Weekly Newsletter Vol. 75 - February 5, 2025

When you’re trying to pull off a win during your interview

Generating your Lead Story…

The Most Successful Job Seekers Treat Their Careers Like a Campaign—Not a Last-Minute Scramble

With 500,000 jobs now at risk over Tariffs, many professionals will soon find themselves in an urgent job search, competing with thousands of others in the same position. Unfortunately, too many people wait until they’re unemployed to start looking for their next role.

But the most successful job seekers don’t wait. They treat their careers like a long-term campaign, building relationships, positioning themselves as experts, and staying ahead of industry changes—so that when the time comes to make a move, they are already in demand.

Here’s how you can do the same.

✅ Build Relationships Before You Need Them

Your network is your greatest asset when job searching, yet most people only start reaching out when they’re desperate. Instead, build relationships consistently by:

➡️ Engaging with industry leaders & peers – Follow professionals in your field on LinkedIn, comment on their posts, and add value to conversations. Over time, these small interactions can turn into real opportunities.

➡️ Attending networking events & conferences – Whether virtual or in person, industry events allow you to connect with hiring managers and decision-makers before a job is even posted. Many roles are filled through referrals, not job boards.

➡️ Reconnecting with former colleagues & mentors – A quick check-in message or coffee chat with an old coworker can lead to unexpected opportunities. People trust those they’ve worked with before, making it easier to land a role through a warm introduction.

➡️ Helping others first – Be the person who makes introductions, shares job openings, or offers advice. The more you give, the more people will remember you when an opportunity arises.

✅ Keep Your LinkedIn & Resume Ready

Many professionals don’t update their resume or LinkedIn until they’re actively looking, which can lead to missed opportunities. Instead, always keep your materials up to date so you’re ready when the right role comes along.

➡️ Optimize your LinkedIn profile – Make sure your headline, summary, and experience sections highlight your expertise. Use industry keywords so recruiters can easily find you in searches.

➡️ Showcase measurable achievements – Don’t just list job duties; highlight specific results (e.g., “Increased sales by 30% in 6 months” or “Implemented a new system that saved 10 hours per week”). Numbers make your impact clear.

➡️ Get recommendations from past colleagues – A strong recommendation on LinkedIn can be as powerful as a reference. Ask former managers or coworkers to write a short testimonial about your skills and contributions.

➡️ Keep track of your wins – Every time you complete a major project, learn a new skill, or receive positive feedback, document it. This makes it easier to update your resume later and ensures you don’t forget key achievements.

✅ Monitor Job Boards & Industry Trends

Staying aware of market changes can help you avoid surprises and take action before you’re forced to. Even if you’re not actively looking, keep an eye on job openings and industry shifts to stay prepared.

➡️ Follow industry news & layoffs – If you notice multiple companies in your field downsizing, it may be a sign that it’s time to start looking before your job is at risk.

➡️ Set up job alerts – Even if you’re happy in your current role, create alerts on LinkedIn, Indeed, and company career pages for positions that match your skills and career goals.

➡️ Look for signs of company instability – Late paychecks, hiring freezes, leadership changes, or major stock drops can be red flags that layoffs are coming. If you notice these signs, start networking and applying before it’s too late.

➡️ Stay open to opportunities – If a recruiter reaches out, don’t immediately dismiss the conversation. Even if you’re not looking right now, having an open dialogue can help you understand your market value and future opportunities.

✅ Position Yourself as a High-Value Candidate

The most successful job seekers don’t just apply for jobs—they attract them by positioning themselves as experts in their field. If recruiters and hiring managers already see you as a valuable professional, you’ll have more leverage and better opportunities when it’s time to move.

➡️ Create content & share insights – Post on LinkedIn about your industry, projects you’ve worked on, or lessons you’ve learned. Even short posts can position you as a thought leader and increase visibility with recruiters.

➡️ Engage with company content – If you’re interested in working at a specific company, follow their posts, comment on their updates, and engage with their employees. This helps you get noticed before you even apply.

➡️ Develop an area of expertise – Whether it’s leadership, data analysis, or customer experience, become known for something in your industry. The more specific your expertise, the more valuable you are to employers.

➡️ Take on visible projects – Volunteer for leadership roles, cross-functional projects, or industry panels. The more you put yourself out there, the more people will associate you with success.

A Proactive Job Search Puts You in Control

Most job seekers wait until it’s too late, reacting to layoffs and scrambling to send out applications. But the most successful professionals treat their careers like an ongoing campaign—always networking, positioning themselves as experts, and staying ahead of industry changes.

You can’t make this stuff up

_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

When you get a win in 2025

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