Shake It Off: Job-Seeking Tips Inspired by Taylor Swift Songs

Kelly Grivner-Kelly
Latest posts by Kelly Grivner-Kelly (see all)

Searching for a job can be an emotional rollercoaster—kind of like a Taylor Swift album. One day, you’re feeling fearless, and the next, you’re in your All Too Well era, replaying every rejection email in your mind. But just like Taylor has reinvented herself time and time again, you can navigate your career transition with resilience, strategy, and a little bit of Swiftie wisdom. 

So, let’s have a little fun and break down job-seeking tips through the lens of Taylor’s greatest hits!

“You Belong With Me” – Finding the Right Fit

Applying to every job under the sun might feel productive, but success comes from targeting roles that truly align with your skills and values. Instead of chasing jobs that don’t excite you, take a step back and assess what industries, companies, and positions feel like the one.

Tip: Use job descriptions as a checklist—if you meet at least 70% of the qualifications, apply! Tailor your resume to showcase why you are the missing puzzle piece for the company. (Need help? Check out my latest blog: Should Jobseekers in 2025 Still Be Tailoring Their Resumes?)

“Shake It Off” – Handling Rejection Like a Pro

Rejection is an inevitable part of the job search, and while it stings, it doesn’t define your worth. Even Taylor faced setbacks—she lost out on record deals before landing her big break.

Tip: If you receive a rejection, take a deep breath and send a gracious thank-you email. If appropriate, ask for feedback, use it to improve, and keep moving forward. Your perfect role is still out there!

“The Man” – Negotiating Your Worth

Taylor has been vocal about advocating for herself in the music industry, and you should do the same in your job search. Women, in particular, tend to undervalue themselves in salary negotiations. If you don’t ask, you won’t receive.

Tip: Research salary ranges using tools like Glassdoor or Salary.com. When negotiating, use data-driven statements like, “Based on market research and my experience, I believe a salary in the range of X is fair.”

“Fearless” – Networking With Confidence

Networking can be intimidating, but putting yourself out there is key. Whether it’s attending virtual career fairs, engaging on LinkedIn, or reaching out to a former colleague, every interaction helps build your professional brand.

Tip: Personalize your outreach messages. Instead of a generic “Hi, can you help me find a job?” try “Hi [Name], I admire your work at [Company] and would love to hear about your career path. Do you have time for a quick chat?”

“Begin Again” – Career Changes and Transitions

Many military spouses and veterans face career pivots, and that can be daunting. But every career change is an opportunity to start fresh—just like Taylor has done with each album era.

Tip: Identify your transferable skills. If you’re shifting industries, emphasize soft skills like leadership, adaptability, and communication. A functional resume format can help highlight relevant experience. (Check out Hire Heroes USA’s blog: 5 Tricks to Navigating Employment Gaps.)

“Blank Space” – Crafting a Standout Resume

Your resume is your story—it should be compelling, concise, and customized. Hiring managers spend only a few seconds scanning resumes, so make sure yours is worth their time.

Tip: Start with a strong professional summary, use bullet points for accomplishments, and quantify your impact (e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 30%”). Tailor each application to the job description.

“Style” – Acing the Interview

First impressions matter, both in person and virtually. Taylor knows how to command a stage, and you should bring that same energy to your interviews.

Tip: Prepare responses to common questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Dress appropriately, test your tech for virtual interviews, and always send a follow-up thank-you email.

“Long Live” – Celebrating Small Wins

Job searching is tough, and it’s easy to focus on what hasn’t happened yet. But every networking call, LinkedIn update, and tailored application is a step forward.

Tip: Set mini-goals (e.g., “Apply to three jobs this week,” “Reach out to two new contacts”). Celebrate progress, because even the small steps lead to big results.

“We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” – Letting Go of Toxic Work Environments

If a past job drained you mentally and emotionally, take it as a lesson. You deserve a workplace that values and supports you.

Tip: During interviews, ask about company culture, work-life balance, and growth opportunities. Trust your gut—if something feels off, it probably is.

“Enchanted” – Finding a Job You Truly Love

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just to land any job—it’s to find the right fit. When you do, it will feel like magic, and the effort will be worth it.

Tip: Use tools like informational interviews, employer reviews, and networking events to find companies that align with your values. Don’t settle!

Just like Taylor Swift’s career has been a journey of reinvention, growth, and resilience, so is your job search. There will be highs and lows, rejections and triumphs, but with the right mindset, strategy, and a little bit of Swiftie inspiration, you’ll find your dream job.

And when you do? It’ll be your very own Love Story.

Need more job search support? Hire Heroes USA offers free career coaching, resume assistance, and interview preparation for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses (including active-duty spouses, reserve spouses, Gold Star spouses, and those whose service member has retired or separated from the military). Connect with us today and take the next step toward your career goals!

Now, go forth and job search like you’re in your own Taylor Swift era—confident, strategic, and unstoppable!

Kelly Kelly, the Serving Spouses Program Manager at Hire Heroes USA, draws on over a decade of business management experience. As a veteran military spouse herself, she understands the challenges of finding meaningful employment. Having been a client of Hire Heroes USA, Kelly witnessed firsthand the organization's mission in action. She played a pivotal role in creating the Serving Spouses program and currently oversees its specialized Transition Specialists, workshops, and webinars designed to meet the unique needs of military spouses. Kelly is dedicated to mentoring veterans and spouses, helping them define and achieve their professional goals. Since joining Hire Heroes USA in 2016, she has helped over 1,500 veterans and military spouses find employment.

If you would like more information or need assistance getting in contact with your Transition Specialist, log into MyTrak or register at www.hireheroesusa.org to be assigned a Transition Specialist.