Helping Jobseekers Navigate the Market with Intention

Hey friend,

If you are reading this, chances are you are either in the middle of a job search or thinking about starting one soon. First, take a deep breath. Job searching can feel overwhelming whether you are doing it silently while working your 9 to 5 or openly sharing the process with your network. I want this newsletter to be your reminder that you are not alone and to give you some strategies that you can start using today.

🌱 My Silent Job Search Recap

During my last search, I applied to about 40 jobs.

• 17 interviews (recruiter, hiring manager, panel)

• 4 withdrawals (salary and culture did not align)

• 3 in-person final interviews

• 1 offer

I was intentional every step of the way. I did not settle just because I was tired or frustrated. And that is what I want to encourage you with today. Do not chase greener grass. Most of the time the grass is the same, you just have to decide what weeds and upkeep you are willing to live with.

🔑 7 Job Search Tips That Worked for Me

1. Never stop networking

Your network is your most powerful tool. Many opportunities are filled through referrals before they ever hit a job board. Connect with recruiters and employees inside companies you are interested in. Show up in conversations, engage on posts, and build real relationships. Networking is not about asking for a job, it is about creating genuine connections that can open doors later.

2. Keep your resume fresh

Do not wait until you need a new job to update your resume. Keep it ready. Tailor it to each job description and use the same language you see in the posting. Highlight quantifiable results instead of just tasks. Update it weekly if you can. It may feel tedious, but your resume is often your first impression.

3. Be intentional

It is tempting to apply to everything, but not every job deserves your time. Apply where your skills align and if they do not, highlight your transferable skills. Ask yourself if the role brings growth, if it matches your values, and if it supports your financial needs. Do not settle just because you want out of your current job.

4. Apply directly

I always applied through company career sites, even when the application was long. That is where your application is officially tracked. If there were optional fields, I skipped them. If the system asked for information that was already on my resume, I did not waste time repeating it. The roles you really want are often worth the extra clicks.

5. Ask intentional questions early

Your time is valuable. I asked about salary range, benefits, culture, and work-life balance before the first interview. I would rather know upfront than invest weeks of energy on a process that is not right for me. Protect your time and theirs.

6. Always follow up

After each interview, I sent a quick thank you message. I mentioned something specific we talked about so it felt personal. Example: “Thank you for sharing how your team collaborates across departments. I really admire the focus on growth, and it excites me about the opportunity to contribute.” A small gesture can leave a big impression.

7. Do what works for you

Everyone’s search is different. I never wrote cover letters and if an application required an assessment, I withdrew. That was what protected my energy. You do not have to follow every job search rule you hear. Stick with what works for you.

🔄 Transferable Skills: Making Your Experience Count

Not every job description will match your past roles word for word and that is okay. This is where transferable skills come in.

Step 1: Identify your skills. Think communication, leadership, project management, customer service, problem solving.
Step 2: Translate them. Instead of “handled customer calls,” say “resolved 50 plus customer inquiries weekly, reducing complaints by 30 percent.”
Step 3: Match the language. If the posting says “stakeholder management” and you have worked cross functionally, use that same term.
Step 4: Show results. Back up your transferable skills with metrics whenever possible.

Recruiters and hiring managers do not always need someone with the exact background. They need someone who can show value with what they already know.

🖥️ Workday Applications: Do Not Let Them Drain You

If you have applied for jobs recently, you have probably come across Workday or a similar system that asks you to upload your resume and then retype your entire work history. Frustrating, right?

Here is what you need to know. That section is meant for people who do not have a resume. If you already uploaded yours, you do not have to retype everything. Fill in only the required fields like job title, company name, and dates.

Pro tip: keep a simple text file with your job titles, company names, and dates. Copy and paste when needed so you are not digging for the same info every time.

Remember, the system scans your uploaded resume anyway, so your keywords and formatting still count. Focus your energy where it matters instead of retyping paragraphs.

❓Questions to Ask in Your Interviews

Questions for a Recruiter

• What does success look like in this role within the first 90 days

• Can you share the salary range and benefits

• What is the interview process and timeline

• How does the company support work-life balance

Questions for a Hiring Manager

• What are the biggest challenges this role will face in the first 6 months

• What qualities do your top performers share

• How do you measure success on your team

• What does growth look like in this role or department

• What is your leadership style

Asking questions shows that you are evaluating them as much as they are evaluating you. You are not just looking for a job, you are looking for the right fit.

🙏 Jobseeker Prayer of the Week

I pray you find clarity in the middle of confusion.
I pray for interviews that value your time.
I pray for doors to open that align with your purpose.
I pray that you do not settle for less than what you deserve.

💡 Takeaway

Job searching is not just about landing a job. It is about landing the right job. Stay intentional, protect your peace, and remember that rejection is redirection.

Friend, if this helped you, forward it to someone else who is searching right now. You never know who might need the encouragement.

Until next time,
Lonni 💙