Career Advice Roundup: Resume, Job Search & LinkedIn Tips

This post is a roundup of the advice I and my company have shared across social media over the last few months. We’ve organized it into themes so you can put it to work right away.

Resume Strategy: How to Stand Out

1. Move beyond job descriptions.

Most resumes fail because they read like copied-and-pasted postings. Saying you were “responsible for managing accounts” doesn’t tell anyone what you actually did. Instead, show how you managed those accounts and the results you delivered. Did you grow revenue? Retain key clients? Streamline processes? Recruiters want to see proof, not just tasks.

2. Tell the story, not just the tasks.

Tasks show what your role technically involved, but outcomes show why it mattered. “Handled onboarding” is a task. “Streamlined onboarding and reduced time to productivity by two weeks” tells a story of efficiency and impact. Pairing the two makes your resume more compelling.

3. Flow matters.

Resumes often look disjointed when people have consulting work, short stints, or gaps. If you present your experience as random and disconnected, recruiters will focus on the “red flags.” If you frame everything intentionally — connecting each role to your overall career narrative — you control the story and shift the focus back to your skills and value.

4. Balance responsibilities and results.

Responsibilities show you had the right exposure, but results prove you did the job well. If you only include responsibilities, you look generic. If you only list results, the reader may not understand your scope. Together, they show relevance and value.

5. Add context that sets you apart.

Scope makes accomplishments stronger. Leading five direct reports, training 30 new hires, or managing a $2M budget tells the reader how big the work really was. Don’t downplay leadership just because your title didn’t include “manager.” If you ran point on a project or mentored teammates, call it out.

6. Use action verbs.

“Implemented,” “built,” and “streamlined” are active verbs that show ownership. “Responsible for” is passive and forgettable. Starting your bullets with strong verbs makes your contributions stand out immediately.

7. Be strategic.

Your resume doesn’t need to list every job you’ve ever had. It’s not your permanent record, it’s your marketing document. Focus on the roles that align with your current career goals and summarize or cut the rest.

8. Stop labeling skills as “expert” or “beginner.”

Those labels mean different things to different people. Instead of ranking your skills, show how you’ve used them. “Created executive dashboards in Power BI to track KPIs” tells me more than “Expert in Power BI” ever will.

LinkedIn Optimization

1. Headlines matter.

Your headline is prime real estate. If it only says “Seeking Opportunities” or just lists your job title, you’re wasting space. Instead, make it searchable and specific. Highlight what you do best, what kind of role you’re targeting, or the value you bring. Recruiters see this before they even click your profile.

2. Don’t leave your About blank.

Your resume lists your experience, but LinkedIn’s About section is your chance to explain who you are and what drives you. It’s your opportunity to connect the dots and tell a human story. Why do you do the work you do? What’s the value you bring? This section can make you memorable in a way a list of job titles never will.

3. Engage, don’t lurk.

Simply scrolling LinkedIn won’t get you noticed. When you comment on posts in your field, reshare content, or add your own perspective, you show up in the feeds of recruiters and peers. Engagement is how you increase visibility and credibility.

4. Personalize connection requests.

If you just hit “connect,” you’ll likely be ignored. A short note — “I really enjoyed your post on career transitions and would love to connect” — takes seconds to write and dramatically increases your chances of being accepted. Networking is human. Treat it that way.

Job Search Strategy

1. Don’t just search job titles.

Titles vary by company and industry. “Program Manager” at one place could be “Project Coordinator” at another. If you only search job titles, you’ll miss opportunities. Searching by skills, tools, and outcomes widens your net and uncovers hidden roles.

2. Use job boards wisely.

Job boards are great for spotting openings, but they’re not always up to date. Many jobs stay posted after they’ve been filled. Some are even scraped and reposted by third parties. That’s why it’s better to apply directly through the company’s career site. Direct applications are usually reviewed faster too.

3. Read postings like a checklist.

Don’t skim a job description. Those bullet points are a roadmap for how to position yourself. Pull out the skills, tools, and outcomes they highlight, and make sure your resume and cover letter address them directly.

4. Prioritize core requirements.

Don’t disqualify yourself just because you don’t have every “preferred” or “nice-to-have” skill listed. Those are wish lists. If you hit the core requirements, you’re qualified enough to apply.

5. Don’t rush Easy Apply.

The temptation is to apply as quickly as possible, but volume doesn’t beat intentionality. Reading the description, tailoring your resume, and applying directly gives you a much higher chance of actually being seen.

6. Watch for hidden opportunities.

When someone posts on LinkedIn that they’ve started a new job, that means they left their old one. That old role may still be open. Check the careers page and look for hiring managers to reach out to.

7. Networking starts now.

If you wait until you’re unemployed to network, it looks reactive and rushed. Reconnect with people now, when you don’t need anything. Comment, share, and check in without asking for favors. Build relationships early so they’re there when you do need them.

8. Use reconnection messages wisely.

The best outreach messages are short and clear: context (how you know them), relevance (what you’re aiming for), and a clear ask. Skip the long backstory — people are more likely to help when it’s quick and easy to understand.

Interviewing and Recruiters

1. Prep your “Tell me about yourself.”

It’s almost always the first question. A strong, relevant answer sets the tone for the rest of the interview. Keep it focused on your career highlights and fit for the role, not your hobbies or personal life.

2. Handle curveball questions calmly.

Interviewers sometimes ask odd or unexpected questions to see how you think. Don’t panic. Pause, repeat the question, and give yourself a moment to respond thoughtfully.

3. Use “we” and “I” carefully.

If you only say “I,” you risk sounding like you can’t collaborate. But if you only say “we,” you may look like you didn’t play a role in the outcome. Strike a balance: give credit to the team while clarifying what you contributed.

4. Manage recruiter timelines.

Recruiters juggle a lot of candidates. Be upfront about your own timeline if you’re in other processes. Ask about theirs too: “When should I expect to hear from you?” This shows professionalism and can even speed up their process.

5. Follow up the right way.

Following up shows interest, but don’t do it daily. A good rule is five business days after a conversation or interview. Better yet, set expectations during the interview so you’re not left waiting in the dark.

6. Explain job changes positively.

When asked why you’re leaving your current job, keep it factual and forward-looking. “I’m looking for more opportunities to lead” sounds a lot better than “My boss was terrible.” Focus on what you’re moving toward, not what you’re running from.

7. Prepare for remote interviews.

If the role is remote, the interview will likely be too. Test your internet, camera, and microphone ahead of time. Make sure your software isn’t waiting on an update. Technical issues are avoidable distractions.

8. Don’t take rejection personally.

Not getting a callback doesn’t mean you failed. Sometimes it’s internal candidates, biases, or plain bad timing. If it becomes a pattern, reassess your approach, but don’t assume you’re the problem.

Cover Letters

1. Don’t repeat your resume.

A cover letter shouldn’t be a paragraph version of your resume. Use it to connect the dots: why this company, why this role, and why now.

2. Hook them early.

Starting with “I’m excited to apply for the position posted on your website” is a waste of the most valuable real estate. Open with relevance. Lead with the problem you solve, the value you bring, or your connection to the company.

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