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.

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 Podcast Ep50: Turning Roadblocks Into Opportunity and Career Success with Lucinda 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.

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.

The thought of actively looking for another job can be daunting. So often people wait until a redundancy before they make a change, because it’s been forced upon them. While it may be easier to stay where you are, if you are in an organisation that’s making structural changes or it’s difficult to progress your career with your current employer, then this article is for you.

When you are actively in ‘job search’ mode, there are many factors that can influence your success. Here are 7 steps to achieve success in your job search:

1. Cover Letter

Your cover letter is the number one tool that will help you get invited to an interview. Many people often overlook crafting a cover letter, yet it is the first piece of information a potential employer or recruiter will look at. It will assist the employer or recruiter to evaluate your suitability for the advertised role. When I work with clients on writing their cover letters for their job applications, we can spend as much time on the cover letter as the resume to ensure we get it right!

In this article I explore how to write a cover letter that gets you to the job interview.

2. Killer Resume

Recruiters and hiring managers see LOTS of resumes. What can you do to develop a killer resume? You must focus on developing a resume that powerfully demonstrates your suitability for the advertised position. This means tailoring the resume to every new opportunity you apply for. There are some protocols to follow when writing your resume, one of which is what to cover in the Professional Experience section.

For each role you must provide the following key points:

• Role title
• Name of organisation you worked for
• Dates of employment
• Key Responsibilities
• Key Achievements
• Scope / breadth of role (e.g. how many people reported to you, what geographic area did you cover, etc)
• Value of Budget or P&L you managed (if relevant)

3. LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn Profile is how you will get found by recruiters on LinkedIn.  Make sure you have updated your career interests on your profile’s private dashboard, letting recruiters know you are open to being contacted. Your LinkedIn profile must contain information that is consistent with your job search goals. Provide readers with a sense of your areas of expertise, experience and professional approach.

When in active job search, the key area to focus on with your LinkedIn Profile include:

• Photo
• Summary
• Headline
• Experience
• Recommendations
• Skills
• Career Interests

Importantly, writing your LinkedIn profile is not as simple as cutting and pasting the professional summary, experience and education sections of your resume.

In this article you can learn more about the difference between a LinkedIn profile and your resume.

4. Interview

You should expect to be invited to a variety of different interview types as part of the job application process. This may include group settings, with a hiring panel, online, face to face, informal or formal interviews. The STAR interview method helps you answer interview questions by providing concrete examples or proof that you possess the experience and skills required for the job you are applying for.

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method is particularly helpful in response to competency-focused questions, which typically start out with phrases such as “Tell us about a time when…” and “Share an example of a situation where…”

For many of my clients the interview is the part of the job search they fear the most. I support them with Interview Coaching which includes practice interviews where we develop the types of questions they may be asked for a particular job they’ve applied for, and we prepare and practice their answers.

In this article I share some tips on how you can stand out at your next job interview.

5. Networking

Networking has also changed considerably in the last few years. We have become more accustomed to online networking through a variety of platforms and more recently have returned to face-to-face networking. No matter which form of networking you are participating in, always follow up with connections you meet to form stronger relationships. Some ways you can do this include connecting via LinkedIn, sending an email or following up with a phone call to make a memorable impression.

With online tools such as LinkedIn and offline tools such as professional networking events, there are many ways to leverage your networks to help you during your job search.  It’s essential you develop a networking plan, and have practised how you describe where you are at and the types of roles you are looking for. You also need to be brave enough to seek the advice of other professionals who can assist you in achieving your career goals.

6. Recruiters

Recruiters are an important gatekeeper for some of the roles you will apply for during your job search. Importantly, most recruiters are not your career advisor (that’s what I am here for) and so you need to be sure that you meet with recruiters that are aligned to your values and have roles in the sector you wish to work in.  Ask trusted friends and colleagues in your industry (who may have recently changed jobs) which recruiters they would recommend you speak with.

In this article I explore what you need to know about a Career Coach vs a Recruiter.

7. Mindset

A positive mindset is essential when you are in active job search. The reason many people stay where they are, despite being unhappy and wanting to make a change in jobs, is because the job search process can be difficult. You are likely to receive some rejection emails or phone calls and sometimes absolutely no response at all. These can affect your confidence and mindset. You need to be mentally strong to overcome the negatives. Analyse the negative experiences and learn from them – what went wrong, what responses could you have used, what were you not prepared for, how could you have better prepared yourself?

You need to put yourself out there and be willing to experience setbacks. DO NOT GIVE UP! There is some work required to keep you in a positive state of mind, which I welcome the opportunity to explore further with you. Book a 15 minute Career Chat if you need some guidance in your job search.

If you are feeling stuck, here’s an article to help you get moving and take action!

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 7 Steps to Achieve Job Search Success appeared first on Letz Create.

Do not fret. I am here to support your job search journey and wrote today’s article with you in mind, because it’s so important for you to stay focused when you’re looking for a job. As a job seeker, you need to maintain your confidence whilst going through the tough reality of rejections, very limited, if any, feedback and feeling stuck about what to do next.

Adapting the PERMA Model to Your Job Search Journey

So let’s start with a helpful acronym based on the PERMA model. This helps you consider the key things to focus on to keep mentally strong. I’ll then talk you through what each of these mean, and provide some easy steps to follow so you can tackle this season of your life.

P ositive emotions

E ngagement

R elationships

M eaning

A ccomplishments

Positive Emotions

If you focus on the negative, then this is what will consume you. And that’s not helpful when you’re in active job search (or in life generally!). Instead, it’s essential to focus on what is going right and what you are grateful for. It’s also helpful to visualise where you’d like to be heading and what you are hopeful about. The aim is to get those endorphins going by calling up your positive emotions.

Recall a recent life event that gave you joy. Spend time really thinking about it and remembering all of the details. What could you hear, who was there, what did everything look like? Close your eyes as you do this and allow yourself to smile and dwell on how you felt in this moment.

When you’re feeling the warm and fuzzier from this exercise, write down some positive mantras that you can say to yourself.  These will be helpful to say over and over to yourself when you are preparing your resume for a job application or trying to remember to breathe before your next phone or video interview.

Here are some examples of positive mantras:

• I am professional.
• I am an amazing team member.
• I am an asset to this organisation.
• I am just what this department needs right now.

Engagement

When you are in active job search you can become consumed by the job hunt. I understand that you’re keen to get a new role, but all work and no play is not good for you.  You need to create structure in your day with rituals that will help you call up the positive emotions mentioned above.

Here’s some of the ways you can do this:

• Write in a journal each day or week and consider what you are grateful for.
• Spend time each each day in nature. Appreciate the smells, the sounds and the beauty that is all around you, if you’re looking.
• Learn to meditate. Insight Timer is a wonderful (and free) App that gives you access to guided meditations from practitioners around the world.

I also encourage you to participate in activities that you love.  Make a list of the small rituals in your day that bring you joy and write them on a post-it note. Put the post-it note somewhere you can see often. Maybe you like to listen to classical music, or you enjoy a good chat with a friend, drinking tea, reading, listening to a podcast or baking.  Make the list and do at least one of these each day.

Also consider what you do well and make sure you spend time doing this on a regular basis.  This could be playing a certain sport, playing a musical instrument or applying your valued skills by helping those around you.

Relationships

It’s easy to disconnect from others in this increasingly digital world where so many people are spending time on their devices. I encourage you to consider how you can be building better relationships with the people around you a well as exploring building some new relationships.

Now is a good time to do activities with others that will allow you to further connect.

• Join a group around a hobby you are passionate about. Meet Ups offer a wide variety of options people with similar interests to meet up (online and in real life) and discuss these interests.
• Check out the volunteer options via SEEK Volunteer. This is also a great way to develop new skills and explore industries and organisations you’re interested in. Giving back also helps encourage those positive emotions.
• Reach out to people that can help you with the job/industry you are interested in. Find out if these industries have a peak body that runs networking events. Again, do some online research.
• Create new connections online via LinkedIn.

Meaning

Another important way to stay mentally strong is to have a purpose beyond your job search.  Create a bigger vision for yourself, and your life. Understand what is really important to you and allow that to motivate you. Perhaps it’s your family, your friends or a personal passion. It may even be your fur baby!

I believe we should all have a passion project.  These are the things we do just because we enjoy them. For some people it’s photography or learning a new language. Consider something you’ve always wanted to learn and spend some time each day or week developing this skill.

Good habits such as exercise and healthy eating should not be overlooked when you explore what is important in your life right now. Staying active and eating well means ensuring physical activities like a daily walk, your meal planning and weekly food shop are a priority in your regular schedule.  Doing this requires your attention and is a great way to add more meaning to your life by putting yourself and your own health first.

If you’re keen to work on your professional skills, LinkedIn Learning can be accessed for free via most local library memberships and offers a wide range of professional development. You can also investigate the Google Digital Garage for digital skills. Hubspot is also a great resource for a variety of sales and marketing skills. Do some googling and see what you can find.

Accomplishments

Make a list of what you have achieved in the past, reflect on these accomplishments and take a moment to pat yourself on the back.  Think about what you have achieved from a professional and personal perspective. If you find it hard to do this, ask the people around you to help. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what they consider some of your accomplishments to be.

Keep this list handy and when you are feeling a little deflated, use this list as a reminder of your past achievements to keep your momentum going.  This exercise will also help remind you that you’ve achieved much in the past and you will achieve more in the future.

Stay Strong

Being in active job search is a chapter of your life that requires you to be mentally strong. While it’s essential to have a support crew around you, including a loving partner and a trusted mentor or career and job search coach like me, it’s also just as important for you to be there for yourself.

It is my hope that these suggestions for how to stay mentally strong will provide you with a greater sense of purpose as you continue on your adventure to find your next job.  Remember that all of your story is yet to unfold.  You are capable of great things and you will be an invaluable team member at your next job.  If you believe this, you will give hiring managers and recruiters the confidence to believe in you too!

If you are in active job search or have a family member, friend or colleague who needs some extra support in their job search, I can help.  I partner with men and women to provide clarity and guidance on achieving a more satisfying career. I will support you until you get a job and can review your CV, prepare you for interviewing and help you navigate the open & hidden market to find your ideal job.

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 Stay Mentally Strong When You are Looking for a Job appeared first on Letz Create.

You were once filled with enthusiasm, but your confidence is starting to erode. It’s been a few years since you’ve been in active job search like this, and the rules of engagement seem to have changed!

When you are actively looking for a new job, it can be really hard work and feel like an uphill battle. You’ve set up job alerts on the major job sites, and the overwhelming task of dealing with recruiters and hiring managers who may or may not call you back to provide feedback or an update on the status of your application.

You’re also learning how to best navigate the online application process, sound cheerful, professional and approachable during phone interviews and you’re doing your best to keep the dog and children quiet during video interviews.

And we haven’t even mentioned the emotional toll of the job search battle and how you’re feeling about the inevitable rejection that naturally comes with applying for jobs in a competitive employment market.

So let’s start with this…

• Are you okay?
• Are you speaking kindly to yourself?
• Do you have a great support crew helping you stay positive?

The good news is that you are not alone and I am here to help. I work with professionals who are in their 30s, 40s and 50s who are in active job search and starting to wonder why they are not having the success they deserve when applying for roles they know they could do.

When I reflect on all of the clients I’ve worked with, what makes them successful is that they’re confident, they sell themselves and they have put all of the right tools together. They do the hard work and are prepared.

“But I feel like you just described me Marina!” I hear you say. I hope that’s true, and today’s article is your opportunity to check if there are any gaps in how you’re tackling your job search so you can win the job search battle. I’ll cover what I recommend you need to do to be successful in active job search and you can check and address any gaps in your battle plan.

The 3 Ingredients for Successful Job Search

When I work with clients in active job search, there is a certain element of relief when I explain to new clients that job search success is actually a very simple formula. It looks like this:

When you get your resume right, write exceptional cover letters and update your LinkedIn profile you are giving yourself the best chance of success. This is because you are prepared for the job search battle and this preparation gives you confidence, which will give you greater success in interviews. I’m not saying winning the job search battle is easy, I’m saying it takes a lot of hard work and preparation. And you can do it!

Let’s start with ingredient number one, your resume.

Ingredient Number One: Your Resume

Most people now understand that the Australian job market is highly competitive and that recruiters and hiring managers are spoilt for choice. Here is my comprehensive list of ‘must do’ items to set you up for success when writing your resume.

• You must go to battle with a well prepared master resume that you then adapt for each role you apply for. Expect to develop many versions of this resume when you are in active job search applying for multiple roles.
• Consider your audience when writing your resume and use the wording they use in the job advertisement to describe what they are looking for in a successful candidate.
• Your resume should be 2-4 pages and must showcase all the relevant information.
• A biography is important because it can grasp the reader immediately.
• As a general guide, your professional summary should be no longer than 3-4 sentences and include years of service & industry; synopsis of types of responsibilities pertaining to the job; highlight key attributes
• Highlight achievements wherever possible, include responsibilities written with metrics, provide the scope of the role (geographic, client/ industry type, no. direct reports, etc), include the improvements / contributions / achievements in each role, highlight what is pertinent and adapt the job titles if they are not well understood industry terms
• As a general rule, I recommend you list the following categories in your resume: Name and contact details; Bio / Professional Summary; Competencies relevant to role / job application; Professional experience summary relevant to role / job application; Career timeline and Education.
• The most common file format is MS Word. You may also be asked to submit your cover letter and resume in PDF format.

And now let’s look at your next vital ingredient, your killer cover letter.

Ingredient Number Two: Your Cover Letter

Every single role you apply for must have a cover letter tailored to that role, with the letter to a person rather than just the general Sir/Madam. This means you need to take the time to research the role and company, or the recruiter who may be representing the company, and do your best to find the name of the key point of contact who will be reviewing the job applications.

Key information to include when you set out your cover letter is:

• Your address and contact details usually on the right side at the top
• The employer’s (or recruiter’s) name and address usually on the left side
• The date
• Dear (Insert Name)
• Personalised and relevant information
• Address all key selection criteria in a table
• Mention resume and sign off.

Make sure your cover letter is highlighting the right information so that a potential employer gives you the big tick for the interview.  I suggest you put yourself in the hiring manager’s seat. Make your cover letter easy to read and respond specifically to the requirements of the role, in summary form.

Address all Key Selection Criteria ‘head on’ in a table that highlights how your experience, educations and skills meets the requirements for the role. With this approach you actively demonstrate that you understand what they are looking for and how you meet the criteria. It is tailored, to the point and easy for the prospective employer to put you in the YES pile.

Then mention that your resume is attached and finish with a call-to-action such as requesting an interview or asking to meet before signing off politely.

Ingredient Number Three: Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is not your resume.  What you are addressing on LinkedIn is a higher level or more general version of what you detail in your resume.  LinkedIn is where you showcase your professional brand and includes key elements such as the About section that provides an overview of your experience, skills and personal attributes. You can let recruiters and hiring managers, as well as your LinkedIn community know you are in active job search with the Open To Work feature. Find out more here.

LinkedIn is search engine optimised, so it’s very important to use this online space wisely!  You have 120 characters in the headline and 2000 characters in the About section of your LinkedIn Profile.

Here are some critical success factors to consider when writing your LinkedIn Profile.

• Professional Photo:
  This can be taken by a photographer, or a friend with a good camera or phone camera and must show you in professional attire. Avoid pictures with others, pictures of you on holidays or at a recent wedding.
• Relevant Information:
  Your information must be relevant to your ideal employer and optimised so you will get found on LinkedIn. the sections that are most important are the Open To, About Section, Experience, Education, Skills and Summary.
• Focus on Recruiters & Hiring Managers:
  Before updating your LinkedIn Profile consider ‘What do I want to be known for?” and “Who am I trying to influence?”. Forgot about your friends and colleagues and focus on future employers, recruiters and hiring managers.
• About Section:
  The first 1-2 lines of this section are the most important as they are what people see first and will encourage them to click through and read on. Be personable and speak directly to the reader..
• Experience:
  Clearly articulate the scope and breadth of each role and demonstrate key achievements in this area via your experience and key achievement statements.  Briefly describe your accountabilities and then focus on what you have achieved in that role. Provide as much relevant evidence of your achievements as possible, with clear metrics (e.g. % increases in business growth, if you’re in a business development role). Also use words such as ‘Successfully” and “Consistently” to communicate a more compelling achievement.
• Recommendations:
  The best LinkedIn recommendations are ones that offer specific results or examples. They are just like a written reference and can be a very powerful way to reinforce that you are the professional who potential employers need to meet.

It’s now time to prepare for battle!

Remember . . . . 

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 Win the Job Search Battle appeared first on Letz Create.

But what if this is not your natural response and it’s much easier to say no? Up until recently, saying no had been my default, and it’s this personal experience that I’d like to share with you today.

There is a certain seduction in saying no and it was pointed out to me, whilst working with a coach, that when I was asked to consider a new approach I immediately said no. This insight got me thinking about why I tend to say no immediately rather than yes. If I said yes, I was committing to an opportunity that I had no idea if it would work or not. It felt ambiguous and unknown, and I was not comfortable with not having all of the details. How could I possibly commit to an idea that had no structure or any guarantee that it would succeed?

I realised that this response was attached to my self belief. Can I do it?

Hence, the seduction of no and not believing I can do it!

It is easier to say no to reduce the chance of failing.

It is easier to say no to avoid making mistakes.

It is easier to say no because then I don’t have to take a risk.

But what I have come to realise is that life is not about what is easier. And what I am noticing is that saying yes to discomfort is often when the magic really happens. It can sometimes be a more challenging path, but it can also be a much more rewarding one.

Self Belief is the Key to Success

What I have learnt is to trust myself more, and to be okay about saying yes to the unknown.  I just needed to believe in myself more and surround myself with people who remind me “Marina, yes you can!”

Believing I can work it out and make it succeed is proving to make all the difference! Self belief is at the heart of helping me achieve the success I desire in my business and career.

The 4 Questions You Must Ask Yourself in 2021 for Career Success

So why am I writing about this? As a passionate advocate of helping others do work that challenges and inspires them, I’m curious to know if you’re holding yourself back by using no as your ‘go to’ when opportunities arise?

If you do, I encourage you to reflect on your ‘go to’ responses and consider the following questions:

1. If you consistently say NO to opportunities, what is that saying about you?
2. What is your NO attached to?
3. In what ways can you build your self worth to take on new and unknown opportunities?
4. By saying NO, what opportunities are you missing out on?

In other words, how is your NO seducing you?

There is no time like the present to consider why you’re choosing to stay stuck rather than aspiring for new opportunities.

Make 2021 the year of saying YES! And if you’d like to be surrounded by someone who reminds you “Yes, you can!” please contact me for a confidential chat about 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 The 4 Questions You Must Ask Yourself in 2021 for Career Success appeared first on Letz Create.