What does a bug-eyed, sharp-toothed collectible toy have in common with your next job application? As strange as it sounds—everything. If you’ve been online recently, chances are you’ve seen or heard about Labubu, the wildly popular designer figure from Pop Mart. While it may seem far removed from the world of employment and interviews, Labubu actually has a lot to teach us about how to stand out in an increasingly crowded job market.
What Is a Labubu?
Labubu is a mischievous, elf-like character created by Hong Kong illustrator Kasing Lung. With its wild grin, jagged teeth, and oversized ears, Labubu isn’t your typical “cute” collectible. But that’s precisely why it’s become a cult phenomenon.
Sold in blind-box format, buyers don’t know which version of Labubu they’ll receive until they open the packaging. Some variants are common, others ultra-rare—and collectors around the world are going to great lengths (and spending serious cash) to find them. The toy has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to TikTok virality, celebrity fans like Lisa from BLACKPINK, and its unapologetically offbeat charm.
Search terms like “what is a Labubu” and “Labubu big energy” are now trending across Google. But the toy’s rise to fame holds a deeper insight for anyone navigating today’s hiring process.
The Blind Box of Hiring: Employers Don’t Know What They’re Getting
Just like a Pop Mart buyer opening a Labubu box, recruiters often make decisions with limited information. A resume, a cover letter, a LinkedIn profile—these are just surface-level snapshots. What lies beneath could be a standout hire… or a missed opportunity.
The blind-box concept mirrors how transferable skills, hidden talents, and personality traits often remain invisible until a candidate is “unboxed” in a real-world scenario. Hiring managers are learning that the perfect fit might not come with the flashiest packaging—but rather, the most potential inside.
The Value of Being Different
Labubu is popular precisely because it breaks the mold. It’s not polished. It’s not symmetrical. It’s not what you expect from a best-selling collectible—and that’s the point.
In a world where resumes often follow a rigid format and job seekers are told to “fit the mold,” Labubu reminds us that being different is an asset. The same goes for professionals who don’t come from traditional backgrounds—those who are self-taught, career-switchers, or come from unconventional industries.
A developer who learned to code from YouTube, a marketer with a background in visual arts, or a project manager who started in retail—all of these are Labubu-like candidates. Unexpected. Memorable. And often underestimated.
Transferable Skills Are the New Rare Traits
Collectors chase Labubu for its uniqueness; hiring managers are now doing the same with talent. What used to be considered “soft skills”—adaptability, creativity, emotional intelligence—are now highly sought-after, especially in remote or hybrid roles.
Just as each Labubu variant brings something different to a collection, each job seeker brings a unique set of transferable skills that might not be obvious at first glance. The ability to learn quickly, manage change, or collaborate across teams are all “rare editions” in today’s hiring landscape.
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So how can job seekers bring their own version of “Labubu big energy” to their next application? Here are a few ways to stand out authentically:
- Lead with personality: Use your resume summary to highlight what makes you different—not just your job titles.
- Tell your story: A great cover letter is less about buzzwords and more about your journey, values, and potential.
- Show, don’t just tell: Portfolios, side projects, or personal websites can reveal your skills beyond bullet points.
- Be confident in your quirks: Employers remember what’s different, not what’s duplicated. Don’t water yourself down.
Remember, standing out doesn’t mean being loud or flashy. It means being genuine, distinctive, and intentional—just like Labubu.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect—Just Memorable
In the hiring world, there’s often a belief that you need to be polished, packaged, and pristine to be chosen. Labubu challenges that notion. It’s not perfect. It doesn’t try to be. But it’s created an emotional connection with millions of fans by embracing its oddness.
In your job hunt, you might not tick every box on a recruiter’s checklist—but if you can communicate your unique value, your potential becomes more important than perfection.
So next time you hesitate to apply for that role because your background isn’t “conventional,” remember Labubu: you don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be rare and memorable.
