Michelle Schafer’s Post

🙌 Got a text from one of my amazing clients and I HAD to share!! 🤩 After just ONE SESSION, she’s already feeling WAY more confident and ready to tackle her job search head-on. She’s thinking back to my advice as she writes those 🔥 bullet points for her resume, and I couldn’t be prouder! 🎉 💗 If you're tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, remember—YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ALONE. When we work together, I’m by your side every step of the way. Holding your hand, kicking your butt, and making sure you stay on track to land that dream job! 💼 Let's get you feeling confident and equipped to CRUSH your job search, too! 💪 Schedule a free 45 minute discovery call to talk about how I can help YOU in your job search. Link to my calendar in the comments below. ⬇️ #clientwin #careersearch #jobseekers #resumeadvice

With my job search ending last week, I spent some time this weekend reflecting on observations and lessons learned. It had been a decade since I had been searching for a job (my previous employer reached out to me before the role was posted), and the environment has evolved. I share these observations to give insight into the job search of 2024. In previous job searches, I provided three references of my choosing and every time; it meant that an offer was incoming.  Reference checking is no longer the tell-tale sign that an offer is coming. Five organizations asked for references. In one instance, all of my references told me that an offer was coming. The offer did not come. They decided to go with an internal candidate. In two instances, I provided references, but they did not call them. Both positions are still posted. In one instance, I turned down an offer, and in the other, I accepted! Another change I noticed was the specificity of the references requested. They ranged from board members to direct reports, past supervisors, and peers. While I had a pool of potential references to choose from, it's crucial to select those who can best speak to your skills and qualifications. I was also mindful of the role and organizational culture that I was applying for. I wanted my references to be able to speak directly to my assets in the areas the organization was looking for. I also noticed an increase in silence on the job search. I am still waiting to hear back from two organizations that I applied to in August of 2023. I have not heard from other organizations but found that the roles had been filled by looking on LinkedIn. For better or worse, after a certain amount of time with no follow-up, I assumed I was not the candidate. I value constructive feedback. In every instance where I was a finalist and did not get the role I did not receive feedback despite asking. I believe there is a fear of providing feedback to candidates. I would have valued the feedback, especially in an instance of a “failed search.” I have since found that they hired someone with a Ph.D. for the role, and my highest level of education is an M.A.  In two other failed searches, the role is still open, so I am not sure what they are looking for. Finally, written exercises are a hot topic. I realize that I come from a place of privilege in that I had the time to do them. I did all but one. The one I did not do would have taken a full day of work to complete and would have provided a decent start at a development plan. Doing that extensive level of free work did not sit well with me. I also did another written exercise that was not part of the original process. This was after 5 interviews and one more to go. Hindsight being 20/20 I wish I had not done this because I provided this organization with Foundation prospects and a strategy. For those of you still searching, stay positive! I am rooting for you.

The job search isn't the time to act humble. Here's what you should keep in mind: Your resume is your highlight reel, showcase it. — Imagine if LeBron James' highlight reel only showed his regular passes and not his slam dunks. — Would it have the same impact? Absolutely not. — Your resume is the same - it's where you showcase your 'slam dunks'. Recruiters don't know your story: — They aren't mind-readers. — If you don't tell them about your achievements, who will? Differentiate yourself: — The job market is competitive. — Staying quiet about your successes puts you in the background. — Let your achievements be your edge. Speak up in interviews: — Interviews aren't the time to downplay your contributions. — Own your achievements. — Be prepared to discuss them, and always tie them back to value. Networking with confidence: — When connecting with others, confidence (not arrogance) can make you memorable. — Sharing your achievements can open up conversations about opportunities. The key is to find balance. You can tout your accomplishments and still remain gracious, showing gratitude to teams and mentors who've helped along the way. So, during your job search, give yourself permission to shine. Remember, it's not bragging if it's based on facts. If you don’t help yourself, nobody else will.

You feel defeated after not landing a job. Your "goal" after graduating was to get that job. If you feel defeated, focus on these 2 important things: 1) Detach the job search from your worth - You as a whole individual is more important than any job. - You are more than a job title and what you do. - Don't conflate your value with your success or lack of success in landing a job. 2) Create and follow your job search plan. - Set goals for yourself (# of applications or # of hours applying, per week) - Optimize your resume, your cover letter, and your LinkedIn - Apply strategically, with intention, and prepare for interviews It may take longer than it did in the past to get the job (especially the ideal job). So create your plan and stick to it (you will find success soon). If you need additional motivation, say something in the comments so we can support you!

Recently, I applied for a job, and I've never felt so considered by any recruiter or HR team as I did with this place. After submitting my application, I received a call saying, “Hi Marina, thank you so much for applying to this job. However, we're looking for someone with extensive experience, so I won’t move you forward in the interview process as we’re seeking a very specific fit.” She didn’t just end the call there. Instead, this wonderful woman took the time to offer me advice and tips for my job search, sparing me from false hope and saving me time. I deeply appreciated that call. As a recent graduate with limited experience in marketing, I've often heard, “You were great, and your understanding is amazing. We can see how passionate you are but we want someone with more experience.” There’s nothing wrong with seeking experience, but why invite me to multiple interview rounds, raise my hopes, and put me through the stress and anticipation of the third and fourth stages, only to deliver the same message? If my experience wasn’t enough, wasn’t that clear from my CV or cover letter? It’s tough to see companies ask recent graduates to invest so much time and emotion when they already know they're prioritizing experience. Many of us come into these interviews with hopes and dreams, patiently waiting for someone to recognize our worth and passion to break into the industry. I may not have years of experience, but my passion, drive to learn, and eagerness to prove myself are strong. This doesn’t mean that those with experience lack passion, but the hunger to break into an industry for the first time is unique. I know the right opportunity will come—where my enthusiasm, commitment, passion willingness to learn are valued as much as experience. Only if people could see through my cv and how strong, committed, passionate and resilient i am and how much i can actually achieve. I guarantee they wouldn’t have denied me the position I applied for. Ps, im hungry for success.

If you're still using the same old job search strategy from 10 years ago, it's time to make some changes. Back then, all you had to do was whip up a resume, apply to a few jobs, and boom - job offer in hand. But things are different now. Today, you need to tailor your resume for every application. ✍️ And instead of just applying here and there, aim for 5-10 job applications daily (that's 100-200 a month!). It may sound overwhelming, but trust me - it's necessary. The truth is, your resume should focus on them, not you - show them how you can fill their needs and solve their problems. And when it comes to follow-ups? Don't waste time waiting around for responses. Give it one shot and move on if you don't hear back. Get ready for interviews like your life depends on it because in many ways, it does. And whatever you do, don't pause your search just because you have a good feeling about one particular job. Keep applying until that offer is signed and sealed. 💗💗💗 But remember this above all else: give yourself a break. Cut yourself some slack and show yourself some love because you deserve it. So take advantage of this holiday weekend and go relax and unwind. You've earned it!🌞 Cheers! 🍻

What if they think you’re desperate? I mentored a community of fellow job seekers during my job search time. We used the community to empower and encourage each other. I was always seen as a “star jobseeker,” if there’s even such a thing. 😀 So, they used to ask me questions… One of the most recurring was... Moses Maurice, you seem so open about your job search... Won’t people think you’re desperate? Won’t that diminish your value? The answer was always simple: NO. No, because… I wasn’t desperate. My value was intact. When I was laid off, I made a public announcement that shocked many. During my entire job search, I was open about my journey. In the process… I built resilience by addressing what others might avoid. I took the stigma out of being a job seeker. I became more visible to those hiring. I supported others in similar shoes. I turned vulnerability into visibility. Those who once might have judged me for being transparent saw instead someone unafraid to own their story. If you’re a job seeker, talk about your job search. It may do more good than you could imagine. Of course, what you say matters... My job search content wasn’t about pleading for a job. My job search content wasn’t about blaming hiring teams. My job search content wasn’t about dwelling on setbacks. My job search content was about value. I focused on two questions in my content... What value does this bring to others? What value does this bring to my job search? Now, here’s how you too can start... 1️⃣ Share Your Skills in Action. ↳ If you’re learning something new, talk about it. Showcase the tools or tips that keep you sharp. You don't want people to think your skills are redundant because you have no job. 2️⃣ Reflect on Past Projects. ↳ What have you learned from past roles? What insights or results could benefit others? We barely reflect while employed, use this time to share your reflections as a story. 3️⃣ Talk About the Job Search Process. ↳Be candid about how you’re navigating interviews, handling rejections, or preparing for opportunities. You are showing what your character is in this and possibly encouraging someone like you. And one more... 📌 Be yourself. Just because others are not talking, doesn't mean they don't search. Everyone is searching for something. Many are searching for even more shameful things in life. There should be no shame in... Looking for work. Looking to make an impact. Looking to sustain yourself and those you love. Job seekers who create content with value and authenticity stand out. Your story might just be what someone else needs to see. Don't be so afraid to look desperate that you will miss to add or get value. ♻️ Repost to help someone.

"Did I get the job after posting for advice?" Source: https://lnkd.in/gPzXXUwf "Exciting news! Secured a job after successful interview from recent post! Starting on Monday 😄 🙌. How can I keep the job search momentum going? #jobsearch #interviewtips #successstory" Recent Success in Job Hunt - Two days ago, I shared my job search journey on Reddit. - Received valuable advice and support from the community. Excitement for New Job - Interview went really well, leading to job offer. - Beginning new job on Monday. - Grateful for opportunity after challenging job search. How to Maintain Job Search Momentum - Share tips and strategies for job search success. - Seek advice on how to navigate the job market effectively. - Connect with others for support and motivation.