Advertise on podcast: The Exclusive Career Coach

When, how, and what to negotiate so you get the best combination of salary and benefits available to you.

In the second of this two-part series, I cover everything the recruiter sees about a candidate - and how to make sure your resume is optimally scored for the ATS.

In this two-part series, I cover what information a recruiter receives about candidates from the ATS - and how to improve your score.

As your job search drags on beyond when you thought you would be in your new role, it is easy to begin thinking thoughts that will further hinder your chances for success. Here's what may be going on - and what to do about it.

How to take care of yourself during a job search, particularly if you are unemployed.

I give several universal considerations when creating your resume, as well as 11 missteps I see frequently on the resumes that come to me.

A best practice for career management is being always ready for opportunities that may come your way when you aren't looking. Here's how to be ARFO (Always Ready For Opportunity).

Whether you are planning to start a job search in 2026 or continue with one you've already begun, I give you the big picture view of the current job search landscape, a checklist to prepare for your job search, and five bottom-line job search tips.

What the data are telling us about the current job market - and what the problem REALLY is.

What the hidden job market actually is, why it happens, and how to leverage it.

How to put together an effective job search strategy with a combination of active and passive strategies.

12 tips for increasing your chances of success when applying online.

I'm back after a 6-month hiatus! I will be focusing solely on the job search going forward.

Please check out my new podcast, The Exclusive Career!

According to a Jobvite survey, employee referrals are 5X more likely to land you a role than just applying online like the rest of the universe.   Here’s the thing: Networking is the key. But it doesn’t have to be hard, or feel terrible. What if networking was just part of your professional life, like keeping your credentials current or meeting with your boss or direct reports?   AND…and this is a big AND…networking should be an ongoing part of your professional life, not just when you are job searching. After all, if only people who are job searching are networking, who are they networking with?   Here are 6 strategies for incorporating networking into what you’re already doing.   Network where you’re already going. Perhaps you are in a book club, or your kids are in school sports, or you attend regular fitness classes, or are a member of a church. Choose conversation over the quick exit. You never know when you’ll be in the right place with the right person at the right time – whether it is for your benefit, theirs, or mutual.   Become active in your online communities. Leverage social media to connect with people you already share an interest with – parent groups, industry- or job function-relevant groups, or people who share a hobby. Engage with content, sharing, and commenting to build a network where you already participate.   Check in via email. Touch base via emails with your current contacts to keep your relationships active. As I like to say, LinkedIn shouldn’t be the place where your contacts go to die. A simple, “Hi, what’s new in your world?” or “Here’s a resource I thought you would be interested in…” goes a long way.   Utilize your organization’s social platforms. Leverage your company’s internal platforms like Slack, Yammer, or Intranet forums to interact with colleagues throughout the organization.   Accept those invitations. From professional association webinars, a neighborhood get-together, a random lunch invitation, or Happy Hour with the gang – say yes to an invite and go with the goal of engaging in intentional conversation.   Connect with connectors. I call these people “Centers of Influence” – they seem to know everyone. When you speak with them, be sure to ask them “who else do you think I should speak with?” followed by “Would you be willing to make the introduction?”     How to make sure this actually happens. Here are five tips to make sure these ideas become part of your professional routine:   -Schedule time. I like to think of networking as a low-level priority in my schedule. I am doing it on a regular basis, it isn’t taking a ton of my time, but it’s happening. To do this – it must be on my calendar. For example, set aside 15 minutes each week for email check-ins with your connections.   -Set goals. For example, decide to leverage your organization’s internal networking platform to reach out to 2 colleagues each week. Then reward yourself for achieving your goal – it’s the cumulative effect of these small wins that make the difference.   -Follow-up and follow through. As you meet people, be sure to send thank you’s as appropriate – this will also serve to remind them of what they said they would do for you. When you promise to do something for someone else, be sure to get it done – it’s your reputation at stake.   -Equal exchange of energy. As I like to say, don’t be a barnacle in the networking process – aim to give at least as much value as you get. This will feel so much better.            -Regularly evaluate and make adjustments. Not all types of meetings will be fruitful for you. Some contacts you thought would be gold mines turn out not to be. Just make sure that, before you eliminate an avenue or person, you can honestly say you’ve done your part to make the relationship work.     Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you’re worth.   If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:    https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2