In a competitive job market where there are more applicants per role and increased scrutiny from recruiters and employers, job seekers need every strategic advantage available. When used correctly, AI can help you work smarter, refine your applications and improve your positioning.

Here’s a guide on how to use AI effectively and responsibly to strengthen your job applications.

1. Use AI to Optimise Your Resume

Your resume is often the first impression for a recruiter or employer, and it’s often reviewed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a human ever sees it. That means it needs to be strategically aligned to the role, keyword optimised and clearly written. AI can help you refine and tailor your resume so it speaks directly to what employers are looking for.

AI can help you:

• Tailor your resume to a specific job description
• Rewrite bullet points for clarity and impact
• Suggest missing skills that match the role
• Improve formatting and keywords for ATS systems

Tip: Paste a job description into an AI tool and ask: “Rewrite my resume bullets to match the required skills while staying truthful to my skills and expertise.”

2. Enhance Your Cover Letters Automatically

Writing a fresh cover letter for every application can feel repetitive and time-consuming. However, in a competitive job market, a tailored cover letter is essential. AI can help you create a structured, targeted first draft that mirrors the job’s requirements and tone.

AI can draft targeted cover letters by:

• Mirroring the job’s language
• Highlighting relevant achievements
• Maintaining a professional, concise tone

Once you’ve done this, I recommend you go through it and refine the draft to keep it authentic and aligned with your personality and voice.

3. Use AI for Skill Assessment and Upskilling

If you’re unsure whether you meet all the requirements for a role, AI can help you assess where you stand. Instead of guessing what employers want, you can use AI to research current market trends and identify skills that are in demand. This turns uncertainty into proactive career development.

Ask AI:

• What skills are most in demand for a type of role
• Which certifications matter
• For step-by-step learning paths or curated resources

You can also generate custom quizzes to test your knowledge.

4. Analyse Job Descriptions for Fit

Many job seekers either apply too broadly or hesitate because they doubt their suitability. AI can help you objectively evaluate whether a role is a strong match for you. This allows you to apply more strategically rather than emotionally.

Paste job descriptions and ask AI to:

• Extract required vs. preferred skills
• Identify gaps
• Provide a match score
• Suggest how to position your existing experience.

5. Prepare for Interviews with AI

Interview preparation is one of the most effective ways to improve your confidence and performance. AI can simulate realistic interview scenarios and help you structure your answers more clearly. Practising beforehand reduces nerves and improves clarity under pressure.

AI can simulate:

• Behavioural interview questions
• Technical or role-specific questions
• Feedback on your answers
• Suggestions for STAR formatted responses

If you prefer a human element for practicing for your next interview, I invite you to get in touch for Interview Coaching. Book a 15 minute Career Chat to explore if this is right for you.

6. Create a Strong Personal Brand

Recruiters often review your online presence before shortlisting you. Platforms like LinkedIn play a major role in shaping first impressions. AI can help you clarify your positioning and communicate your professional value more confidently.

AI helps with:

• Writing polished LinkedIn profiles
• Generating content related to your field
• Creating a portfolio outline
• Optimising your “About” section for clarity and impact.

7. Use AI to Network Better

Networking can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure how to approach recruiters or industry contacts. AI can help you draft clear, professional outreach messages that feel structured and respectful. From there, you personalise the tone to ensure it sounds like you.

AI can draft:

• Outreach messages to recruiters
• Follow up messages
• Professional introductions

Example prompt:
“Write a polite message asking a recruiter if they’re open to reviewing my resume for a data analyst role.”

Avoid Common AI Pitfalls

While AI is powerful for your job applications, it must be used responsibly. Employers value authenticity and your applications should always reflect your true experience and capability. AI should enhance clarity, not exaggerate or fabricate your skills and experience.

Keep in mind:

• Don’t let AI over inflate your experience
• Always add your own voice and authenticity
• Double check facts, dates and claims.

AI is Not A Shortcut to Success

AI is transforming the way we approach job searching, but it is not a shortcut to success. It is a tool. And like any tool, its effectiveness depends on how you use it.

When used strategically, AI can help your job applications, refine your resume, strengthen your cover letter, prepare for interviews and better understand your market positioning. It can save time, improve clarity and increase alignment with employer expectations. But it cannot replace your judgement, integrity, lived experience or personal voice.

The most successful job seekers in today’s market are not those who rely solely on technology, they are the ones who combine smart tools with clear strategy, self-awareness and authenticity.

The future of job searching isn’t AI versus humans. It’s humans using AI wisely.

If you’re feeling stuck or discouraged by your job search, I invite you to book a complimentary 15 minute Career Chat with me for clarity, confidence and support in your next steps. You may also like to follow me on Instagram for insightful and practical interviewing and career tips.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Use AI to Improve Your Job Application appeared first on Letz Create.

Over the years as a Career Coach, there have been so many people who have approached me without a plan. The power of creating your owns success is in having a well thought out plan to support the direction you want to take. In this article I explore the 8 key steps to effective career planning to help you achieve long-term success.

1. Self Assessment: Understand Your Strengths and Interests

Before planning any career moves, it’s important to conduct an honest self-assessment. This involves taking a deep look at your skills, interests, values, and personality. Consider questions like:

• What are my strengths?
• What types of activities energize me?
• What are my core values in the workplace?
• What motivates me to perform at my best?

By understanding what makes you tick, you can better align potential career paths with your personal and professional goals. Tools like personality assessments (e.g., Myers-Briggs) or career aptitude tests can help clarify your strengths and areas for improvement.

2. Research Careers and Industries

Once you’ve gained insight into your interests and strengths, the next step is to explore careers that align with them. This step involves researching different industries, roles, and job trends to determine what resonates with you and what opportunities are available in the market. Ask yourself:

• What industries or roles excite me?
• What qualifications or experience are required for these roles?
• What is the job market outlook for this field?
• Does this career path align with my lifestyle goals?

This is the time to gather information about salary ranges, job growth, typical work environments, and long-term opportunities for advancement. Websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and industry-specific job boards can offer valuable insights into potential career options.

3. Set SMART Career Goals

After identifying your interests and researching the landscape, it’s time to set clear goals. Use the SMART framework to guide your career planning:

• Specific: Be precise about what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Define how you will track progress.
• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic and attainable.
• Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with your long-term aspirations.
• Time-bound: Set a clear timeline for achieving the goal.

For example, instead of a vague goal like “I want to advance in my career,” a SMART goal would be: “I want to become a project manager in the marketing industry within the next two years by obtaining a certification and leading at least two major projects.”

4. Create a Career Action Plan

With your goals in place, develop a clear action plan that outlines the steps needed to reach them. Your action plan should break down each goal into smaller, actionable tasks with timelines. For example:

• Earn relevant certifications or qualifications.
• Network with professionals in your desired field.
• Apply for internships or volunteer opportunities to gain experience.
• Revamp your resume and online profiles to highlight your strengths and achievements.

Your action plan acts as a roadmap, helping you stay focused and accountable as you work toward your career goals. Regularly review and adjust it as needed based on your progress.

5. Seek Mentorship and Build a Professional Network

Networking is a critical component of career planning. Building a professional network opens doors to new opportunities, provides valuable advice, and helps you learn from others’ experiences. Look for mentors who can guide you in your career development and offer feedback on your goals and strategies.

Some steps to building your network include:

• Attending industry events, conferences, or webinars.
• Engaging with professionals on LinkedIn and participating in relevant groups.
• Reaching out to people in your desired field for informational interviews.
• Participating in volunteer work or joining professional organizations.

Developing relationships with people who are established in your desired field can give you valuable insights, introduce you to job opportunities, and offer encouragement when challenges arise. You may like to read my article A Guide to Networking for Your Next Job which includes my 10 top networking tips.

6. Develop New Skills and Expand Knowledge

Continuous learning is essential to career growth. The modern job market is dynamic, with new skills in demand regularly. To stay competitive, invest in your personal and professional development. This might include:

• Enrolling in workshops, courses, or certifications relevant to your field.
• Attending industry conferences to stay updated on trends.
• Improving your soft skills, such as communication, leadership, or time management.
• Learning new technologies that are important in your industry.

Commit to lifelong learning so you can stay adaptable, which is key to thriving in any career.

7. Track Your Progress and Stay Flexible when Career Planning

Career planning is not a one-time exercise. It requires regular review and adjustment as you grow, evolve, and face new opportunities or challenges. Periodically assess where you are in your plan:

• Are you on track to meet your short-term and long-term goals?
• Have new interests or opportunities emerged that require adjustments?
• Are there new skills or experiences you need to develop?

Be open to pivoting your career plan if needed. Flexibility ensures that you can take advantage of unexpected opportunities or navigate obstacles while keeping your career aligned with your evolving personal and professional goals.

8. Balance Career Planning with Work-Life Goals

While career success is important, it’s essential to consider your overall life goals. Career planning should align with your desired work-life balance, family aspirations, health, and personal fulfillment. Avoid making career decisions that might undermine your broader happiness or well-being.

For example, if family time is important to you, prioritize career paths that offer flexibility or remote work options. Balance your ambition with your personal values to ensure long-term satisfaction, not just career advancement.

Empower Your Future

Career planning is an ongoing, proactive process that can empower you to take control of your professional destiny. By understanding your strengths, setting clear goals, and staying adaptable, you can make informed decisions that lead to fulfilling and sustainable career growth. With patience and persistence, your career plan will serve as a roadmap to the future you envision, one step at a time.

I encourage you to book a complimentary 15 minute Career Chat with me learn more about career planning and the goals you can achieve in your next career move. You may also like to follow me on Instagram for insightful and practical interviewing and career tips.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post 8 Key Steps to Successful Career Planning appeared first on Letz Create.

While it might sound simple, don’t underestimate just how crucial this can be for your job search or career transition. The difference between landing your dream job and missing out could come down to the insights a Career Coach provides.

Identifying Hidden Strengths & Talents

No matter how confident or self-aware you are, everyone has blind spots. These are things you might overlook when it comes to recognising and promoting your own skills. This is where a Career Coach becomes invaluable.

A skilled Career Coach helps you identify those hidden strengths and talents you might be ignoring, and shows you how to effectively market yourself to employers. They assist you in breaking down job descriptions, crafting compelling cover letters, and preparing for interviews in a way that showcases your unique value. Throughout this process, your eyes will open to new perspectives and opportunities that you might have missed on your own.

Not only do they guide you through the technical aspects of job hunting, but a good Career Coach also helps you celebrate your wins, recognise your achievements, and draw out the personal qualities that make you stand out. They enable you to see yourself as the strong candidate you truly are.

Why You Should Invest in Career Coaching

These five reasons highlight the value of career coaching for any job seeker looking to accelerate their career and land their next opportunity with confidence.

1. Uncover Hidden Strengths

A Career Coach helps you identify key skills and strengths that you might be overlooking. By uncovering these hidden talents, you can market yourself more effectively to employers and stand out in a crowded job market.

2. Tailored Job Search Strategies

Career coaching provides you with personalised strategies that align with your unique goals, experience and industry. From resume writing to interview techniques, a Career Coach helps you develop a targeted approach that increases your chances of career success.

3. Boost Confidence

Navigating a job search can be overwhelming, but a Career Coach helps you build confidence by refining your personal brand and providing constructive feedback. With increased confidence, you’ll approach interviews and networking opportunities with clarity and certainty.

4. Accountability and Focus

It’s easy to lose momentum during a job search, particularly when you don’t hear back from employers or are receiving an unsuccessful letter. A Career Coach keeps you on track. They hold you accountable, set actionable goals and ensure you remain focused and motivated throughout the process.

5. Gain Insider Insights

Career Coaches often have deep industry knowledge and insights into what employers are really looking for. Their expertise helps you tailor your applications, interview responses and networking efforts to what truly matters in your target field.

A Career Coach Gives You a Competitive Edge

Having someone in your corner who understands exactly what you’re going through at every stage of the job search is a game-changer. An experienced Career Coach will provide the support and confidence boost you need to push your limits and aim higher. In today’s competitive job market, you need every advantage you can get, and Career Coaching gives you that edge. You may like to listen to my Career Success Podcast where I speak with job seekers who have been on the same journey. We discuss the challenges, how to advance your career and overcome obstacles to achieve career success. Click here to listen to the Career Success Podcast and find inspiration for your own career success journey.

Think about professionals who want to get ahead… actors have coaches, businesses have coaches, even elite athletes have coaches. Why? Because coaching helps people achieve their absolute best and reach their goals. Your career is no different. Considering you’ll be spending years in the job you land, doesn’t it make sense to have expert guidance in securing the right one?

So, take a page from the book of the world’s most successful individuals — invest in a Career Coach. With their expertise in your corner, you’ll be ready to outshine the competition and achieve the role of your dreams.

I encourage you to book a complimentary 15 minute Career Chat with me learn more about the goals you can achieve in your next career move. You may also like to follow me on Instagram for insightful and practical interviewing and career tips.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post Why a Career Coach Gives You a Competitive Edge appeared first on Letz Create.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to elevate to your next career move, a strategic approach to goal setting, skills development, and networking is vital. This article will help you explore key strategies to help you design a career roadmap that not only enhances your skillset but also propels you toward long-term success and fulfillment. Let’s get started on crafting a path to your career growth!

5 Step Guide to Creating a Career Roadmap

My 5 step guide will help you create a roadmap for your career success that aligns with your current abilities, future aspirations, and the need to build a strong professional network.

1. Set Clear Goals: Define Your Path

Setting professional goals is the first step toward career success. Start by defining what you want to achieve in your career. Consider both short-term and long-term objectives.

• Short-Term Goals might include gaining proficiency in a specific software system, completing a certification, or taking on a new project at work.
• Long-Term Goals could involve moving into a leadership position, transitioning to a new industry, or starting your own business.

Align these goals with your personal values and passions. Make sure they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This clarity will guide your actions and keep you focused on what truly matters.

2. Assess Your Current Skills and Experience

Consider exactly where you are now in your life and career. What skills do you excel in? What areas need improvement?

This self-assessment will help you understand the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

• Technical Skills: Are you proficient in the tools and technologies relevant to your industry? If not, consider courses, workshops, or certifications to bridge the gap.
• Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, and problem-solving are crucial for any role. Identify areas where you can grow, such as emotional intelligence or conflict resolution and seek out some courses or workshops to enhance these skills.

3. Invest in Future Training and Mentorship

Continuous learning is key to staying relevant in any profession. Identify the training programs that will help you acquire the skills needed for your future roles. This might include online courses, workshops, or even formal education.

Mentorship can also be a powerful tool for growth. Align yourself with a mentor who has walked the path you aspire to take. Their insights and guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls, navigate challenges, and accelerate your career progression.

• Participate in Training: Invest in yourself by enrolling in courses that align with your professional goals. Stay ahead of industry trends by continuously updating your knowledge base.
• Seek out Mentorship: Approach a seasoned professional in your field who can offer advice, share experiences, and provide support as you grow.

4. Build a Strong Professional Network

Your network is one of your most powerful tools. Building relationships with others in your industry can open doors to new opportunities, provide valuable insights, and offer support when you need it.

• Attend Industry Events: Conferences, seminars, and workshops are great places to meet like-minded professionals.
• Engage on Social Media: Platforms such as LinkedIn allow you to connect with other professionals in your field, share your expertise, and stay informed about industry trends.
• Join Professional Associations: Being part of a professional organisation can provide access to resources, mentorship opportunities, and a community of peers.

You may also like to read, How to Leverage LinkedIn as Part of an Effective Job Search and Networking Plan, to explore how to maximise your time on LinkedIn to help you achieve your success.

 5. Future-Proof Your Career

The workplace is constantly evolving, and so should you. Stay adaptable and open to change. Embrace new technologies, be willing to pivot when necessary, and always be on the lookout for ways to innovate in your role.

• Stay Informed: Keep up with industry news, emerging trends, and technological advancements.
• Be Open to Change: Whether it’s a new role, a different industry, or an unexpected opportunity, being adaptable can help you navigate the complexities of a changing work environment.

Your Path to Career Success

Setting professional goals, building skills, investing in training, and expanding your network are all integral parts of a successful career strategy. By taking a proactive approach, you can position yourself for growth, adaptability, and long-term success in your chosen field.

Remember, your career journey is ongoing. You should continuously refine your professional goals, develop your skills, and build your network to stay on the path to career success.

If you are feeling stuck or don’t know what to do next you can book in a 15 minute Career Chat with me for some tips, or learn more about the Jump Start Your Career Program. The program is a four week, interactive online program where you will work directly with me to develop tools for your next career move. You will be guided and supported to have all the resources you need to achieve career success!

You may also like to follow me on Instagram for insightful and practical interviewing and career tips.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Set Professional Goals & Build Skills for Future Success appeared first on Letz Create.

Interview Coaching really helps you prepare for the interview and significantly enhances your opportunity to be the successful candidate. You will walk into a job interview with confidence in yourself, have ready to-go answers to any question that comes your way and the ability to showcase your skills and expertise.

Here are the 7 key reasons that Interview Coaching is the secret to securing your next job offer.

1. Improved Confidence

• Preparation and Practice:
  Interview coaching involves preparation and practice such as mock interviews and practicing responses to common interview questions. It helps you become more familiar with the interview process, reduces anxiety and boosts your confidence.
• Feedback and Support:
  You will receive constructive feedback and support from an interview coach who sees and hears your responses objectively. An interview coach will help you identify areas for improvement and support you with developing tailored responses.

2. Enhanced Communication Skills

• Articulated Responses:
  An interview coach will support you to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, making your responses more compelling.
• Non-Verbal Communication:
  In addition to your verbal responses, you will receive tips on body language, eye contact, and other non-verbal cues that can make a strong positive impression at your next job interview.

3. Tailored Strategies

• Personalised Advice:
  Interview coaching is tailored to your unique strengths, weaknesses and your specific career goals. As part of my service, I provide personalised strategies that generic advice often misses.
• Specific Roles and Industries:
  An experienced Career Coach will also offer insights and tips relevant to specific roles you are interested in or industries with their knowledge and expertise.

4. Mastering Behavioural Questions

• STAR Technique:
  As part of my interview coaching service, I support candidates with a structured approach known as the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to effectively answer behavioural questions. This is by far one of the greatest techniques to answer almost any question that comes your way.
• Real-life Examples:
  Interview coaching helps you prepare real-life examples that highlight your skills and achievements relevant to the job you have applied for.

 5. Understanding the Employer’s Perspective

• Research and Insights:
  You will be guided on how to research potential employers, understand their values and culture, and tailor responses to align with what the employer is looking for.
• Interview Etiquette:
  Learning about proper interview etiquette, including dress code, punctuality and follow-up procedures, enhances your professionalism to create a lasting impression.

 6. Addressing Weaknesses

• Identifying Gaps:
  We all have weaknesses and opportunities to learn every day. I support candidates to identify, address and overcome any potential weaknesses for your job interview.
• Overcoming Challenges:
  An interview coach will also provide strategies to handle difficult questions or situations, such as gaps in employment or lack of specific experience. When these strategies are in place you will feel more comfortable responding and overcome any barriers.

 7. Increased Success Rate:

• Higher Job Offers:
  When candidates participate in interview coaching they often have higher success rates in securing job offers more efficiently. The whole job search process can be time consuming and lengthy if you are not prepared with all the right tools and strategies. This also supports negotiating remuneration and the confidence to do so.
• Career Advancement:
  Effective interview coaching can help not only in securing the job but also supports you to negotiate better terms and conditions, as well as remuneration with confidence.

There’s an increasing trend in recent years where job seekers are being asked to submit videos when applying for jobs as part of the screening process. If this is something that you have been requested to do, you may like to read my article, How to Prepare Your Video for the Job Interview Process which outlines what you need to do to prepare for and record a video to make an impactful first impression.

Overall, interview coaching equips job seekers with the tools and techniques needed to present yourself more effectively, making you more competitive and successful in the job market.

You may also like to follow me on Instagram for insightful and practical interviewing and career tips. If you are frustrated by your job search journey, I encourage you to book a complimentary 15 minute Career Chat with me to support your next career move.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post Interview Coaching: The Secret to Securing Your Next Job appeared first on Letz Create.

Networking isn’t just about handing out business cards or adding connections on LinkedIn. Networking involves forming meaningful relationships, exchanging knowledge and opening doors to new opportunities.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career journey, effective networking can unlock hidden job prospects, provide valuable industry insights and ultimately lead you to your dream role. In this blog, I explore the transformative power of networking and offer practical tips to help you leverage your connections for career success.

Access the Hidden Job Market

In the landscape of the job market, it’s often said that the best opportunities are not advertised. This phenomenon, known as the “hidden job market,” exists for several reasons, highlighting the critical importance of personal networks in job searching. The reasons include:

• Cost and efficiency:
  Advertising job roles, using a recruitment company, screening candidates and interviews requires significant resources and can become a costly exercise. S so it makes sense for a businesses, business owners and hiring managers to turn to their professional networks.
• Trust and reliability:
  Hiring through personal referral sources yields candidates who come with a trusted recommendation. This can significantly reduce the perceived risk associated with hiring a new employee.
• Access to passive candidates
  Many highly qualified professionals are not actively looking for new job opportunities and may not respond to job advertisements. However, they might be open to considering a new role if approached directly by a trusted contact.

The Power of Networking

It is estimated that up to 85% of job openings are filled through networking. Don’t underestimate the power of building connections and networking. A significant percentage of jobs are filled through referrals and internal networks. Networking helps you tap into these hidden opportunities.

Networking is critical for job hunting for several key reasons:

1. Building Relationships:
   Developing relationships with professionals in your field can lead to valuable advice, mentorship and guidance. These connections can offer insights into industry trends, company cultures and job openings.
2. Enhanced Credibility:
   When someone within your network refers you for a job, it often carries more weight than a cold application. A recommendation from a trusted employee can significantly boost your chances of securing an interview and ultimately getting hired.
3. Information and Insights:
   Networking allows you to gather firsthand information about potential employers, including their hiring processes, expectations, and work environment. This knowledge can help you tailor your applications and prepare more effectively for interviews.
4. Career Development and Growth:
   Networking is not just about finding a job; it’s about long-term career growth. Regularly interacting with professionals in your industry can help you stay updated on new developments, enhance your skills, and open up opportunities for advancement.
5. Support and Motivation:
   Job hunting can be a challenging and sometimes discouraging process. A strong network provides emotional support, encouragement, and motivation. Peers who have gone through similar experiences can offer advice and help you stay positive and motivated.
6. Skill Development:
   Networking events, professional groups and industry conferences provide opportunities to develop soft skills such as communication, negotiation and public speaking. These skills are valuable in the job market and can enhance your employability.
7. Creating Opportunities:
   By actively networking, you position yourself to be in the right place at the right time. Opportunities can arise unexpectedly through conversations and connections that might not have happened otherwise.
8. Personal Branding:
   Regularly interacting with professionals and sharing your expertise helps build your personal brand. Over time, you become known as a knowledgeable and reliable professional in your field, which can attract job offers and professional opportunities.

Remember, networking is a multifaceted strategy that enhances your job search by providing access to opportunities, offering critical industry insights, building your credibility and supporting your long-term career development.

10 Tips for Effective Networking

To help you network and potentially secure your next job opportunity read A Guide to Networking for Your Next Job, which includes 10 tips for effective networking. When followed and done consistently you will find that you can effectively grow your network, elevate your personal brand and enjoy the process!

You may also like to follow me on Instagram for insightful and practical career and networking tips. If you are frustrated by your job search journey, I encourage you to book a complimentary 15 minute Career Chat with me to support your next career move.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post Career Coach Insights: The Power of Networking appeared first on Letz Create.

In this guide, I delve into the most successful job search strategies that you can apply when searching for your next career move. From identifying your strengths and interest to goal setting, networking and mindset – you will be equipped you with the tools, insights, and techniques needed to navigate the job market with confidence.

8 Strategies for Job Search Success

1. Identify Your Strengths and Interests

Understand what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. Create a list of your strengths and interests and align these with positions in industries that cater to them. This activity can guide you toward fields where you will excel and find fulfillment.

2. Set Clear Job Search Goals

Define what you want to achieve in your career, whether it’s advancing to a certain position, earning a specific salary, or making a meaningful impact in your industry. Write down your goals and expand on these by identifying the actions you can take that will lead you closer to your goals. For example, identify what actions do you to take each week or month to move you towards your goals.

3. Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in your field. Invest in learning new skills that are in demand and relevant to your career goals. Join professional associations or speak to a mentor or connection in the industry you want to work in. You can also add these new skills to your resume and LinkedIn profile.

4. Networking During Job Search

Don’t underestimate the power of your professional network. Build and maintain professional relationships both online and offline. Attend industry events, join relevant professional groups and use platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field. If you’re new to networking then I encourage you to read, A Guide to Networking for Your Next Job.

5. Create Stand-Out Job Search Tools

Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job application. I cannot stress how important this is in today’s world with many recruiting companies and hiring managers using clever technology to sift through the hundreds of applications they received. If you are not tailoring your resume and cover letter with the correct keywords then chances are your application is instantly overlooked. Be sure to review your job search tools to ensure they are free from errors and effectively communicate your value to potential employers.

6. Be Flexible and Open-Minded

Don’t limit yourself to one specific job or industry. Be open to exploring different opportunities that align with your skills and interests, even if they’re outside your original plan. You might be surprised at some of the industries you haven’t even considered. Explore, discuss, network and keen an open mind.

7. Seek Feedback & Learn from Rejection

If you don’t get a job offer, ask the interviewer for feedback. This helps you understand areas where you can improve before you apply for the next job. Use rejection as an opportunity to learn and grow – in fact you will learn lots about yourself during this process. Please don’t get discouraged, which leads me to my next point.

8. Be Persistent and Patient

Finding the right job can take time and effort. Maintain a positive mindset, learn from rejections and keep refining your job search strategy. Remain persistent in pursuing your career goals and you will achieve success in your job search journey! If you’re feeling a little disheartened, I encourage you to listen to my Career Success Podcast series. Here you will hear from individuals just like you who struggled and achieved success. These success stories are sure to inspire your job search journey!

If you are feeling frustrated and don’t know what to do next you can book in a 15 minute Career Chat with me for some tips, or learn more about the Jump Start Your Career Program. This is a live and interactive online program where you will work directly with me. During the course of the four week program, I will guide, support and help you develop all the tools you need to succeed in your job search.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post Career Coach Insights: 8 Strategies for Job Search Success appeared first on Letz Create.

You may have heard the term “It’s not what you know,’ it’s who you know”? While this may seem a little unfair, particularly if you know you are the right candidate for a role, it can indeed be the reality of job search. There is a hidden job market where up to 70% of jobs are not advertised. These roles are most commonly filled through referrals and networks. Hence the importance to build your network, build genuine connections and nurture professional relationships. You want to be sure that YOU are front of mind when someone is recruiting or requesting referrals for job applicants from trusted sources.

The Power of Networking for Job Search

Networking can be one of the most powerful tools in your job search toolkit and starts with a mindset and intention to discover, explore and be open to what you may encounter. Networking requires time and effort and my recommendation is to approach it with a genuine desire to build meaningful connections and contribute to the professional community. It’s also about helping others, as much as it is about helping yourself.

When done correctly, networking for job search can help you obtain leads, referrals, advice, information and support to make it easier for you to find a job because:

• People are more likely to introduce you to their circles, interview and appoint you if they know and trust you as it reduces risk for them.
• Job listings tend to draw piles of applicants which put you in intense competition with many others.
• The job you want may not be advertised at all! 70% of all jobs are not advertised and are searched through networks initially.

10 Tips for Effective Networking

To help you network and potentially secure your next job opportunity here are 10 tips for effective networking. When followed and done consistently you will find that you can effectively grow your network, elevate your personal brand and enjoy the process!

1. Develop a Contact List

It’s my experience that most people know more people than they think. Start by making a list of your friends, colleagues (past and present), neighbours, community, past employers and reach out to them. There are a variety of ways to do this, which I explore in the following tips.

2. Be Clear with Your Intention

Everyone is busy these days, so it’s important to be clear about why you want to speak with your contact and how long you may need from them. Some people may be happy to catch up for a coffee, others may prefer a brief phone chat. It’s about asking the right questions and being clear that you’d like their opinion and views based on the information you need from them. For example, there may be a specific person you’d like them to introduce you to, they may work in a specific industry you’d like to learn more about, or they may be employed in a job role you’d like to explore further.  They may have specific information about current employment opportunities, the market and what opportunities really exist.

3. Focus on Building Relationships

Focus on building relationships and investing time (and maybe also the cost of a coffee or meal) in sharing with your contacts where you are at and what specific information you’d potentially like from them.

By being authentic and specific about your intentions as well as considerate about their potential time constraints, and offering to help them in any way you can, you are likely to uncover important information from your contacts in your job search. The goal may also be for them to keep in you ‘in mind’ if they hear about potential job openings or opportunities relevant to your skills and experience. But it’s not about asking them for a job! See the next tip to explain what I mean.

Relationships are a two way street and it’s therefore important for you to be considerate and ask your contacts how you can also help them if they’ve been kind enough to give you their time and knowledge.

4. Ask for Guidance Not a Job

Your contacts represent a wealth of potential information that can assist you. It’s more powerful to position the conversation around how they could help you, or what guidance or advice they may can provide, based on their experience, position and industry knowledge, rather than asking if they can help you get a job where they work.

5. Have a Strong Pitch

In networking conversations it’s essential that you’re able to clearly communicate your strengths, achievements and experience. Be proud and enthusiastic about what you’ve done and talk about it, because you are your greatest ambassador!

This is definitely the area many people struggle with, because it’s not our natural tendency to promote our own self worth. While I understand you’d prefer your results, resume and LinkedIn profile to do the talking for you, networking for job search is all about being able to clearly and confidently articulate your strengths and preferences.

If you need help in this area, I offer 1:1 sessions to help build your confidence and practice your pitch when you are approaching a networking conversation for this purpose.

6. Use LinkedIn to Grow Your Connections

In some cases, LinkedIn may be the first point of contact for re-connecting with the contact list you developed in step 1, developing a contact list.  LinkedIn is so much more than a platform to apply for advertised roles. It’s also a professional networking platform that helps you stay front of mind with your connections and build new ones.

I encourage you to leverage the messaging function of this platform and make sure you are connected to EVERYONE you know.  Connect, build relationships and then ask for support.

7. Be Ready to Network Anytime, Anyplace and with Anyone!

I have many stories I share with my clients about the curious places I’ve had networking conversations. The most recent was on a train, when I observed a fellow passenger (who I did not know) who was looking a little glum. I initiated a conversation, asking if she was okay, and we ended up having a lovely chat about a recent job interview (which she felt she’d bombed out in) and I offered her some tips for the next one.

You never know where and when your next opportunity will come from and so I encourage you to be curious and have a genuine interest in those around you, in any given situation you find yourself in. Even on a train!

8. Attend Networking Events

There are so many opportunities to attend networking events in Melbourne. MeetUps, seminars, workshops, industry events and networking events are readily available in your area and discoverable via online searches. Take the time to attend relevant networking events you are building your knowledge of the industry you want to work in, building your connections and creating potential opportunities for yourself. It’s also a great place to practice your pitch and develop industry and market intelligence that may just help you in a future job interview.

9. Recognise You Will Have Good Days and Bad Days

The reality is that not all people will respond to your request to help, and that’s okay. Most people are very busy and doing their best to keep all of the balls they are juggling up in the air. Don’t let anyone’s reluctance to help deter you or slow down your momentum.

Keep going! Persistence, being curious and having a sense of humour are vital ingredients for successful networking.

10. Be Grateful and Offer Thanks

I’m confident that if you follow the tips I’ve suggested, then you’ll be well on your way to opening new doors and securing your next job opportunity. You’ll also learn a lot about yourself and others along the way. Once your job search is over, please remember to thank the people that helped you in the networking phase of your job search. And you might even like to pay if forward for someone else!

Never Stop Networking

Don’t forget that networking is an ongoing process and should not be limited to times when you are only actively searching for a job. Cultivating relationships and nurturing your professional network regularly can provide long-term benefits and open doors to future opportunities. You never know what opportunities might present themselves to help you further your career.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post A Guide to Networking for Your Next Job appeared first on Letz Create.

As the largest professional networking platform, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool in your job search. You need to be proactive and strategic in your use of the platform to make the most of it. Here are four tips to help you use LinkedIn proactively when networking for job search.

1. Optimise Your LinkedIn Profile

The first step in using LinkedIn proactively for job search is to optimise your profile. Your profile is your online professional identity and the first thing recruiters and hiring managers will see when they search for potential candidates. Make sure your profile is up-to-date, complete, and showcases your skills and experience.

Your headline and summary should accurately reflect your professional background and career goals. Use keywords relevant to your industry or job target to help recruiters find you easily. Highlight your achievements and skills, and include a professional-looking headshot.

Activate the ‘open to work’ feature and detail the types of roles you are looking for and the geographic locations where you’re available to work. Also add endorsements for your skills by asking former colleagues or connections to endorse you for skills that you want to showcase. This can help boost your credibility and increase your visibility in LinkedIn searches.

2. Reach Out to Colleagues, Potential Employers and Recruiters

The second step to using LinkedIn proactively is to build a targeted network. Focus on connecting with people who can help you achieve your career goals. This includes colleagues, alumni, mentors, industry professionals, and recruiters.

You can ask someone to join your professional network by sending them an invitation to connect. If they accept your invitation, they’ll become a 1st-degree connection. When inviting members to connect, I generally always recommend you send a personalised note to introduce yourself or add context to your relationship. When sending connection requests to people you know, use a familiar tone and reference mutual work or social experiences.

Before reaching out to potential employers, or recruiters, make sure you have a clear goal in mind. Having a clear goal will help you focus your message and make it easier for the person you are reaching out to respond. This could be to learn more about a specific company or role, to request an informational interview, or to ask about potential job openings.

LinkedIn reports that some LinkedIn members have conveyed that they don’t like receiving invitations from people they don’t know, and that they will often ignore or mark those invitations as spam. It’s therefore essential that when reaching out to potential employers and recruiters, you personalise your message and explain why you are interested in the company or role. Don’t just copy and paste a generic message to every connection or potential employer you come across. Take the time to research their background and understand their professional goals and interests. This will help you tailor your message to their specific needs and interests.

Be professional and polite, using proper grammar and spelling, addressing the person by name, and avoiding slang or informal language. Avoid using a pushy tone in your message. Instead, focus on building a genuine connection and expressing your interest in their organisation or role. Remember, your goal is to build a relationship and not to come across as desperate!

When crafting your message, make sure you are clear and concise about why you are reaching out. Explain who you are and why you are interested in connecting with them. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, and how you can add value to their organisation. Don’t forget to express your gratitude for their time and consideration.

3. Alternatives to Sending Invitations to Connect

If you do not feel comfortable sending invitations to connect to people you do not know, or you have a free LinkedIn membership and there are some restrictions on the invites you can send, there are other actions you can take. Here are two alternative and free ways to network with others, rather than inviting someone to connect:

• Follow someone to see the updates and new content that they share in your feed, and establish familiarity by interacting with their posts.
• Find and join a group that’s relevant to you, so you can meet other professionals with similar interests.

4. Engage with Your Network

As you build a targeted network, it’s essential to engage with them regularly. This means liking, commenting, and sharing relevant content related to your industry. If you feel nervous about posting your own content, that’s okay. Instead, clean up your newsfeed by following relevant industry leaders and organisations and re-post their updates with your thoughts, or comment on their updates.

This activity is visible to your connections and hiring managers and recruiters who may be viewing your profile and helps you stay top of mind with potential employers and recruiters. It also allows you to build relationships with other professionals in your industry and can lead to valuable connections and opportunities down the line.

Keep in mind that while LinkedIn is a valuable tool, it’s not a magic bullet and relationships are built over time. Be patient and remember that networking takes time and effort. With a curious nature and a proactive and strategic approach, you can use LinkedIn to make valuable connections and take your job search to the next level.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Leverage LinkedIn as Part of an Effective Job Search & Networking Plan appeared first on Letz Create.

If you are in active job search, an essential part of your job seeking skill set now includes learning how to make an impactful first impression through applying with a short video instead of, or as well as, the traditional CV and cover letter.

“New generations of job seekers are ditching traditional resumes in place of online videos, and an increasing number of employers are welcoming the shift”, reported Peter Hitchener and Justine Conway in a recent Channel 9 news report.

In my experience as a Job Search Coach, more and more of my clients are being asked to prepare videos. For example, when they apply for roles they receive an email at the start of or during the job application process, requiring them to click through and record themselves in order to be considered for a role and proceed to the next step.

Please don’t feel scared by this prospect. If done well, the video application is a great opportunity to showcase your strengths, passions and personality to potential employers. It’s being used by more and more employers who are looking for skilled job seekers.

To use this job seeking tool to your advantage, you need to be very well prepared. Here are my tips for helping you make a great impression when the application process includes recording a video.

Understand the Requirements of the Video Application

In some instances you will be required to answer a series of questions within a specific time period. This is your starting point. Make sure you know what is expected of you. Take the time to consider your answers to these questions. Practice saying them out aloud.

This SEEK article suggests there are four distinct categories of questions you are likely to be asked in a video interview, including:

1. An introductory question e.g. “Tell us a little bit about you?”
2. A motivation question e.g. “Why do you want to work for …?”
3. A technical question about your skills e.g. “Tell us about a time you have helped a customer?”
4. A personality question e.g. “What would you do if you didn’t have to work for a month?”

Consider Your Answers then Practice, Practice, Practice

As you consider your answers to these questions and prepare, think of what could be some of the key messages you would like to convey in the video. Think of some examples you can provide under a S.T.A.R. approach; this is an interview technique that gives you a straightforward format you can use to tell a story by laying out the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

• Situation: Set the scene and give the necessary details of your example.
• Task: Describe what your responsibility was in that situation.
• Action: Explain exactly what steps you took to address it.
• Result: Share what outcomes your actions achieved.

And then practice, practice, practice. Because you may only have two minutes.

Be Just as Prepared for a General Video Introduction

If you’re asked to provide a general introductory video rather than answer specific questions, here’s some tips for how to approach this. You need to be just as prepared as if you were answering set questions. Start by considering the role and the key selection criteria. What attributes are they wishing to see and what skills do they want to know you have?

Once you’ve given this careful consideration, map out the key headlines you want to say about yourself. You may choose to write these down and have them handy as prompts when you record the video.

Do Not Rush

You will not make as good an impression in your video if you come across as rushed.Take the time to consider when you can record the video so you will not be interrupted by co-workers, your family, house mates, pets or noisy traffic outside your window. I know it may feel scary to record a video of yourself. It may be tempting to just ‘get it done’.

Please don’t rush or just ‘do it now’ because you want it to be over. Most hiring managers don’t want to hire someone who doesn’t take the time to think things through. Take a more methodical and considered approach.

Show Your Natural Speaking Style

While you could script your answers, and even use a teleprompter that you follow as you record the video, it is important to remember that the hiring manager is not just assessing your answers. They will also be viewing the video to assess your communication skills. The more natural you can be, the better indication you will give of what you’re really like.

Prepare Your Surroundings Before You Record

Make sure the area behind you is clean and uncluttered, and that there are no distracting or inappropriate objects visible in the background. Consider adding a plant or a piece of art to add some personality to the space.

Think About What You’re Wearing

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Dress professionally and avoid busy patterns or colours that might be distracting on camera. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and remember that solid colours generally look better on camera than patterns or stripes.

Check Your Lighting

Natural light is ideal, but if that’s not available, make sure you have enough artificial lighting to illuminate your face without creating harsh shadows. Avoid having a window or bright light source directly behind you, which can make your face appear too dark.

Advantages of Recording Yourself on Video

Spark Hire is a leading video job interviewing platform used by more than 6,000 organisations of all sizes across the globe. Many Australian organisations are integrating Spark with their applicant tracking system, resulting in a quick and equitable candidate experience, with all candidates answering the same interview questions leading to fair evaluations and providing you with the ability to provide more context about your experience. In some cases it also means your application can be processed faster, which is always music to a job seeker’s ears.

Vpply is a web application that allows candidates to apply for jobs with a video profile. Their website reports that the concept of the video technology came from addressing the lack of human connection in the first stage of the hiring process – job search. Finding a job is challenging and Vpply wants to allow jobseekers to make an impactful first impression through applying with a short video instead of the traditional CV and cover letter.

While it may not replace your need to prepare a cover letter and resume in the job application process it is increasingly likely to be a requirement. For talent acquisition managers, recruiters and hiring managers, some of the video based jobseeker databases on the market can easily be searched, qualified and shortlisted, and may not just be a stand alone step in the hiring process for a specific role.

On LinkedIn I have seen this technology when my clients are applying for roles in HR, sales, marketing, and project management. LinkedIn’s skills demonstration feature enables you to answer a standardised question via writing or video. Job posters will see your response when they view your application. Job titles that have the option to demonstrate skills include a selection of HR, Sales, Project Management and Marketing. You can view the latest list via LinkedIn Help here.

If you’d like help preparing for your next job interview or the job application process, please contact me for an obligation free discussion.

Marina Pitisano

I am a passionate Career Coach who works with individuals in the explore and search phase of their career journey, helping you realise your strengths through my career coaching and training programs. I enjoy showing people the path to greater career satisfaction and providing insight and tools to help you make your next career move.

The post How to Prepare Your Video for the Job Interview Process appeared first on Letz Create.