Navigating Your Job Search: What You Should and Shouldn’t Do

Clear strategies to simplify your next job search

Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash

I’m thrilled to share this guest post from

Jen DeLorenzo

, founder of The Career Raven, who recently joined me for a LinkedIn Live. She shared her top job search tips and practical strategies, which resonated deeply with the audience.

If you’ve ever searched for a job—or anticipate doing so in the future—you know it can be stressful and overwhelming. Jen’s actionable advice will help you approach your next search strategically and confidently, whether it’s months or years down the road.

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Things NOT to Do During Your Job Search

1️⃣ Don’t Rely Only on Job Boards

Job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn are helpful, but they shouldn’t be your primary focus. These platforms are crowded, and your resume might get lost in a sea of applicants. Relying solely on them means you're missing out on unlisted roles and valuable networking opportunities.

💡 What You Should Do Instead

Leverage the power of networking. Reach out to people in your industry or target companies. Use LinkedIn to engage with hiring managers and employees. Many jobs are filled through referrals or connections, so take an active role in your job search beyond just submitting resumes.

2️⃣ Don’t Neglect Your Online Presence

Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression, and a generic, outdated profile won’t make you stand out. It’s important to craft a profile that reflects your professional brand and the type of role you're seeking.

💡 What You Should Do Instead

Optimize your LinkedIn profile by creating a compelling headline and updating your summary to reflect your experience, skills, and career aspirations. Include measurable results and key achievements in your experience section. A strong LinkedIn presence will help you attract recruiters and make networking easier.

3️⃣ Don’t Focus Solely on Job Titles

Job titles can vary widely from company to company. Focusing solely on a job title may cause you to overlook a position that aligns with your experience or growth potential simply because the title isn’t what you expected.

💡 What You Should Do Instead

Look at the role and responsibilities rather than the title. Read job descriptions carefully to understand the expectations and how they align with your career goals. Sometimes, a position with a less flashy title offers more opportunities for growth and leadership than a higher-level title with limited scope.

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Things You Should Do to Supercharge Your Job Search

1️⃣ Create a Strategic Resume (And Have It Ready)

Tailoring your resume for every single job you apply to is time-consuming and unnecessary. Instead, create strategic resume versions that align with the types of roles or industries you're targeting.

💡 What You Should Do Instead

Develop a few different versions of your resume—one for leadership roles, one for technical positions, etc. Update them regularly so you’re always ready to apply. This approach saves you time and ensures you highlight the skills that matter most to each role.

2️⃣ Prepare for Interviews Like a Pro

The “Tell me about yourself” question is a common icebreaker, but it’s also a crucial opportunity to set the tone for your interview. Too often, candidates treat it casually, but it’s a chance to showcase your value and align your experience with the job.

💡 What You Should Do Instead

Practice a concise, impactful answer that highlights your skills, why you're interested in the role, and how your experience makes you the perfect fit. A well-thought-out response to this question will leave a lasting impression and set the stage for the rest of the conversation.

3️⃣ Don’t Underestimate the Power of Following Up

After an interview, many candidates don’t follow up, thinking it’s unnecessary. However, a thoughtful follow-up email can make a significant impact in reinforcing your interest and enthusiasm for the role.

💡 What You Should Do Instead

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Personalize it by referencing something specific from the conversation and reiterating your excitement about the position. A timely follow-up shows professionalism and can keep you top of mind for the hiring manager.

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A Little About Me and The Career Raven

As a former recruiter turned career coach and reverse recruiter, I created The Career Raven to empower women in their job search and professional growth. Through my services, I help women build strong resumes, navigate their job search with strategy, and confidently tackle interviews.

I’ve seen firsthand the obstacles women face, from unconscious bias to the pressure of balancing personal and professional expectations. My mission is to provide the support and tools women need to overcome these challenges and build fulfilling careers.

If you’re looking for guidance in your job search or need support to refine your resume, I invite you to connect with me at www.thecareerraven.com. Together, we can create a strategy that positions you for success.

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Thank you to

Jen DeLorenzo

for sharing actionable tips for your next job search. Please visit her website and follow her on LinkedIn.