don't be afraid to rest. And don't be afraid to reach out.