What to Expect During a Job Search

If you find yourself unexpectedly looking for a job, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It can feel like everything is happening all at once, and before you know it, that sense of urgency can take over, leaving you feeling stuck. But here’s the thing…I’ve worked with professionals navigating career transitions for over a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t). The key is to take intentional action, one step at a time, to gain momentum without letting the process consume you. Here are my top tips to help you get back on track and approach your job search with clarity and confidence: 1. Pause and Prioritize: Before diving into applications, take a moment to get clear on what you want next. Reflect on your career goals, your non-negotiables, and the type of work environment that aligns with your values. This clarity will help you target roles that genuinely fit, rather than applying to everything that pops up. 2. Leverage Your Network Strategically: Reach out to trusted contacts, former colleagues, and mentors who can provide valuable insights or referrals. But don’t just ask if they know of any openings be specific about what you’re looking for and how they can help. A focused ask gets better results. 3. Refresh Your Personal Brand: Make sure your LinkedIn profile and resume reflect your most relevant skills and accomplishments. Think about the narrative you want to convey and make sure it positions you as a strong candidate for the roles you’re targeting. 4. Create a Routine and Set Small Goals: The job search can feel like a full-time job in itself, so set a daily schedule with manageable tasks whether that’s reaching out to three connections a day, applying to two roles, or dedicating an hour to learning new skills. Consistency builds momentum. 5. Stay Grounded and Resilient: Job searches come with highs and lows. Don’t let rejection or silence get to you. Stay connected with a supportive community, keep up with activities that fuel your confidence, and remember that the right opportunity is out there. When you find yourself in an unexpected career transition, the key is to take action without letting the overwhelm dictate your approach. By staying strategic and grounded, you can navigate this chapter with resilience and purpose. You got this, one step at a time.

**Uncovering the Truth: Debunking Common Job Search Myths** The Myth: A lot of people believe that job hunting is straightforward and uncomplicated, primarily involving the act of submitting your resume to various job advertisements. The common belief is that matching qualifications will lead to easily discovering your "perfect" job without much struggle. The Reality: In reality, the job search process today is much more complex and nuanced than that. It involves more than just replying to job listings; it necessitates proactively nurturing your network, crafting your personal brand, and upgrading your skills to position yourself as an attractive candidate. The Other Side: The pursuit of a job is an ongoing adventure of personal growth and career transformation. It's an opportunity to evaluate your values, passions, and strengths while exploring potential career paths that resonate with you. Rather than seeing it as a one-off task, it's more beneficial to view the job search as a valuable investment in your professional journey. Key Elements of This New Perspective: 1. Networking is crucial - Establishing connections and tapping into the "hidden job market" can be far more rewarding than solely applying to open positions. 2. Personal branding matters - Creating a strong and authentic personal brand through your resume, online presence, and conversations can significantly boost your chances as a candidate. 3. Skill enhancement is essential - Continuously refining your skills and acquiring new ones keeps you competitive and expands your options. 4. Embracing the journey - Viewing the job search as a learning experience that helps you discover more about yourself and explore new directions, rather than just a checklist to complete. 5. Patience and persistence - A fruitful job search often demands dedication, flexibility, and a willingness to consider a variety of avenues. By redefining our approach to the job search, it can evolve into a more rewarding and empowering journey instead of merely a challenging obstacle to overcome.

A frustrated job seeker recently shared this with me: "Honestly, I am a bit overwhelmed by the number of different folks and services. I am also unclear on how to measure success and value when evaluating these different options." 🤷♀️ If this resonates, you’re not alone. The job search space is overflowing with advice—some valuable, some conflicting, and some just noise. It’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of consuming tips without a clear action plan. So, let’s cut through the clutter. Here’s what matters most: 🔺 Strategy before tactics – A senior-level job search isn’t just about having a polished résumé or LinkedIn profile. These are tools, not a strategy. Define your ideal role, target the right companies, and build a roadmap before diving into applications. 🔺 Think beyond credentials – Your experience speaks for itself, but landing the right opportunity requires positioning. What business problems do you solve? What’s your unique value? Employers don’t just hire résumés—they hire solutions. 🔺 Shift from job seeker to business leader – At this stage in your career, you’re not just a candidate—you’re a product, a service, a business solution. Own that mindset. Build relationships, leverage your executive presence, and approach your job search like you would a business growth strategy. Yes, the process can be overwhelming—but with the right system in place, you can filter out the noise and focus on what moves the needle. With so many career coaches, services, and strategies out there, how do you know what’s worth your time and investment? Start by asking: Does this approach align with my goals? Be wary of one-size-fits-all advice—your job search at the executive level requires customization. Look for professionals who take the time to understand you and your leadership brand. Ask for case studies or client success stories, and trust your instincts—if something feels generic or transactional, it probably is. The best guidance empowers you to take sustained action, not just collect more tips. Whether you go it alone or invest in help, what are you doing to rise above the noise to become the Candidate of Choice? #CareerVelocity #QualifiedIsntEnough #jobs

📆 When I was 41, I made a major career transition. I moved from teaching a technical curriculum at a University into a corporate role. The opportunity to transition into this corporate position came through a network referral. I relocated my family from Houston to Austin; just me and my two daughters, who were 11 and 6 years old. We packed up our lives and moved on November 1. By November 6, they were in their new school. By November 10, I was sitting in orientation with 300 other new hires, stepping into a completely different world. I didn’t have family nearby; no built-in support system, and no remote work options—it wasn’t even a concept yet. I showed up to the office every morning, put in a full day’s work, and at 5 PM, I walked out the door. Work stayed at work. Evenings and weekends belonged to my daughters. There were no emails, no after-hours text messages, no blurred lines between work and home. Looking back, those were simpler times. I spent 13 years in the 2000's with that company, growing and adapting—moving from product manager to learning and development, then into sales leadership, talent acquisition, and channel management. Each transition required me to stretch, learn, and adjust to new roles, new teams, and new expectations. But even though change was a constant, I always had control over how I approached each new challenge. That’s where I see the biggest struggle for professionals today. The job market has changed dramatically, and for many, it feels like everything is out of their control. Companies are getting leaner, competition is tougher, and the traditional ways of landing a job aren’t working anymore. The frustration is real, and the uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: even in the most uncertain times, there are things we CAN control. 🌟 How you position yourself matters more than ever. You can’t afford to be invisible. 🌟 Networking and relationships: Relying solely on online applications is a dead-end strategy. Warm connections make all the difference. 🌟 Interview readiness: Confidence doesn’t come from luck—it comes from preparation, practice, and knowing how to communicate your value. 🌟 Your mindset and resilience: Navigating career transitions—whether planned or unexpected—requires persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to adjust your approach. The biggest mistake professionals make today is assuming that what worked in the past will work now. It won’t. The job search has evolved, and so must we. When I made that transition years ago, I had to figure things out as I went. Today, the path is different, but the challenge remains the same: how do you take control of your career and move forward with clarity, confidence, and a plan? If you’re feeling stuck in your job search, know this—you’re not alone. But staying in the same cycle won’t change your outcome. It’s time to rethink the approach. Let’s talk. Let’s create a strategy. Let’s get you moving forward.

Navigating Transitions: Thriving Amid Uncertainty Transitioning out of a role while searching for the next opportunity can be a period filled with uncertainty and doubt. The longer the gap extends, the more these feelings can intensify. However, this transition phase can also be an empowering journey of growth and self-discovery. Here’s how to maintain resilience during this time: 1. Cultivate Your Network Before You Need It: Building and nurturing relationships should be an ongoing process, not just something you do when you’re in need. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and engage with peers on platforms like LinkedIn. A strong network can provide support, insights, and opportunities when you least expect it. 2. Clarify Your Values and Professional Drivers: Take this time to reflect on what truly matters to you in a job. What are your core values and professional drivers? Understanding where you add value will not only help you articulate your strengths but also guide you toward roles that align with your purpose. 3. Enhance Your Skills: Use this transition period to upskill or reskill. Online courses, workshops, and certifications can keep your skills sharp and relevant. This proactive approach not only boosts your confidence but also makes you more attractive to potential employers. 4. Maintain a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can provide structure and a sense of normalcy. Set goals for networking, learning, and job searching. Celebrate small victories to keep your motivation high. 5. Seek Support and Stay Positive: Surround yourself with positive influences, whether it’s friends, family, or professional mentors. Share your journey with them—sometimes, a fresh perspective can spark new ideas and opportunities. 6. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care: Manage stress through mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial for maintaining resilience. Remember, transitions are not just about finding a new job but evolving into a more resilient and self-aware professional. Embrace the journey, stay proactive, and trust that the right opportunity will come your way. #CareerTransition #Resilience #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #Mindfulness #CareerDevelopment