Everything You Need To Know About Getting a Job in 2023

Welcome back to a special edition of Careers & Leadership.

Looking for a job can be frustrating, especially in today’s market. Tuesday’s WSJ Jobs Summit covered the ins and outs of the job search, from basics like writing a resume to complex topics like using AI to your advantage.

If you’re struggling to land your next (or first) job, here are some quick tips to help you navigate the current landscape. 

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Step 1: Refresh Your Profile

LinkedIn is your living, breathing resume, according to J.T. O'Donnell, founder and CEO of Work It Daily. Below, top strategies to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are optimized from Ms. O’Donnell and Catherine Fisher, career expert at LinkedIn. 

• Imitation is flattery: Model your profile based on ones for people in roles you are interested in.
• Put keywords in your headline: Recruiters use software technology to search for candidates. If those terms are in your headline, you’ll rank higher in their search results.
• Keep it fresh: Every two weeks, if you’re searching for a job, swap words in your headline. Take a word out, add a fresh one, then press save. It triggers the algorithm. 
• Engage: Turn on creator mode and posting regularly. If LinkedIn sees you’re an active user, you’re more likely to show up in search.

For more tips, watch Ms. O’Donnell’s session here and Ms. Fisher’s session here.

Step 2: Build a Portfolio

When looking for a job, you need to prove you can do the work. That’s especially important if you find yourself between roles, searching for your first job or looking to change industries. The good news is that anyone can build a portfolio in any area, says Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO at Coursera. You just need to think about it the right way. Below, tips on building a strong portfolio from Jobs Summit panelists Julia Pollock, chief economist at Zip Recruiter, Jane Oates, president of WorkingNation, and Mr. Maggioncalda. 

• Stack your credentials: Leverage online learning to add to your qualifications. Developing a skillset doesn’t have to happen all at once, take it one certification at a time.
• Don’t shy away from freelance: Use one-off opportunities to get more practice and flesh out your resume.

For more tips, watch Ms. Pollock’s session here, Mr. Maggioncalda’s session here, and Ms. Oates' session here.

Step 3: Be Intentional 

It may be tempting to send out applications to many jobs, but the best use of your time is to be strategic, according to Ms. Fisher and Brian Liou, founder and CEO of Rora. Below are tips from the panelists on being smart with your search.

• Look for a fit: Don’t go into panic mode and apply to any and all jobs. Be deliberate and apply to positions that align with your experience. This way, you’re more likely to land the interview.
• Think strategically and sell yourself: You’re pitching yourself as the best candidate for the job. If you’re interested in making a career pivot, think about the transferable skills you have and how you can make the best case for what you have to offer.
• Choose wisely: Employment is a mutually beneficial deal. Remember to evaluate a potential company just as they will evaluate you.

For more tips, watch Ms. Fisher’s session here and Mr. Liou’s session here.

Step 4: Network Like a CEO

Connections are everything, but only if you reach out with the right intentions. Sima Sistani was at a different organization when she contacted the board of directors at WeightWatchers to see if she could help support the digitization of the brand. Two years later, she got the call to consider a role... as CEO. Ms. Sistani and Ms. Fisher both shared tips on how to get your foot in the door.

• Join (or start) the conversation: Don’t be afraid to join relevant industry discussions on LinkedIn. It’s a good opportunity to share your expertise and make new connections. Ms. Sistani said she has made a lot of connections through social-media DMs. 
• Share a compelling story: Explain what draws you to a company or role, and make it interesting. That can look like sharing how you first found the brand or your experience with the product.
• Play the long game: Don’t expect something in return. Reach out to share ideas, lessons learned or questions. Making the connection will help to keep you top of mind when future opportunities arise. 

For more tips, watch Ms. Sistani’s session here and Ms. Fisher’s session here.

This is a condensed version of WSJ’s Careers & Leadership newsletter. Sign up here to get the WSJ’s comprehensive work coverage in your inbox each week.

Today's edition was compiled by Gretchen Tarrant, Audience Producer, Madison Conte, Audience Producer, and Michael Claudio, Coverage Producer.