Welcome to Career Essentials, where I share actionable insights and curated articles that will help accelerate your career and supercharge your job search.
Feeling Stuck? Start Your Job Search With This Simple Checklist
There are probably many things you can do during your job search, but let's prioritize the important things.
1. Clarity
Be clear about what you like doing and want to do next and where!
2. Reality check
Are your skills and salary expectations aligned? Are your work location expectations realistic? And how well do you understand job titles used in different companies?
3. Diversify
Are you looking beyond well-known companies, are you researching recruiters, have you set alerts on multiple job boards, and are you growing your network?
PS: You should read Jan Tegze’s post in today’s newsletter for a full breakdown of why clarity is so important.
Download my job search checklist here.
PS: For those of you impacted by the big storm, stay safe! (I had to cancel plans in Philly to drive back home before the storm)
🔎 JOB SEARCH
"Who am I when I'm not the title on my old business card?" - Loren Greiff
The emotional impact of being unemployed is something we don’t talk about enough. Loren’s post helps explain why this question is the hardest but most important question to answer.
What To Do Before and After You Apply - Jessica Hernandez
Here’s what her client did after getting a rejection to her application. Jessica shared this data for those who need it:
→ Referred candidates are 5X more likely to be hired
→ 45% of hires come from inbound applications on company websites
→ Only about 5% come from major job board
🤝 NETWORKING
How to Actually Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Network - Greg Roche, The Introverted Networker
You’ve been told to use LinkedIn to network but you aren’t sure exactly how… THIS is for you! Greg writes “Stop thinking of it as a place to impress people. Use it like a directory.” LinkedIn is one of the best directories! He walks you through different ways to use LinkedIn to find new people and the simple message to use plus tactics if you want a softer approach.
Bad LinkedIn Advice - Richard van der Blom
Richard understands LinkedIn and this post is a bit of a teaser for his newsletter coming out today. Quick fixes like dumping keywords into your profile, or interacting with more people on LinkedIn aren’t going to get you massive views. It’s quality! He writes:
“What works now is alignment:
• A profile that clearly communicates your value
• Content that reinforces your expertise
• Comments that show thought leadership inside your niche”
🗨 INTERVIEWING
The #1 Question To End Every Interview - Shelley Piedmont
Don’t allow waiting for a response after an interview to cause stress. Here’s exactly how to end every interview/phone screen to prevent anxiety.
🔮 WORKFORCE
The job market might be tighter than you think - ADP Research
If you are holding tight to your job (and not looking), maybe you should start a confidential search if you want more money. While there were only 11,
The annualized pay gain for job-changers was just 5.7 percent in December 2020. It was 6.6 percent in December 2025.
Job-stayers annualized pay gains were just 3 percent at the end of 2020. By the close of 2025, they were 4.4 percent.
Here’s the breakdown for job-changers by industry:
📶 RECRUITER PERSPECTIVE
Jan’s perspective (as a recruiter) is important! Recruiters are overwhelmed with applications and job seekers are in the dark about why. Please read the section on “The Psychological Comfort of Blaming the System’ and the actions YOU must take to be successful in taking control.
JOB SEARCH VISUAL
When you know your target companies, your job search changes.
🎯 You focus on the right organizations
✅ You take smarter, more intentional actions
🚀 You get better outcomes with less competition
This is how job seekers move from reacting to job postings to building real momentum.
📌 Save this post and use it to guide your job search.
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DID YOU MISS THESE
RESOURCE OF THE WEEK
HIRED! Every Employment Method (Amazon affiliate link)
Pre-launch Kindle Sale just $0.99
Every Employment Method is a comprehensive, step-by-step set of methods for getting hired more quickly.
The book dives into practical job search methodologies, including:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to ensure candidates are found on page one of recruiter searches on LinkedIn.
Targeting and Networking strategies.
Boolean Search Logic.
Navigating the Hidden and Posted Job Markets.
Methods for differentiation from other candidates, such as using QR Codes, Marketing Plans (or Open to Work Documents), and Value Proposition Decks—all provided with examples.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for resumes and cover letters, alongside instruction on how to demonstrate its practical application.
26 expert contributors including Al Smith.
Career Coaches: Jeff Altman, MSW, CCTC, Diane Bogino, Linda Brubaker, PhD, Carrie Bryson✨ Bryson, Paul Cecala, GCDF - Certified Career Coach, ALEX FREUND - The Landing Expert, Sue Griffey, DrPH, BSN, Chris Hogg, Kenneth Lang, Hannah Morgan, Richard J Morgan - MBA, CPRW, Terrence H. Seamon, Mindy Stern SPHR
A.I. experts: Ryan Beverly, Carlos Alejandro Gorricho, Bob McIntosh, Kevin Metzger
Recruiter: June Burchfield - INFJ
Financial Advisor: David Farrell
Human Energizer Bunny: Dan Jourdan - Salesguy / Keynote Speaker
Leadership Executive: Andy Kalajian
Life Coach: Cindee Sapoznik
LinkedIn Gurus: Kevin D. Turner, Jeff Young
Job Networking Leader: Jay Litton