If a recruiter reaches out but the job’s not right...respond anyway. You’re building a relationship for the next opening too. Next time, be the first person they contact. It could make a huge difference if the client interviews you. Timing is everything.

Job listing: “Remote!” Fine print: “Must be in-office 4 days/week, available nights/weekends, and also live near HQ.”

The latest issue is out now! This week, I’m explaining from a recruiter's POV why Al tools might be hurting your job search! jobseekingishard.com/p/137-ai-for-j…

If you get asked to “walk through your resume”...don’t repeat what’s written. Give context. Share the why behind your transitions and decisions.

Would love to meet the sicko who added “unpaid take-home project” to the hiring process and convinced every company to make it 12 hours long.

Ignore the “X applicants” count on job postings. It doesn’t tell you how many people actually completed the application (or how many were even remotely qualified). If you’re qualified...apply. Don’t self-eliminate.

“Why do you want to work here?” Buddy, you found me on LinkedIn. Why do *you* want me to work here?

Make your LinkedIn About section easy to skim. First sentence = who you are. Then show proof of value. Think short paragraphs, not your life story.

applying to jobs in 2025

On your resume, avoid copy-pasting the same bullet points for every job. Even if roles were similar, show growth. Did your responsibilities expand? Did you mentor others? Did you lead instead of support? That’s what they want to see.

“Culture fit” is corporate for “you didn’t vibe with the manager’s fragile ego.”

On your cover letter, skip the generic “I’m writing to express interest...” and open with a hook. Make it obvious you understand the role and how you can help. That’s what gets attention.

Imagine being 3 interviews deep and realizing the role doesn’t even have a defined budget.

When networking, instead of just saying “Let me know if you hear of anything,” specifically tell people what kinds of roles you’re targeting: location, level, industry, and pay. Give them something to work with.

“I've had the privilege of working with Adam not once, but twice-and both times, his resume expertise directly led to life-changing career moves for me.” This is my why 💚

Me: [Applies for one job] My brain: “Hope you like this one, because we’re going to obsess over it for the next 10 business days.”

Before an interview, re-read the job description. Not just to prepare answers…but to predict the questions. What would you ask if you were them?

Ghost jobs should be illegal. Applying to jobs isn’t free. It costs time…your most valuable asset.

“Looking for a rockstar who thrives on ambiguity.” Translation: We have no structure, no onboarding…just ✨vibes✨