The Exclusive Career Coach

Discover the concept of being Always Ready For Opportunity (ARFO) and how it can transform your career. Learn how opportunities can come to you by being prepared rather than actively searching. Embrace efficiencies by keeping your resume and LinkedIn profiles updated while thriving in your current role. Engage on LinkedIn to boost visibility and maintain a low-key but consistent networking strategy. Ultimately, be known for your expertise so that you’re the first person that comes to mind when new opportunities arise.

The job market is evolving rapidly, especially with AI and advanced applicant tracking systems. Discover the importance of a targeted, metric-rich resume that stands out. Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile for recruiters and define your non-negotiables when seeking employers. Networking strategically can open doors, and a structured job search plan with scheduled deliverables keeps you on track. Embrace rejection as a learning opportunity and be ready to adapt your approach for success in 2026!

Now is an ideal time to gear up for a job search, especially with January being peak hiring season. Fearful candidates are hesitating, creating opportunities for those who take action. Unemployment stats reveal confusion, but proactive strategies like targeted outreach and strategic networking can uncover hidden roles. Candidates should clarify their goals and leverage AI as an assistant in the job search. With the right mindset and professional support, success is within reach despite the market's challenges.

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!