Strategies, Stories & Straight Talk
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Wanted: Independent Woman Seeks Lunch Companions.
Make the most of professional conferences with intentional networking strategies that build genuine relationships. Inspired by AfroTech, explore how to prepare for networking events, set meaningful goals, overcome social hesitation, and turn conference conversations into lasting professional connections.
Market Brief: Job Apps Have a New Shelf Life
Your old job applications may have more staying power than you think. Workday's new AI-powered Talent Acquisition Agent can help recruiters rediscover past applicants and match candidates with new opportunities. Learn why résumé accuracy, consistent career information, and strategic job applications matter more than ever.
Market Brief: Cover Letters in 2027
Are cover letters still necessary in 2026? As AI-generated applications become more common, the value of cover letters is changing. Learn when to write a cover letter, when to skip one, and how to make yours stand out by adding meaningful context, demonstrating company fit, and sharing what your résumé cannot.
Breaking up Is Hard To Do
How do you know when it's time to leave your job? Inspired by Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams, this reflection explores career dissatisfaction, workplace values, job transitions, and the difference between choosing to stay and being afraid to leave. Learn how to evaluate your current role and take intentional steps toward career change.
Market Brief: LinkedIn Skills Audit
LinkedIn's Hiring Assistant is changing how recruiters evaluate candidate skills and experience. Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn Skills section, connect skills to measurable accomplishments, and strengthen your profile with credible evidence that helps recruiters recognize your qualifications.
Market Brief: AI in Applications
AI-generated résumés are making job applications more competitive, but standing out requires more than keywords and polished formatting. Explore how AI is changing hiring, why employers value proof of experience, and how accomplishments, portfolios, recommendations, and networking can help job seekers differentiate themselves.
The Infamous September Surge
The September Surge can create new momentum in the job market as hiring teams return from summer and year-end priorities come into focus. Learn how to prepare your résumé, optimize LinkedIn, reconnect with recruiters, strengthen your network, and make the most of seasonal hiring trends.
“Next week!” and Other Lies I Tell
Career development shouldn't stop when you land a new job. Discover why ongoing networking, professional relationships, skill development, and intentional career planning matter even when you're happy in your current role—and how small, consistent investments can create future opportunities.
Is Career Minimalism Right for You?
Career minimalism reflects a growing shift away from defining success by titles alone. This reflection explores how professionals are prioritizing balance, purpose, flexibility, and long-term wellbeing while building careers that support the lives they want to live.
Market Brief: LinkedIn’s Job Search
LinkedIn's AI-powered job search is changing how candidates discover career opportunities. Explore how natural language searches, LinkedIn profile optimization, transferable skills, and strategic keywords can help job seekers find relevant roles and navigate the evolving hiring market.
Ian’s Trust Testimonial
Career coaching and résumé writing are about more than creating a polished document. One client's experience shows how personalized résumé coaching can uncover career accomplishments, clarify your job search strategy, build confidence, and help you communicate your professional value.
Ghost Growth ≠ Career Growth
Taking on more responsibility should lead to meaningful career growth. This reflection explores "ghost growth," where expanded responsibilities aren't matched by increased compensation, authority, or title, and offers guidance on advocating for career progression.
Floating the Idea of Job Crafting
Feeling disengaged at work doesn't always mean it's time to leave. This reflection explores job crafting, a strategy that helps professionals reshape their current role to better align with their strengths, values, and long-term career goals.
A Gentle Warning Against Shift Sulking
Feeling exhausted before the workday even begins may be more than burnout. This reflection explores "shift sulking," how chronic workplace stress affects engagement, visibility, and career growth, and why recognizing the signs is the first step toward meaningful change.
Watch Out for Hybrid Creep!
Hybrid work is evolving as many organizations gradually increase in-office expectations. This reflection explores return-to-office trends, workplace flexibility, and how professionals can navigate changing expectations while advocating for the work arrangements that matter most.
It’s Time to Invest in Yourself
Career growth requires the same intentional investment as every other area of your life. This conversation explores career coaching, résumé writing, salary growth, professional development, career strategy, and why investing in yourself delivers long-term returns.
Just Because You Can…
Do job seekers really need personal websites and AI-generated career graphics? Learn why résumé optimization, LinkedIn profile strategy, and clear professional branding are often more effective than creating additional platforms that duplicate your experience without adding meaningful value.
All About New Collar Jobs
Changing careers doesn't always mean starting over. This reflection explores the rise of new collar jobs, transferable skills, and how professionals can successfully pivot by building on existing experience rather than beginning from scratch.