Respectfully, What Is This?
The job market is doing the absolute most right now. I mean... that may actually be putting it mildly, but I don’t want to start us off on a depressing note! We haven’t talked in two weeks.
Whatever the case, I’m sure, like me, you’ve been seeing more and more posts from job seekers saying the same thing:
"I’m exhausted."
"I’ve applied everywhere."
"I’m doing everything right, and nothing is happening."
The market is crowded. Layoffs have added more experienced talent to the mix. Hiring cycles are longer. Recruiters are overwhelmed. And somewhere along the way, job searching became a full-time job of its own.
Apply. Customize. Network. Follow up. Interview. Repeat.
It’s a lot.
As a coach, here are a few things I’m encouraging people to focus on right now—whether you're a job seeker, role hugger, or considering your next leap:
Build relationships with recruiters who specialize in your field
Create a list and reach out intentionally. Think of yourself as being in sales for a moment—and the product is your experience, expertise, and value. Recruiters can’t help if they don’t know you exist.
Follow up (kindly)
I often see people send one message and never circle back. Recruiters are flooded. A thoughtful check-in can be the difference between getting buried and getting remembered.
Apply strategically, not emotionally
Momentum matters. Sometimes people hold out waiting for the perfect role while confidence slowly takes a hit. There’s no shame in taking a strong next step while continuing to build toward an even better one.
Network before you need something
Career relationships work best when they’re built over time. Reach out while things are good. Think of networking as career insurance, not emergency response.
Ask for feedback (then actually use it!)
Interview feedback is gold. Small adjustments in your story, delivery, or positioning can completely change outcomes over time.
And while recruiters can’t always provide detailed feedback for a variety of reasons, a trusted friend, mentor, or coach often can.
Stay organized so the process doesn’t run you
Job searches get chaotic fast. Use tools and systems that help you track applications, follow-ups, and opportunities so you can stay strategic instead of reactive.
And lastly:
Please don’t confuse a difficult market with your value.
A hard job search does not automatically mean you’re underqualified. It doesn’t mean you’re behind. It doesn’t mean you’ve somehow lost your edge.
A lot of this comes down to timing, volume, and circumstances you cannot control.
And if part of what’s making this process feel overwhelming is trying to keep track of applications, follow-ups, networking conversations, and all the moving pieces, I’ve got you.
I just updated my FREE Job Application Tracker to help you stay organized, focused, and a little more in control while you’re in the thick of it. 🫶🏽
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What are your thoughts on paying for community? Asking for a friend…
Yes, these five tips on tightening your résumé will work even if you’re not a new grad.
If you missed my latest conversation with author, product leader, and hiring manager, Donovan Bass, what are you waiting for?!
New grad season is upon us 🎓, which means a lot of very smart, very capable humans are about to discover that school did not, in fact, teach them how to get a job.
To help, my friend and former colleague Jeff and I teamed up to film a few quick insider tips for new grads (and honestly… anyone navigating a job search right now).
I pulled them all together into a playlist on my brand-spanking-new YouTube channel. Go check it out—and if you know a new grad who could use a little insider guidance right now, send it their way. ✨
Speaking of Jeff… 🎙️ This Friday on If I don’t tell you, who will?, I’m sitting down with him, someone I’ve known in multiple capacities over the last 20 (TWENTY!) years.
Jeff is a whip-smart speaker coach for C-suite executives in Silicon Valley, and he’s bringing all of that experience to a LIVE conversation on executive presence in interviews.
We’re diving into what actually makes candidates memorable once they’re in the room—how you show up, tell your story, and create connection beyond your credentials.
If you’ve ever walked out of an interview thinking, "...why did I say all of that?!" this one’s for you.
The days are long, but the years are short, Nicole, even if it feels like this season of uncertainty and pause will last forever.
Keep showing up.
Keep adjusting.
And keep going.
You’re probably closer than you think.
Until we meet in June (!!), travel in grace, knowing you are surrounded by love.
Work with me 1:1 → Step into a focused alignment experience to clarify your direction and intentionally reposition your leadership.
Engage on LinkedIn → Jump in, comment, and engage in weekly insights and candid career conversations. This is where you practice! Hit the bell so you don’t miss a post.
Enroll in Own Your Search → Build clarity, strengthen your positioning, and land aligned roles inside a structured digital program, all in your own time.
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