Welcome to Career Essentials, where I share actionable insights and curated articles that will help accelerate your career and supercharge your job search.
Reclaim Control of Your Job Search Today
Do you know where your job search is falling off the rails or not hitting the mark?
If you aren’t being contacted, what you’re doing isn't working. It’s time to take ownership and audit your job search to see what’s actually getting results.
Start by looking at your numbers:
How many times have you been asked for a screen conversation after submitting for a job?
How many interviews have you had since starting your job search?
How many "second interviews" have you had?
Job seekers often use the number of offers received as the sole measure of a successful search. However, many issues must be addressed and corrected long before an offer is even possible.
Screen Conversation Rate: If you are submitting 25 applications and receiving fewer than 1 screen conversation, the immediate problem is your application materials (resume/cover letter). Focus on targeting your search and tailoring your documents.
Second Interview Rate: If you are getting first interviews but rarely moving to the next round, the issue is performance. Immediately prioritize developing your interview skills.
Quick Fixes for Productivity
Target Your Search
Suggested Action: Task: Create your "Top 10 Target Company List" by the end of the week. Research each company to identify at least one key connection and three roles that align with your background.
Build Connections
Suggested Action: Daily Minimum: Send 5 personalized connection requests or emails to professionals at your target companies, and follow up with 3 established contacts each week.
Develop Your Interview Skills
Suggested Action: Practice: This week, schedule a 30-minute mock interview session with a friend or coach. Record yourself answering three common behavioral questions to identify areas for improvement.
Get Socially Savvy
Suggested Action: LinkedIn Audit: Today, ensure your "About" section is keyword-rich, and post or comment meaningfully on three industry-relevant articles this week.
You are in control of your search. Evaluate what’s working, fix what isn’t, and do things differently to get the results you want.
Your Immediate Next Step: Open a new spreadsheet or download a tracking template right now. Start logging your metrics (screens, interviews) and activity (connections, applications) today to reclaim control of your job search.
🔎 JOB SEARCH
Knowing when to present your resume is key to sending the right message. What Lynne explains in this post are the pros and cons of what happens when you present your resume too early. If you have been sharing your resume during networking meetings, read this today! It could explain a lot.
Rather than hurt your chances, bring or share your networking document or Personal Marketing Plan.
🤝 NETWORKING
“Networking doesn’t have to be awkward. You’re just overthinking it.” No matter how long it’s been or how weird you feel, just send this message:
“I was thinking about the time we worked together and you came to mind. How are you doing?”
Find more tips to make networking easier!
Backup to Breakthrough: The Hidden Power of Your LinkedIn Data Download & the Top 10 Prompts to Unlock[in]! - Kevin D. Turner
For all the technical geeks who want to know what to do with their LinkedIn data they back up… let AI help you analyze it! Here’s what Kevin’s AI prompts help analyze:
► the real strength of your network
► where a warm pipeline may already exist
► what your activity signals to the market
► whether your habits support landing business or a better role
► where untapped opportunity may already be sitting
And a PSA: If you do not download your LinkedIn data, you really should, at least once a year!
🗨 INTERVIEWING
The STAR Method Isn’t Dead. But Your Delivery May Be - Shelley Piedmont
I am so glad to see Shelley write about this because answering interview questions is more than just nailing STAR. It’s about positioning yourself at the right level and explaining your logic for decisions you made. Have a read and I think you’ll walk away with some good ideas for upleveling your interviewing skills.
⚙ AI
🔮 WORKFORCE
AI May Not Be Causing The Decline In Workforce Hiring - Glen Cathey
Glen tracks laborforce trends closely. These are all great reads for those who say AI is taking jobs. It isn’t that easy.
He says he’s been writing about AI and the workforce in articles like these:
But he’s found another study (below) that challenges some of his assumptions about AI in the workplace.
Still Waters, Rapid Currents: Early Labor Market Transformation under Generative AI - National Bureau of Economic Research
Key Findings from the Study
Minimal Economic Impact: The study observed "precise null effects" on worker earnings and hours.
High Adoption Rates: AI adoption was widespread, with many employers actively encouraging usage through training, which doubled usage rates from 47% to 83%.
Time Savings vs. Pay: While employees in exposed roles (software developers, marketers, HR) reported using AI, this efficiency did not translate into higher pay, with only a portion of productivity gains returning to workers as income.
Task Reallocation: Time saved by AI was frequently reallocated rather than reducing total work hours, explaining the lack of significant change in labor market statistics.
Study Scope: The research spanned 11 occupations and linked survey data with Danish administrative records, making it a robust analysis of early AI impacts.
The researchers conclude that for AI to profoundly change labor market metrics, further integration and development of the technology are needed.
💰 CAREER
How to Elevate Executive Presence Within Your Organization - Training Magazine
Strengthen your influence in the workplace by developing key behaviors such as Emotional and Social Awareness, Strategic Thinking, and Professional Poise. This not only highlights areas needing coaching or change but also shows that these qualities are perceived differently across organizations.
Stop Using Chatgpt For Everything - Ruben Hassid
As the saying goes, use the right tool for the job. And ChatGPT isn’t always the best tool. See when and why you should use these alternatives.
📶 RECRUITER PERSPECTIVE
Employers Swamped And Turning Off Job Postings - Kristen Fife
Have you ever seen a posting that said “not accepting applications” on a job board? If so, Kristen says go check the company’s career page on their website! This post and the one she links to explain how job postings work on Job Boards, LinkedIn, and ATS (often linked on the company website).
JOB SEARCH VISUAL
Most people do not remember that you are still looking for a job.
Sad but true.
So don't feel yucky reminding everyone.
In fact, why not make a post about it on LinkedIn.
Especially now, during the holiday season!
BONUS: Share the exact same message on other social media accounts AND as an email. (3 opportunities to get everyone on the same page)
Here's what your post will cover
✨ Positive opening
✨ Target roles
✨ Target companies/industries
✨ Key skills
✨ Value you deliver
✨ Call To Action (CTA)
✨ Image
Be specific! (I promise, it's better than saying "I'm open to anything.")
EXTRA BONUS: Save your announcement post to the Featured section of your profile for long-term visibility.
Use the example below to re-introduce yourself and explain exactly what you are looking for. And be sure to include an image with your post to give it additional reach.
EXAMPLE
After a successful career in client relationship management and strategic account leadership, I’m actively exploring new director-level roles that align with my passion for purpose-driven work and technology-enabled solutions. I’m excited to bring my expertise to an organization that values strategic innovation and meaningful impact.
ROLES I’M TARGETING
– Account Director
– Director of Client Services
– Director of Enterprise Accounts
– Director of Key Accounts
– Senior Account Management Leadership
INDUSTRIES
– Public Sector
– Non-Profit Organizations
– Educational Technology (EdTech)
– Software as a Service (SaaS)
– Purpose-Driven Enterprises
KEY STRENGTHS
– C-Suite Executive Communication
– Technology-Driven Project Collaboration
– Strategic Account Management
– Enterprise-Level Relationship Building
GEOGRAPHIC PREFERENCE
– Primarily Remote
– Open to Hybrid Opportunities in Philadelphia Metropolitan Area
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout my career, I’ve consistently demonstrated the ability to:
– Develop and maintain high-value client relationships in companies ranging from 100-250 employees
– Drive large-scale impact through strategic account management
– Collaborate effectively on complex, technology-driven initiatives
I’m seeking your support in my professional transition. Here’s how you can help:
Share relevant open director-level roles
Introduce me to your connections in my target industries
Provide recommendations for target companies or recruiters I should know about
If you have opportunities, insights, or simply want to explore potential synergies, please reach out [Gmail Address]. I’m always open to meaningful professional exchanges.
Do you follow me on LinkedIn Hannah Morgan
DID YOU MISS THESE
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