Navigating the Modern Job Hunt: Resumes, LinkedIn, and Interview Strategies
In the new episode of Girl Gang, we took a deep dive into the challenging world of job hunting in today's market. Our conversation was all about the frustrations, the strategies, and the evolving nature of finding employment in this digital-first world. Listen Now!
Chapters to check out:
1:08 Welcome to Girl Gang Podcast
2:46 The Resume Struggle
8:22 Cover Letters: Worth the Effort?
18:03 Leveraging LinkedIn Effectively
28:35 Job Search Resources and Company Research
49:15 Following Up and Final Resume Tips
56:21 Closing Thoughts and Podcast Stats
The Resume Grind: Customization vs. Consistency
One of the most significant pain points we discussed was the labor-intensive process of tailoring resumes for different positions. Speaking from personal experience, Kozy expressed her absolute exhaustion with creating multiple versions of resumes for various job applications, especially when she’s applying broadly across different industries. This led to an interesting debate among us: is one comprehensive resume enough, or is customization necessary? The consensus we landed on leaned toward creating themed resumes for different industry categories rather than crafting a unique one for every single application.
Do Cover Letters Even Matter Anymore?
We also tackled the age-old question about cover letters—are they still relevant? The group was divided on this. Some of us believe cover letters are becoming obsolete, particularly for millennial hiring managers. "They don't read them," was Brandi’s straightforward assessment, suggesting that cover letters are "a boomer tradition that's phasing out." However, we did acknowledge that certain companies and positions still value these personalized introductions, especially when they're a required part of the application process.
Harnessing the Power of LinkedIn
LinkedIn emerged as a crucial tool in the modern job search arsenal. The conversation revealed how the platform has evolved from a strictly professional networking site to one that allows for more personality and a multifaceted representation of who you are. Brandi and I leaned into the idea of putting your personality into it to showcase hobbies, volunteer work, and side projects on their profiles.
Research and Interviewing: What to Ask and When
The discussion also covered the importance of company research before applying and interviewing. We highly recommended using resources like Glassdoor to review company ratings, understand salary ranges, and identify potential red flags. "If you continue to see the same complaint over and over again, then odds are that company might have that problem," Brandi pointed out, suggesting that applicants use this information to formulate thoughtful questions during the interview.
Interview preparation was another key topic, with us emphasizing the importance of having questions ready. We suggested asking about company culture, what happened to the previous person in the position, and whether there's flexibility for personal needs like family obligations.
Evolving Strategies for Standing Out
As the job market continues to evolve, so do the strategies for standing out. We discussed newer elements like personality assessments and video introductions, which some companies now incorporate into their hiring processes. While these tools can provide deeper insights than traditional resumes, we recognized that their applicability varies by industry and individual preference.
The episode concluded with practical advice: make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated comprehensively, leverage your network (as "95% is who you know"), and always follow up after interviews. We encouraged our listeners to share their own experiences and industry-specific insights, acknowledging that job hunting practices vary widely across different fields and continue to change with technology and workplace trends.
What’s working well for you in the job hunt? What are you still struggling with? Let us know! Text us by using the link in the episode description wherever you listen to our show.
So until next time - stay bold, stay empowered…
Rachael & the Girl Gang
