You don’t need every job—you just need the right one.
In this insightful #ThroughlineThursdays segment, Keisha Stephens, Contingent Workforce Director at Splunk, gets real about the emotional rollercoaster of job hunting—and why patience and intentionality are essential.
From the sting of rejection emails to the rush of an aligned offer, Keisha shares how she learned to sift through the noise, evaluate opportunities on her terms, and say no to the roles that didn’t match her values, goals, or lifestyle.
This is a must-watch for job seekers, career switchers, and professionals in transition.
In this video, you’ll learn:
• How to manage the emotional side of job hunting
• Why rejection doesn’t mean failure
• How to assess whether a role really fits your goals
• Why timing, values, and team culture matter more than you think
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Timestamps:
00:08 – Why patience is hard—but necessary
00:30 – Getting over rejection and staying focused
01:00 – “You only need one” – the power of perspective
01:30 – Evaluating offers based on career and happiness
02:10 – When to say no (and why that’s okay)
02:40 – Balancing job decisions with personal timing
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Are you in the middle of a job search? Share your experience with us in the comments.
[00:08]
Question: “What tips do you have for job seekers to be patient instead of panicking? How do you manage that?”
Keisha Stephens:
Well, I’ll be honest—I’m not the most patient person either. Anyone who knows me can tell you that.
When I started job hunting, I had to become methodical. I had to accept that I wasn’t going to hear back from every company I applied to—and that I didn’t need to. I just needed one.
I remember getting those automated rejection emails. It was discouraging. But then a friend reminded me: You only need the right one. And just a few days later, I got an offer that actually felt aligned with what I wanted.
That moment taught me an important lesson:
You’re not looking for just any job. You’re looking for the right job. That means you have to be patient. You’re sifting through options, and some offers won’t be a fit—and that’s okay.
You don’t have to take the first opportunity that comes your way. And in many cases, you probably shouldn’t—unless it truly matches what you’re looking for.
It’s about being intentional—evaluating each role based on what you need, both for your career and your happiness.
People forget: We spend so much time at work. You’ve got to love what you do, who you do it with, and where you’re doing it. For me, all three of those factors need to line up for a job to feel truly right.
And sometimes, the timing just isn’t ideal. Maybe you’re managing homeschooling, caregiving, or other responsibilities. You might want to make a move, but it’s not the right moment. That’s valid too.
In the end, you have to balance what’s right for you—not just professionally, but personally. Take your time. Use your pros and cons list. And don’t be afraid to say “no” to a role that doesn’t fit.
