The Exclusive Career Coach

When, how, and what to negotiate so you get the best combination of salary and benefits available to you.

In the second of this two-part series, I cover everything the recruiter sees about a candidate - and how to make sure your resume is optimally scored for the ATS.

In this two-part series, I cover what information a recruiter receives about candidates from the ATS - and how to improve your score.

As your job search drags on beyond when you thought you would be in your new role, it is easy to begin thinking thoughts that will further hinder your chances for success. Here's what may be going on - and what to do about it.

How to take care of yourself during a job search, particularly if you are unemployed.

I give several universal considerations when creating your resume, as well as 11 missteps I see frequently on the resumes that come to me.

A best practice for career management is being always ready for opportunities that may come your way when you aren't looking. Here's how to be ARFO (Always Ready For Opportunity).

Whether you are planning to start a job search in 2026 or continue with one you've already begun, I give you the big picture view of the current job search landscape, a checklist to prepare for your job search, and five bottom-line job search tips.

What the data are telling us about the current job market - and what the problem REALLY is.

What the hidden job market actually is, why it happens, and how to leverage it.

How to put together an effective job search strategy with a combination of active and passive strategies.

12 tips for increasing your chances of success when applying online.

I'm back after a 6-month hiatus! I will be focusing solely on the job search going forward.

Please check out my new podcast, The Exclusive Career!

According to a Jobvite survey, employee referrals are 5X more likely to land you a role than just applying online like the rest of the universe.  Here’s the thing: Networking is the key. But it doesn’t have to be hard, or feel terrible. What if networking was just part of your professional life, like keeping your credentials current or meeting with your boss or direct reports?  AND…and this is a big AND…networking should be an ongoing part of your professional life, not just when you are job searching. After all, if only people who are job searching are networking, who are they networking with?  Here are 6 strategies for incorporating networking into what you’re already doing.  Network where you’re already going. Perhaps you are in a book club, or your kids are in school sports, or you attend regular fitness classes, or are a member of a church. Choose conversation over the quick exit. You never know when you’ll be in the right place with the right person at the right time – whether it is for your benefit, theirs, or mutual.  Become active in your online communities.Leverage social media to connect with people you already share an interest with – parent groups, industry- or job function-relevant groups, or people who share a hobby. Engage with content, sharing, and commenting to build a network where you already participate.  Check in via email. Touch base via emails with your current contacts to keep your relationships active. As I like to say, LinkedIn shouldn’t be the place where your contacts go to die. A simple, “Hi, what’s new in your world?” or “Here’s a resource I thought you would be interested in…” goes a long way.  Utilize your organization’s social platforms. Leverage your company’s internal platforms like Slack, Yammer, or Intranet forums to interact with colleagues throughout the organization.  Accept those invitations. From professional association webinars, a neighborhood get-together, a random lunch invitation, or Happy Hour with the gang – say yes to an invite and go with the goal of engaging in intentional conversation.  Connect with connectors. I call these people “Centers of Influence” – they seem to know everyone. When you speak with them, be sure to ask them “who else do you think I should speak with?” followed by “Would you be willing to make the introduction?”  How to make sure this actually happens.Here are five tips to make sure these ideas become part of your professional routine: -Schedule time. I like to think of networking as a low-level priority in my schedule. I am doing it on a regular basis, it isn’t taking a ton of my time, but it’s happening. To do this – it must be on my calendar. For example, set aside 15 minutes each week for email check-ins with your connections.  -Set goals. For example, decide to leverage your organization’s internal networking platform to reach out to 2 colleagues each week. Then reward yourself for achieving your goal – it’s the cumulative effect of these small wins that make the difference. -Follow-up and follow through. As you meet people, be sure to send thank you’s as appropriate – this will also serve to remind them of what they said they would do for you. When you promise to do something for someone else, be sure to get it done – it’s your reputation at stake. -Equal exchange of energy. As I like to say, don’t be a barnacle in the networking process – aim to give at least as much value as you get. This will feel so much better.           -Regularly evaluate and make adjustments. Not all types of meetings will be fruitful for you. Some contacts you thought would be gold mines turn out not to be. Just make sure that, before you eliminate an avenue or person, you can honestly say you’ve done your part to make the relationship work.   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

In the first episode of the year - #350 – I talked about the job market and what to expect in 2025. In this episode, I want to dive into the unique challenges of looking for a remote position. The upside is that you aren’t limited geographically in your search.The downside is that neither is anyone else. Your competition can be fierce. Remote jobs are becoming limited again—the percentage of fully remote jobs on LinkedIn fell from 18% in 2022 to 9% in 2023.  According to one website focusing on nonprofit jobs, remote postings receive 4.5 times as many applications as hybrid postings.  Let’s start with some good resources for remote jobs. If you’ve listened to my podcast much, you know how ineffective job boards can be – especially at mid to higher levels. Having said that, unless you are at the executive level, I recommend about 25% of your job search efforts be spent on passive strategies, which includes job boards. Increasingly, job postings are stating whether the work is in office, remote, or hybrid. If it doesn’t and this is a deal breaker for you, I recommend attempting to contact the company’s HR department to get clarification before you waste time applying to a position where remote work isn’t a possibility.   Here are some favorite boards for remote work:  General Job Boards: LinkedIn: Utilize advanced search filters to target remote positions. Indeed: A vast database, use keywords like "remote," "work from home," or "WFH." Glassdoor: Can provide insights into company culture and employee reviews. Remote-Specific Job Boards: Remote OK: A popular and well-regarded platform. AngelList: Known for tech and startup roles, with a strong remote focus. FlexJobs: Subscription-based, but often has highly vetted remote positions. Remote.co: Another comprehensive resource for finding remote jobs.  In an active (networking-based) job search, query “companies that promote remote work” or similar prompts to help with your list of target employers. Conversely, you could query “companies that don’t allow any remote work” to see if any of your target employers are on that list. Again – Glassdoor can also help with this information.   Here are some important considerations when deciding to seek remote work: ·      Identifying Legitimate Opportunities: The rise of remote work has also seen an increase in scams. Be vigilant and only apply to positions from reputable sources. Never, ever send money or provide personal information upfront.  Legal & Tax Implications: Research employment laws and tax regulations in your location. Setting Up Your Workspace: Create a dedicated workspace that is comfortable, ergonomic, and free from distractions. Be prepared to discuss your setup in an interview and explain how you will minimize interruptions WITHOUT divulging personal information they can’t ask about.  Maintaining Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries between work and personal time to avoid burnout. Tailor Your Approach: Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills needed for working remotely including time management, the ability to utilize collaboration tools, and the ability to work with remote teams.  Let Them Know: If the job states that it is remote, be sure any positions you’ve held that were remote or hybrid are indicated as such on your resume. LinkedIn also allows you to indicate remote jobs, so be sure to utilize this functionality.  Prepare Your Stories: Expect the interview process to include at least one behavioral question around your success in working remotely. If you have never worked remotely before, utilize the “next best thing” approach to answering their question.  Know What the Company Means: Some remote jobs can be performed from anywhere, at any time; others can’t. Get clear on what your work hours are expected to be and whether you will be expected to only work from home.  Don’t Neglect Your Other Non-Negotiables: Make sure you are looking at the company and the opportunity holistically, not just whether it provides a remote opportunity. What else have you identified as being essential to your job happiness and success? Does this company also possess those characteristics? Don’t Get Caught in a Change of Location: We’ve all heard that Amazon required all employees to be in-office as of January 1, 2025; Walmart and JPMorgan are doing the same. While you can’t be 100% sure your job will remain remote, do your homework and ask the question at the interview to increase your chances that the job will remain remote.   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  

I got an article some time ago on “Feedback Mistakes Managers Make” in the rainmakerthinking.com newsletter from Bruce Tulgan. Bruce was previously a guest on The Exclusive Career Coach on two occasions: #148 - How to Be Indispensable at Work: https://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2020-10-07-148-how-to-be-indispensable-at-work-interview-with-bruce-tulgan And #157 – Managing – and Being Managed – Remotelyhttps://www.exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2020-12-02-156-managing-and-being-managed-remotely-interview-with-bruce-tulganToday’s episode is a deep dive into the mistakes managers make around providing their direct reports with appropriate, time-sensitive feedback. Bruce gives seven mistakes that are based on his company’s extensive research.  Bruce also talks about the number one thing employees can do to receive better feedback from their boss.  You can find Bruce at: Bruce@rainmakerthinking.com  I make reference to this podcast in the episode, so here’s the link:How to Have a Successful 1:1 Meeting with Your Boss: https://exclusivecareercoaching.com/posts/2021-03-31-171-how-to-have-a-successful-11-with-your-boss  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 

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

This is my last episode of 2024. I’m a huge fan of evaluating what went right and what didn’t – and what changes you want to make for 2025.  The point I want to make, loud and clear, is that change doesn’t have to be massive. Incremental change can be highly effective – and more achievable.  I’ve used this framework on the podcast before, but it’s still great so I’m using it again. I first learned it from my first coach, Denise Hedges. She recently made reference to this 4-step change model in a recent newsletter, which reminded me that I wanted to do this exercise during my planning retreat for next quarter.  Here it goes: STOP … START … CONTINUE … CHANGE. What do you need to STOP doing? Maybe it’s something you can delegate. Maybe no one needs to do it anymore.  What do you need to START doing? What is a habit, practice, or activity you want to begin to do? Perhaps you want to commit to a walking program or go back to school for an advanced degree. It could be something simple like intentionally greeting everyone you see on your way into the office every morning.  What do you need to CONTINUE doing? Make sure that, in your efforts to make some changes, you don’t throw the good out. Keep engaging in the activities and behaviors that have worked for you this year.  And what do you need to CHANGE about how you’re operating? Maybe it is an activity you must do every day, every week, or every month…and you hate it. Is it possible that changing HOW you do the thing could make it less unbearable…or even enjoyable? OR is there a way you could do something more efficiently?  As Denise goes on to say, “Most people go at the change process piecemeal, addressing one or two things at a time in isolation vs. looking systematically at everything that’s susceptible to improvement. “And that’s not where the gold is. Especially since the things that likely garner most of your attention are problems … things that need fixing … vs. opportunities and enhancements you may be overlooking.” “Stop, start, and change are about doing things differently. It’s easy to focus on what needs to be fixed. “Continue” is just as important. Make sure to give yourself credit and acknowledge what’s working. Recognize and appreciate what’s made you successful and valued by those you serve. Don’t concentrate solely on how you can do better.  “You’re undoubtedly doing a lot of “right” things and doing a lot of things well.” STOP … START … CONTINUE … CHANGE. Ask yourself these four simple questions and journal your answers. Then come up with a plan to achieve each.  As I wrap up the podcast for 2024, here are mine for you: STOP trying to make other people happy at your own expense. You can’t control other people’s thoughts or feelings, so focus on your own happiness.  START questioning your beliefs. A belief is a thought you keep thinking…and many of us choose to think thoughts that don’t serve us. Even if the belief is true: Does it benefit you to think it?  CONTINUE self-improvement. Never stop learning, growing, and evolving. The opposite of this isn’t stagnation, because if you aren’t moving forward, you’re moving backward.  CHANGE an activity or habit that no longer services you. Bored with your workouts? Take up pickleball. Change the way you go to work every day…or the first five things you do when you get there. Commit to changing your relationship with your boss or a co-worker.  You are brilliant! I know this because you are choosing to listen to my podcast instead of something that doesn’t help you grow. I wish you for the happiest of holidays and a wonderful start to 2025.  I’ll be here with you every step of the way!   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  

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Roger Gerard, the owner of Sloan & Gerard Consulting, a private consulting practice serving executives and boards in strategic planning, operational planning, executive coaching, and management development. Roger talks about leadership’s important role in employee engagement – and why hiring for cultural fit is so important. Roger walks us through three types of employees a leader may encounter – the cynic, the apathetic, and the naysayer – and how to lead each. Roger’s 5 simple promises leaders need to make and keep sound so easy, and yet so few companies actually do this well. We also talk about what an employee can do when leadership isn’t holding up their end of the bargain, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Dr. Gerard is the author of Owning the Room: Leading with Mind, Heart and Spirit to Make Extraordinary Choices in a Demanding World and the forthcoming title, Lead With Purpose: Reignite Passion and Engagement For Professionals in Crisis. He also co-authored On the Mend: Revolutionizing Healthcare to Save Lives and Transform the Industry. To connect with Dr. Gerard please visit his website www.rogergerard.com and www.linkedin.com/in/rogerg. 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