Job Search Blog

Help the reader and the ATS software find the skills they’re looking for. What may seem obvious to you, isn’t to a computer or person not familiar with your industry. If the job listing mentions Excel, for example, have it in at least one spot on your resume. But, if it’s looking for “experience with spreadsheets,” use that exact wording too.

It is better to be strategic and narrow your search than to throw spaghetti at the wall and see what sticks. Eventually, the spaghetti falls off and hits the floor anyway. Get specific in your career plans and keep your search targeted. If you find it’s not working, then simply change your focus. It may feel like you’re starting over, but you’re doing so with a much stronger foundation than if you were to keep doing the same thing over and getting the same results. There’s on

The job search process is similar to a roller coaster ride. Just when you think you’re making progress and are at the top of your game, you’ll drop back down when you learn you didn’t get the job. But the next day the friend you run into at the grocery store might remind you that you know someone who works at another company and that person might be able to get your resume in the right hands. Could it be the big break you need to get the job? Maybe. Or, it could be another st

Securing a job via a standard job board is a rare occurrence. Studies highlight that an impressive 80% of people secure employment through networking. Although this figure might seem intimidating, each job application contributes to your journey, offering invaluable opportunities for learning and growth. Establish a daily goal to connect with someone new, even if it's as simple as engaging with a social media post. For job seekers, LinkedIn remains the go-to platform. Priori

Interviewing takes practice. No matter how trivial the job might seem, take the interview. This is a great opportunity to try new things such as time of day, day of the week, outfit, different questions for the interviewer, different responses from you, and if you’re interviewing online, testing different backgrounds and lighting. Just going through the practice will help you for the next one with improved muscle memory (your brain is a muscle of sorts,) honing your skills, a

It’s man versus machine when it comes to Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software. This is a program that searches your resume for keywords that match the job description. There are ways to game the system by packing your resume with the right words, but ultimately if you’re not qualified, it will come out in the application process. It’s always a good idea to make sure your language matches the job listing. Most of the time, key words are simply overlooked. There are a few

Put networking on your to-do list every weekday in 15-minute increments. Here are your daily tasks: Monday: Email a network contact Tuesday: Write a LinkedIn status update Wednesday: Research a target company Thursday: Introduce yourself to someone Friday: Find employees from one of your target companies on LinkedIn

Using the same resume for each job is a waste of time and a bad strategy for success. You need to position your resume with a specific goal in mind. Ask yourself these questions: What job function are you seeking to perform? Marketing, sales, account management, etc. At what level? Associate, supervisor, director, etc. In what industry? Software, pharmaceutical, energy, etc. What problem can you solve? International expansion, sales turnaround, business growth, etc.

Pick a group related to your area of interest and get involved. If you’ve aren’t already active on LinkedIn, this is the place to start. At least once a day “Like”, “Comment”, and/or “Share” with a post. The more you work it, the easier it will get. Don’t know where to start? Join my group, the Job Search Lean In Circle: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13937252/

From a study by LinkedIn, research shows that 70% of all jobs are not published publicly on jobs sites and as much as 80% of jobs are filled through personal and professional connections. That said, the smartest job hunters should prioritize their time and focus on the 85% of job openings that are never advertised. This means they should be networking. Find the job listing, yes, but network around it before you apply.