Career Tips, Job Search Strategies & Recruiter Insights
Published Monthly
Building a Personal Brand Inside Your Company
Personal branding isn’t just for influencers and job seekers; it’s for professionals who want to grow.
Your internal brand is how people inside your company perceive you: your strengths, your presence, and the value you bring.
Want to build a brand that gets you noticed (for the right reasons)? Start here:
Define What You Want to Be Known For
What do you want people to say about you when you're not in the room? That you’re the go-to for creative ideas? A calm problem-solver? A strategic thinker?
Define your “professional reputation” and start aligning your actions with it.
Be Consistent
Consistency builds trust. Show up to meetings prepared, deliver high-quality work, and follow through. The more consistent you are, the stronger your internal brand becomes, and the more people know what to expect. That kind of reliability makes you an asset.
Create Value, Not Noise
It’s not about self-promotion; it’s about contribution. Share helpful resources, offer to mentor a new hire, or propose a new idea that supports your team’s goals. People will remember how you showed up, not just what you said.
Use Internal Platforms Wisely
Don’t overlook internal newsletters, channels, or networking groups. Share a recent project win, an insight from a webinar you attended, or highlight a colleague’s great work. This positions you as someone who engages and contributes.
Invest in Relationships
A strong internal brand is rooted in connection. Build genuine relationships across departments. Show curiosity, ask questions, and stay accessible. People who rise are the ones who are known, trusted, and respected across the organization.
Remember
You already have a brand, whether you’re shaping it intentionally or not. When you take control of your internal presence, you open doors to new opportunities without having to push them open yourself.
What’s Happening in the Job Market
The U.S. job market in mid-2025 is sending mixed signals, with opportunities still available, but caution in the air. If you’re job searching or considering a career move, here’s what you need to know:
📉 Layoffs and Restructuring Are Real
Challenger, Gray & Christmas report that in March 2025, U.S. employers announced 275,240 job cuts, with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accounting for nearly 80% of these reductions. This indicates that approximately 216,215 federal positions were eliminated in that month alone. CBS News
💼 Hiring is Still Happening, but it's More Targeted
In April 2025, the U.S. economy added 177,000 jobs, slightly below March's 185,000 but still indicative of resilience. Sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and construction experienced notable gains. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, consistent with the range observed over the past year. US Bank Bureau of Labor Statistics
🤖 AI Is Changing the Hiring Game
AI tools are shifting how roles are filled, especially entry-level and customer-facing jobs. This doesn’t mean jobs are vanishing; it means candidates must stay adaptable, upskill, and learn how to work with AI, not compete against it.
AI technologies are increasingly employed to automate repetitive tasks in recruitment, including resume screening and interview scheduling. This automation accelerates the hiring process and allows recruiters to focus on strategic aspects of talent acquisition. For instance, AI-driven platforms can parse resumes, match candidate qualifications with job requirements, and schedule interviews efficiently.
🔮 Looking Ahead
While the job market shows signs of strength, challenges persist. The integration of AI and policy changes, such as federal workforce reductions, contribute to an evolving employment landscape. Workers and job seekers are encouraged to stay informed and adaptable in this dynamic environment.
Balancing Work and Life
Designing a Schedule That Honors Both Ambition and Rest
Designing a Schedule That Honors Both Ambition and Rest
Designing a Schedule That Honors Both Ambition and Rest
We’ve all seen those productivity planners packed from sunrise to sundown, but the truth is, a schedule that fuels success isn’t one that crams in more, it’s one that makes room for what matters.
Ambition gives us purpose, drive, and vision. But ambition without rest? That’s burnout in disguise.
I used to wear “busy” like a badge. Back-to-back meetings, zero white space, and a to-do list that never ended. Eventually, my body said no, even when my calendar said go.
Now, I approach my schedule with intention.
I block time for deep work and recovery. I build in breathing room between calls, say no to unnecessary meetings, and treat sleep as essential, not optional.
When rest becomes part of the rhythm, everything changes. Creativity returns. Focus sharpens. Energy is no longer forced, it flows.
So ask yourself, does your schedule reflect the life you're trying to build, or just the noise you're trying to keep up with?
Design a rhythm that aligns with your goals and your well-being. You don’t have to choose between ambition and rest.
You’re allowed to pursue success and take care of yourself while doing it.
Turning Breaks Into Micro-Adventures
Designing a Schedule That Honors Both Ambition and Rest
Designing a Schedule That Honors Both Ambition and Rest
For the longest time, my breaks looked like scrolling on my phone or staring blankly at my computer between Teams meetings. Mentally drained but still “on.”
One day, I asked myself, what if I used this time to actually feel alive again?
That’s when I started turning my breaks into micro-adventures.
Now, instead of defaulting to mindless habits, I step into my art studio and lose myself in color and texture. Even 15 minutes of painting brings me back to center.
Some days, I prepare a thoughtful lunch or start dinner early — not rushed, not microwaved, but something made with care. Other times, I simply sit outside in the garden, surrounded by blooms and buzzing bees, letting nature remind me how beautiful slowing down can be.
These aren’t grand escapes but they feel like mini-vacations for my spirit.
They help me reset, reconnect, and return to work more energized and inspired. It’s a gentle reminder that joy doesn’t always require planning; sometimes, it just needs permission.
You don’t have to wait for a holiday to feel restored. Try a micro-adventure in your own space, and let your breaks become something you look forward to.
You Asked. I Answered.
Real Talk from Your Favorite Recruiter
One of my favorite parts of what I do is hearing from you. Whether you're a job seeker, a career changer, or navigating burnout in your current role, your questions are what inspire me to show up, share my insight, and keep this conversation real.
Every month, I’ll answer one reader-submitted question; candidly, compassionately, and from the lens of 20+ years in recruiting, coaching, and career strategy. Nothing is off-limits: resumes, interviews, growth, layoffs, salary talk, rejections, mindset shifts… whatever’s on your mind.
What do I Say When a Recruiter Messages Me on LinkedIn?
You’ve got a message from a recruiter. Your first thought might be: Is this real? Are they serious?
Whether you’re actively job searching or just browsing, your response matters. A well-crafted reply can open the door to new possibilities, even if you're not interested right now.
Don’t Ignore It: Even if it’s not the right fit, ignoring a message closes a door that might lead to your next big opportunity. At the very least, it builds relationships, and recruiters remember who’s kind and responsive.
Be Clear, but Open: Here’s how to respond based on your situation:
- If You’re Interested: “Hi [Name], thanks for reaching out! This role sounds interesting. I’d love to learn more. When would be a good time to connect?”
- If You’re Unsure but Curious: “Thanks for thinking of me! I’m not actively looking right now, but I’m always open to hearing about exciting roles. Could you share more details?”
- If You’re Not Interested but Want to Stay in Touch: “Hi [Name], I really appreciate you reaching out. While I’m not looking for a new opportunity at the moment, I’d love to stay connected for the future. Thanks again!”
Keep It Professional & Personal: Use their name, check your tone, and make sure your profile reflects your current goals: if your “Open to Work” settings don’t match your response, it sends mixed signals.
Ask a Question: Engage. Ask about the team, goals, or what made them reach out. This builds rapport and makes you memorable.
💡 Bonus Tip: If you’re not interested now but might be later, say that. Recruiters often keep notes on when to follow up.
She Means Business
For the Woman Who Leads with Heart and Hustle
She Means Business is your daily dose of soulful strategy, mindset magic, and no-fluff motivation designed for the modern woman who’s building her dreams with purpose and power.
🌿 One minute a day. A lifetime of impact.