The Art of the Search

How to Turn Your Job Search Into a Purposeful Routine

From Overwhelm to Momentum

If you’ve been laid off recently, or you’ve been searching for what feels like forever; it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything and getting nowhere. You update your resume, refresh job boards, scroll LinkedIn for hours, and still end the day feeling defeated.

The uncomfortable truth? Job searching is a full-time job without a job description. That’s why structure,

consistency, and connection matter more than intensity.

Let’s break down three small but mighty shifts that can help you move from burnout to balance in your search:

1️⃣ Setting realistic weekly goals
2️⃣Using LinkedIn intentionally (not aimlessly scrolling)
3️⃣Networking authentically (not transactionally)

Set Realistic Weekly Goals

When you’re unemployed, or in a long search, it’s tempting to think, “I’ll apply to 20 jobs today.” Then the day gets away from you, and you feel like you failed.

The problem isn’t your effort. It’s your expectations.

Instead of focusing on volume, focus on momentum and quality.

A Realistic Weekly Structure

Monday: Research 5 target companies and tailor your resume for 2-3 roles that align with your skills and experience.

Tuesday: Apply to 3–5 roles that align with your preferences. Send connection requests to 10-20 recruiters or other employees employed by your target companies.

Wednesday: Reach out to 3 contacts or hiring managers with personalized messages. Spend 30-60 minutes engaging with recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn.

Thursday: Apply to 3–5 more roles that align with your preferences. Practice interview skills or record yourself answering common questions.

Friday: Spend 30 minutes engaging on LinkedIn. Create a post to share with your network. Reflect on wins for the week (connections made, interviews scheduled, mindset shifts).

That’s it.

Five days. Manageable goals. Tangible progress.

The goal isn’t to “get hired by Friday.”

The goal is to build consistency and confidence so your search becomes sustainable.

When you approach your job hunt with structure instead of chaos, you replace anxiety with action.

💬 Pro Tip: Use a simple tracker (Excel, Notion, or even a notebook) to log applications, contacts, and next steps.

Seeing progress on paper is often the motivation you need to keep showing up.

Use LinkedIn Intentionally (Not Aimlessly Scrolling)

LinkedIn can be your greatest ally… or your biggest distraction.

If you’ve found yourself endlessly scrolling through layoff posts, “open to work” updates, and job listings that already have 500 applicants, it’s time to shift from consuming to connecting.

Here’s how to use LinkedIn with intention:

Curate Your Feed

Unfollow content that triggers comparison or drains your energy.
Follow recruiters, industry leaders, and companies aligned with your goals.
Your feed should inspire action, not increase anxiety.

Engage With Purpose

Instead of liking posts mindlessly, leave thoughtful comments.
Example: “I really appreciated your point about interviewing being an alignment check, not a test. It’s such a healthy perspective for jobseekers right now.”

Post Once a Week

You don’t have to write essays. Share what you’re learning in your search.

Example: “After being laid off three months ago, I’ve learned that the hardest part isn’t waiting, it’s staying hopeful. So, this week, I’m focusing on small wins and reconnecting with old colleagues who once helped me grow.”

That kind of authenticity stands out and it positions you as someone who shows resilience and reflection, qualities hiring managers love.

Send Messages that Matter

If you’re reaching out to recruiters or hiring managers, ditch the generic “I’m looking for work” message.

Instead, say: “Hi Robyn, I came across your post about career transitions and wanted to thank you. I’ve spent 10 years in B2B sales and am exploring account management roles in Florida. If you have a moment, I’d love to hear any advice on positioning my experience.”

That’s genuine. It’s professional. It’s memorable.

💬 Pro Tip: LinkedIn is like a networking event that never closes. The question is: Are you just walking around the room, or are you introducing yourself?

Network Authentically (Not Transactionally)

When you’re job searching, networking can feel awkward, especially if you haven’t done it in a while. It’s natural to feel like you’re asking for help, but the best networking doesn’t start with an ask. It starts with a connection.

Here’s the shift: Networking isn’t about what people can do for you; it’s about what you can build with them.

Try this approach:

Reconnect with people from your past roles and say thank you for something specific you learned from them.
Offer to share an article, resource, or introduction that could benefit someone else.
Join online communities or local meetups related to your industry (Chambers of Commerce, alumni groups, virtual coffee chats).

When you lead with authenticity and curiosity, people want to help and when they think of opportunities, they’ll think of you.

💬 Sample Outreach Message:

“Hi Sarah, it’s been a while since our time at ABC Company! I saw your recent post on leadership and it really resonated with me. I’ve recently started exploring new opportunities in community sales and would love to reconnect to hear how things have been going on your end.”

You’re not asking for a job, you’re building a bridge.

Over time, those bridges turn into opportunities.

💬 Pro Tip: Keep a simple networking list. Add notes like “follow up next week” or “check in after holiday.” Consistent, kind touchpoints make you unforgettable.

The Bottom Line?

You don’t have to do everything. You just have to do the right things consistently.

When you set realistic goals, use LinkedIn with intention, and network from a place of authenticity, you stop chasing opportunities and start attracting them.

By next week, you’ll have built more progress and confidence than endless scrolling ever could.

Whether you’ve been searching for three days, three weeks or thirteen months, remember this:

You are not behind. You are not invisible. You are simply between chapters.
The actions you take today, no matter how small, are writing the next one.
Keep showing up. Your YES is still on its way.

How to Stand Out and Move Forward in a Changing Workplace

Getting the job is one thing. Growing in it is another.

If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “What’s next for me?” you’re not alone.

Career growth isn’t just about chasing promotions or new titles. It’s about staying curious, building credibility, and creating opportunities, even when they don’t seem obvious.

This month, we’re focusing on:

Taking ownership of your development
Building a personal brand of credibility and consistency
Creating visibility through authentic connections

Take Ownership of Your Development

Here’s a secret every great leader knows: no one is coming to save your career.

Waiting for your boss, HR, or a training program to decide your next move puts your future on pause. Growth begins the moment you decide to drive it yourself.

Start by asking three key questions:

What new skill or technology could I learn this quarter to make me more effective?
Who in my organization or network could I learn from?
How can I add more value where I already am?

That’s your development roadmap.

It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Read industry blogs, listen to leadership podcasts, take a free LinkedIn Learning course, or volunteer for a stretch project. The key is intentional learning, doing one small thing every week that moves your skill set forward.

💬 Pro Tip: Schedule time on your calendar for personal growth like you would any important meeting. Protect it. That hour each week compounds into expertise that sets you apart.

Building a Personal Brand of Credibility and Consistency

Your personal brand isn’t just your online profile; it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room.

The most successful professionals don’t just do great work; they make it visible. They’re known for reliability, collaboration, and integrity and that reputation opens doors long before a job posting ever does.

Here’s how to build yours:

Be the person who follows through. Every deadline you meet builds trust.
Be the one who solves problems, not just reports them. It’s what separates managers from leaders.
Share your wins humbly. Whether it’s completing a project or mentoring a colleague, talk about it in a way that celebrates the team effort.

And yes, use LinkedIn as part of that brand. Post insights about what you’re learning, share thought-provoking industry trends, or celebrate your team’s success. When you show up consistently with authenticity, you become memorable for the right reasons.

💬 Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of micro-visibility. Commenting on leadership posts, contributing to team calls, or presenting updates at meetings all position you as engaged and proactive.

Creating Visibility Through Authentic Connections

Your network is your net worth, but only if you nurture it.

The most overlooked aspect of career growth is relationship building. Not networking for gain, but connecting with purpose.

Start inside your company.

Schedule a virtual coffee chat with someone in another department.
Join an internal committee or employee resource group.
Ask for feedback from someone you respect and act on it.

Then look outside.

Follow industry peers or mentors who inspire you.
Attend virtual events or webinars and engage thoughtfully in chat discussions.
Reconnect with former colleagues with a simple, “Hey, how have you been? I saw your post about [topic] and it really resonated.”

These small actions build relational equity , so when opportunities arise, your name comes up in rooms you aren’t even in yet.

💬 Pro Tip: Every month, aim to strengthen three relationships: one internal, one external, and one mentor or peer. It’s a simple framework that keeps you growing and grounded.

Your career is a living, breathing journey, not a ladder. Some seasons are about climbing; others are about deepening your roots.

No matter where you are today, you have the power to keep growing.

Show up with curiosity. Lead with integrity. Build relationships that matter.

Remember, growth isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters… with purpose, consistency, and heart.

The AI Advantage

Your 5-Day AI Job Search Plan

Job searching can feel like a full-time job, one with no roadmap, no feedback, and a lot of emotional heavy lifting.

But what if you had a quiet partner working behind the scenes?

Someone who could help you craft personalized messages, polish your resume, and even prep for interviews, without losing your authentic voice.

That’s where AI comes in.

Used thoughtfully, AI can help you streamline your search, stay organized, and focus on what really matters… connection, preparation, and confidence.

Here’s your 5-day AI job search plan to turn scattered effort into intentional action.

Day 1: Write a Personalized Message to a Recruiter

The first message you send can open the door — or close it.
Instead of using a generic “I’m interested in your role,” let AI help you craft something specific and professional.

Prompt to try: “Write a short, friendly LinkedIn message to a recruiter named Robyn Punko. She’s hiring for an Account Executive role at Comcast. I have 5 years of B2B sales experience and a passion for helping businesses grow through technology. Make the message sound conversational and authentic, not formal.”

Why it works: AI gives you a polished draft to edit in your own voice. You’ll sound confident and intentional, not canned.

Pro Tip: Always review the tone before sending. Add one personal line that references something the recruiter has shared recently to show you did your homework.

Day 2: Tailor Your Resume to a Specific Job Posting

You don’t need to rewrite your entire resume for every job but you should adjust your phrasing and highlight relevant achievements.

Prompt to try: “Analyze the following job posting for a Marketing Manager role. Then identify the top 5 skills or keywords I should include on my resume to match it more closely. Suggest bullet points based on my experience leading campaigns that increased sales by 25% and managing a team of 3.”

Why it works: AI acts as your personal keyword analyst. It can surface language from the job description (like ‘cross-functional collaboration’ or ‘campaign optimization’) that helps your resume align naturally, without keyword stuffing.

Pro Tip: Copy-paste your existing bullet points into the same chat. Ask, “Rewrite these bullets to emphasize leadership, metrics, and collaboration using keywords from the job posting.” You’ll get fresh phrasing in seconds.

Day 3: Generate LinkedIn Post Ideas About Your Job Search Journey

Sharing your journey on LinkedIn doesn’t just show vulnerability, it shows momentum. AI can help you turn your experiences into content that connects.

Prompt to try: “Generate 5 LinkedIn post ideas for someone who has been job searching for 3 months. The tone should be optimistic and real, focused on lessons learned, gratitude for connections, and encouragement for others still searching.”

Why it works: AI gives you topic inspiration so you’re never staring at a blank screen. Then you can refine it with your personal touch and story.

Pro Tip: End each post with a question to spark conversation, like “What helps you stay motivated when results feel slow?” That’s how community grows.

Day 4: Draft Interview Thank-You Notes

Interview thank-yous matter more than most realize. They show gratitude, professionalism, and enthusiasm and AI can help you write them faster without sounding robotic.

Prompt to try: “Write a short, sincere thank-you email after an interview for a Project Manager role. I spoke with John about his upcoming team expansion and shared how my experience with cross-department projects could help streamline workflows. Keep it warm and authentic, under 150 words.”

Why it works: AI structures your message clearly, greeting, appreciation, specific reference, and enthusiasm. You can tweak tone and details in seconds.

Pro Tip: Don’t copy-paste. Always reread and personalize one detail from your actual conversation. Authenticity is what makes the note memorable.

Day 5: Summarize Company Research Before Interviews

Before every interview, you should know the company’s mission, products, culture, and challenges but who has time to dig through dozens of tabs?

Let AI summarize it for you.

Prompt to try: “Summarize the company Comcast in 150 words. Include its main products, target customers, company culture, and recent initiatives or community impact. Present it in a tone suitable for interview prep.”

Why it works: You’ll get a quick overview that helps you sound informed and confident, without drowning in information overload.

Pro Tip: Ask a follow-up question like, “Based on this summary, what are 3 thoughtful questions I could ask in my interview to show preparation and interest?”

Now you’ve got your closing questions ready to impress.

Bonus Prompt: Build Your Job Search Tracker

If you love organization, this one’s for you. AI can create a template to help you track applications, follow-ups, and next steps.

Prompt to try: “Create a simple spreadsheet format to track my job applications, including columns for company name, position title, application date, contact person, interview stages, and notes. Provide color-coding suggestions for status updates.”

Why it works: You’ll receive a table format you can copy right into Excel or Google Sheets ready to go. Tracking = accountability = less overwhelm.

AI won’t get you the job, you will but it can take the busywork out of the process so you can focus on what humans do best: storytelling, connecting, and showing heart.

Every prompt above saves time and builds confidence. The secret is to use AI as your assistant, not your author.

Use it to brainstorm, not blindly copy, edit for clarity, not erase your tone, and save time so you can invest that energy into relationships.

When used wisely, AI doesn’t replace effort, it refines it.

Get your FREE copy of 5-Day AI Job Search Plan

Balancing Work and Life

Schedule Time to Reclaim Your Brain

Whether you’re deep in the job hunt or juggling meetings from 9 am to “why am I still on Zoom,” one thing’s for sure; your brain deserves a break too.

Between Teams calls, LinkedIn scrolling, and email refreshes, it’s no wonder our eyes sting and our brains feel like overcooked spaghetti. 🍝

Let me share what changed things for me, scheduling intentional breaks in my day.

Not quick Instagram scrolls disguised as rest, but real, meaningful pauses.

I started by fiercely protecting my first hour of the day.

No meetings. No emails. No phone calls. No notifications.

Just me, my smoothie, my easel, my paintbrush, and the canvas in front of me (and the dog, can’t forget the dog).

It felt awkward at first, like I was “cheating,” but it quickly became my most sacred hour.

I could hear myself think again. Create again. Breathe again.

Then I got calendar-savvy. I added 30-minute “Admin Time” blocks: one in the morning, one at lunch, one toward the end of my day.

They’re my buffer zones to recalibrate, catch up, and reset.

Here’s an important truth: We underestimate how much noise we absorb in a day…

alerts, asks, comparisons, decisions… it’s exhausting.

Taking intentional breaks throughout the day gives your brain room to breathe.

Start small: Mornings without your phone or lunch away from your laptop.

You’ll be amazed what clarity and calm show up when you finally make space for it.

Want more strategies to create balance?

Check out these additional tips; from building in micro-breaks to curating your LinkedIn feed with intention, and I’ll keep adding fresh ones each Monday. Be sure to check out the full archive for practical ways to protect your energy and well-being.

Balance Starts Here

What Ghosting and After-Hours Rejections Say About Company Culture

There’s a quiet moment that every jobseeker dreads.
You’ve done everything right, prepared for the interview, showed up with enthusiasm, and followed up with gratitude and then… nothing.

Days turn into weeks. Inbox refresh after inbox refresh.

Still nothing.

Or worse, a rejection email lands in your inbox at 11:47 p.m. on a Friday night, with no explanation and no opportunity for feedback.

That’s not just poor communication. That’s a reflection of company culture.

Ghosting Isn’t a Process Problem; It’s a People Problem

Let’s be honest; hiring teams are busy, recruiters juggle dozens of openings, calendars are chaotic, and decisions take time. but “we’re busy” doesn’t excuse silence.

Ghosting isn’t about bandwidth; it’s about values.

It tells candidates:

“We don’t prioritize communication.”
“We don’t view your time as valuable.”
“We see you as an application, not a person.”

And candidates remember.

They tell friends, post reviews, and form impressions that outlive any open position.

Every interaction with a candidate, even a decline, shapes how people view your brand.

The most trusted companies don’t just recruit for talent. They model the culture they’re selling.

Avoiding Contact Isn’t Compassion

There’s another subtle form of ghosting that’s just as damaging: the after-hours rejection email.

You know the one.
It arrives when the office lights are off, Friday at 10 p.m., Sunday morning at 3 a.m. before anyone is even awake.

It’s a tactic meant to avoid the human part of the process.

To decline quietly. To skip the uncomfortable.

When companies send rejection messages at odd hours, they’re not sparing feelings, they’re signaling fear.
Fear of emotional labor. Fear of accountability.

The hard truth? How you say “no” matters just as much as how you say “yes.”

Declining a candidate during business hours, with empathy and closure, demonstrates emotional intelligence and leadership.

Sending it after hours to dodge follow-up? That tells a very different story.

What These Red Flags Tell You

If a company ghosts you or sends an after-hours decline, it’s easy to internalize it as rejection, but it’s really information.

It tells you:

How they handle communication under pressure
How they treat people when there’s no benefit in doing so
How they value time, transparency, and respect

If that’s how they treat potential employees, imagine what it’s like once you’re on the inside.

Your experience as a candidate is a preview of your experience as an employee.

How Great Companies Handle It Differently

The best organizations don’t get everything right, but they do a few key things consistently:

They set expectations early. A simple line like, “We’ll update all candidates by [date], even if it’s a no,” builds trust before the first interview.

They provide closure promptly. Declines are sent during working hours, often with a warm note or feedback that helps the candidate grow.

They train recruiters and hiring managers to handle rejection conversations with care. It’s not about softening the truth; it’s about delivering it with dignity.

They see the candidate experience as part of their brand experience. Because it is.

I personally call to share declines personally, thank candidates for their time, and leave the door open for future opportunities.
By doing this, I don’t just gain respect, I gain referrals, trust, and long-term loyalty.

Every candidate deserves closure. Every decline deserves respect.

The irony is that these “unseen” moments, the ones that never make it to social media or press releases, are the ones that define reputation most.

Companies spend millions building brand awareness, yet they undermine it with a single poorly timed or poorly worded rejection email.

The fix costs nothing. Just care.

Hiring isn’t just about selecting talent; it’s about showing what your organization stands for.

A rejection can still leave someone feeling valued.
A delay can still come with honesty.
And a culture rooted in compassion will always attract the right people.

When you choose transparency over avoidance and empathy over convenience, you don’t just fill roles.

You build trust. You build reputation. You build culture.

Real Talk from Your Favorite Recruiter

You Asked. I Answered.

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 spotlight 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.

Check Out Previous Q&A

Use AI to Clarify, Not Create

When you’re updating your resume or writing a LinkedIn summary, let AI help you organize your thoughts, not replace them.

Start with your own words. Write a rough draft of your experience or message, even if it’s messy. Then ask AI to help refine it.

Example prompt: “Rewrite this paragraph for clarity and flow while keeping my original tone warm and professional.”

That’s how you keep your voice, while improving readability. If it suddenly sounds robotic or generic, go back and sprinkle in your natural phrasing, the words you’d actually use in conversation.

Let AI Help You Reflect, Not Perform

When prepping for interviews, use AI to help you practice, not pretend.

Ask it to simulate an interviewer: “Ask me 5 behavioral interview questions for a Sales Manager role and give me feedback on how I can make my answers more concise and story-driven.”

Then review the feedback and adapt it to your experiences. Don’t memorize the AI’s wording. Instead, internalize the message. You’ll sound more genuine because you’re responding from understanding, not rehearsal.

Remember: AI can’t feel your passion, but you can

Keep Your Humanity in the Details

The human touch is what separates a solid resume from a memorable one.

AI might recommend saying: “Implemented process improvements to optimize workflow efficiency,” but you can add heart: “Streamlined our team’s workflow so we could spend less time in meetings and more time serving customers.”

See the difference? One shows impact, the other shows intention.

AI doesn’t know your stories, your challenges, or your why.

That’s what makes you irreplaceable.

AI can write words but only you can tell your story. Use it to enhance your message, not hide behind it. The goal isn’t to sound like a flawless candidate.

It’s to sound like a real one, self-aware, thoughtful, and ready to add value, because in a world full of AI-generated noise, your humanity is your loudest differentiator.

Keep Growing, Keep Learning

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Career Tips, Job Search Strategies & Recruiter Insights

Published Monthly In this Issue

November 2025

Job Search Strategies

How to Turn Your Job Search Into a Purposeful Routine

From Overwhelm to Momentum

Set Realistic Weekly Goals

A Realistic Weekly Structure

Use LinkedIn Intentionally (Not Aimlessly Scrolling)

Network Authentically (Not Transactionally)

Career Growth Tips

How to Stand Out and Move Forward in a Changing Workplace

The AI Advantage

Your 5-Day AI Job Search Plan

Balancing Work and Life

Schedule Time to Reclaim Your Brain

Want more strategies to create balance?

The Culture Equation

When Silence Speaks Volumes

What Ghosting and After-Hours Rejections Say About Company Culture

Ghosting Isn’t a Process Problem; It’s a People Problem

Avoiding Contact Isn’t Compassion

What These Red Flags Tell You

How Great Companies Handle It Differently

Real Talk from Your Favorite Recruiter

You Asked. I Answered.

November Spotlight Question

How do I use AI and still stand out as my authentic myself?”

Use AI to Clarify, Not Create

Let AI Help You Reflect, Not Perform

Keep Your Humanity in the Details

Want More???

Keep Growing, Keep Learning

Knowledge Vault

She Means Business

Knowledge Vault

Level Up

She Means Business

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She Means Business

She Means Business

She Means Business

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