The Exclusive Career Coach

Discover the concept of the hidden job market, where positions remain unadvertised and are often filled through personal connections. Learn how employee referrals, networking, and direct outreach can uncover these elusive opportunities. Estimates suggest that 70-80% of jobs fall into this category, emphasizing the importance of strategic networking and targeted approaches. Delve into practical tips for building relationships with recruiters and companies, ensuring you're not missing out on your dream job!

We’re in the second-biggest hiring push of the year: after Labor Day through mid-November. Let’s talk about active vs. passive job search strategies. If you are in no hurry to leave your current employer, then a passive job search may be appropriate for you. For those of you who are unemployed or see the handwriting on the wall, an active job search puts you in the driver’s seat, and will almost certainly shorten the length of your job search.  Let’s begin with a definition of active vs. passive strategies, along with possibilities for each.   Active Strategies-LinkedIn networking – connecting with people and starting conversations -Post on LinkedIn/other social media -Face-to-face, 1:1 networking -Informational interviews -Target Employers  -Professional association networking events -Other professional meetings where networking is possible -Affinity/special interest groups -University alumni association -Volunteering -Recruiters (those you already have a relationship with or have been referred to) -Place of worship -In person/virtual career fairs  Passive Strategies-General job boards -Industry (niche) job boards -Target employer websites -Professional association job postings -Recruiters who reach out to you -Personal website/web portfolio  How I use this tool with clients With almost all of my clients, we spend one of their coaching sessions determining the “what” of their job search.  I have a document with all of the options I’ve just listed, and I walk through each so we can decide together which strategies make the most sense for them.  Then for each selected strategy, we come up with 3-5 action steps they will take. The final step is to determine how much of their total job search time will be spent on each strategy.  The client is then instructed to take their job search strategy to their calendar and block off time for each of the individual strategies – with specific action steps included on their calendar.  I encourage them to use the last 5 minutes of each block to set up the next block – what will they continue to do next time? What will they start next time? What will they not need to do next time?  If a client is fully employed, I ask for a minimum of 5 hours of consistent job search effort each week. If the client is unemployed, this is their full-time job, so 30 hours per week.  25%/75%50%/50%75%/25%100%/0% A final word here: I don’t expect my clients to know HOW to do each of the strategies we select for them; we cover that in additional coaching sessions.  To bottom-line it for those of you who are doing a job search on your own right now, here are 5 steps:  1.     Assess what you are currently doing, and what % of your time is spent for each 2.     Considering the % of active vs. passive strategies and the amount of time I recommend for your job search, determine where you’re currently at – and what needs to change. 3.     Identify strategies from my list you are willing to add. 4.     Create specific action steps for each of your strategies and CALENDAR THEM IN.  5.     Periodically assess what’s working and what isn’t. If a strategy isn’t working, tell yourself the truth about WHY. Make changes as needed.  6.     BONUS STRATEGY: Be willing to seek help with areas you don’t feel competent in, such as networking or fully utilizing LinkedIn.    The Document & Coaching Package is designed for current job seekers who want world-class marketing documents, a targeted, proactive job search strategy that gets results, and skill-building around how to network, interview, and negotiate compensation. To learn more or to schedule a consult, visit my website at https://theexclusivecareer.com/doccoach or email me at lesa@theexclusivecareer.com. 

Job boards may be broken, but there are ways to make them work for you! Networking is key; the balance shifts from graduates to executives. Try job hunting at night when there are fewer distractions. Only apply if you're 75% qualified and genuinely interested. Customizing your resume and cover letter is crucial — use keywords straight from job descriptions. Don't let AI take over your applications, as HR can spot generated resumes. Learn these tips to stand out in today's competitive job market!

The job search can feel more painful than a root canal, but there are better methods to navigate it. Forget about job boards, which are flooded with unqualified applicants. Networking within your circle is increasingly the way to go. Discovering hidden job openings can lead to great opportunities. Companies frequently promote from within, leaving junior roles open, so being proactive is key. Explore the differences between active and passive job searches for better chances of success.

Greetings! If you have loved the content I've produced on this podcast, I hope you will head over to my new podcast, The Exclusive Career! More of the same great content, but upleveled for even more insights, wisdom, and actionable strategies to help you achieve your most ambitious career goals.While you're there, I hope you will rate, review and subscribe or follow.Rest assured that this podcast will remain up for you to continue to listen to.

Networking doesn't have to be daunting! Discover how to seamlessly weave networking into your everyday life, from book clubs to sports events. Learn the importance of initiating conversations in familiar spaces and leveraging social media to connect with like-minded individuals. Regularly checking in with existing contacts can keep relationships fresh and beneficial. Embrace networking as a continuous practice, not just a job-search tool, to unlock your career potential!

Discover the unique challenges of searching for remote jobs in a competitive landscape. With remote job postings dwindling, the importance of effective networking and resume optimization is emphasized. Learn how to leverage job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed, while also utilizing advanced search filters. The podcast also urges seeking clarification from HR on remote work options before applying, ensuring a smart job search strategy. Get ready to navigate the remote job market with practical tips and insights!

Bruce Tulgan, Founder of RainmakerThinking, shares invaluable insights on feedback dynamics between managers and employees. He reveals that 70% of job losses stem from poor manager interactions. Tulgan advocates for proactive coaching over punitive measures and emphasizes the significance of respectful communication, especially when addressing sensitive topics like professional appearance. He also discusses the importance of understanding diverse working styles and highlights best practices for delivering timely, specific feedback that fosters growth.

We’re talking about the job market and the job search for 2025 – a forecast, coupled with some how-to’s.  These seem to be universally accepted as the expectations for the 2025 job market: Cooling Down: The job market is cooling down from the post-pandemic boom. Hiring has slowed, and competition for jobs is increasing. Low rate of voluntary quits continues, but there is the possibility that it will shift back to a job seeker’s market in 2025.  Resilience: Despite the slowdown, unemployment remains low, and the economy is still relatively strong. Labor Shortages: Several industries continue to face labor shortages, particularly in low-wage and in-person roles. ·       Diverse Strategies to Address the Labor Shortage: -40% of managers plan to engage contract professionals to fill skills gaps -39% will work with a managed services provider for critical initiatives and functions. -Contract professionals -Project consultants - Managed services providers Skills Focus: The demand for skills like technology, data analysis, and healthcare will continue to grow. ·       Demand for Soft Skills: As the job market shifts, there has been a greater importance placed on soft skills. Soft skills are becoming more sought after, since 79% of leaders believe the longevity of technical skills is limited to five years or less.  ·      AI Impact: Artificial intelligence is increasingly impacting the job market, automating some tasks while creating new roles that require skills in AI and related fields. AI also changes the skills employers need, shifting demand from repetitive tasks to critical thinking and technical expertise. Focus on Upskilling and Reskilling: Workers will need to continually upgrade their skills to remain competitive in the changing job market. ·      Increased Salary Transparency: Pay transparency in job postings has more than doubled since 2020. According to Indeed Hiring Lab, more than 40% of US job postings now include employer-provided salary information. In 2025, even more job postings will list the salary range to attract qualified talent.  ·      Remote Work: Remote work options will likely continue to evolve, with many companies adopting hybrid models. According to HR Executive, 33% of U.S. employers required full-time in-office work in 2024. This number is expected to increase, but not exceed, 50% in 2025. Increased Focus on Employee Well-Being: Companies are increasingly prioritizing employee well-being, offering benefits like flexible work arrangements and mental health support. ·      Skills Over Degrees: Employers are increasingly shifting their focus from traditional credentials, like degrees, to skills-based hiring. This shift allows for a more diverse talent pool and gives candidates without degrees a chance to prove their capabilities through relevant skills.  The rise of certifications and nontraditional educational pathways has significantly influenced this shift.   What all of this means for your job search in 2025: Develop in-demand skills: Identify and develop skills that are highly sought after by employers. Invest in certifications and training from reputable organizations.  Network: Build and maintain strong professional relationships. Customize your resume and cover letter: Tailor your application materials to each specific job. Prepare for interviews: Practice your interviewing skills and research potential employers. ·      Stay Informed: Follow economic and industry updates. Staying informed enables you to anticipate changes rather than react to them. Focusing on trends in your specific industry can also help you identify skill gaps and align your expertise with future demands. This is especially important if you have been out of work for a while.  ·      Wage Expectations: Generally, wages haven’t kept up with inflation. Do your homework and set reasonable expectations for compensation.  Expect a Poor Candidate Experience: -Ghosting: Companies often fail to communicate with applicants throughout the process, leaving them feeling undervalued and frustrated.  -Lengthy Processes: Time-consuming applications and multiple rounds of interviews can deter qualified candidates.  ·      Don’t Take on Your Job Search in 2025 AloneMarketing Documents – Skills - Mindset My sources for this episode: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Meritamerica.com, insightglobal.com, roberthalf.com  Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you’re worth.  If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2

As the year wraps up, it's the perfect time to reflect on your progress and plan for the next one. Discover the powerful 'stop, start, continue, change' framework for personal and professional growth. Learn what to delegate, new habits to embrace, and what to maintain from your successes. Emphasizing incremental change, the discussion highlights how even small adjustments can lead to significant improvements. Dive into self-awareness as a tool for navigating relationships and achieving targeted goals.