- Jobseeking is Hard
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- #130 - Stop Underselling Yourself
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Hey There!
Welcome to Issue #130 of Jobseeking is Hard!
Today's issue is brought to you by SelectSoftware Reviews! If you're a free subscriber and value our content, it costs $0 to support us by taking .0005 seconds to click the ad and check out the service. Seriously…all you need to do is click it. You don’t even have to subscribe or buy anything…just clicking helps support us. Easy peasy. Show our sponsor some love for supporting Jobseeking is Hard! Thanks!
Back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Spring break’s over. The inbox is full. And we’ve got advice, red flags, and everything else you missed. Let’s go!
This week we’re talking about:
Stupid interview questions
A jobseeking horror story about doing all the work…for nothing
Reframing your experience so you look ready for the next level
The best (worst?) job posting of the week
And a scam involving federal layoffs on LinkedIn
And for Premium subscribers I’m:
Debunking advice about what interviewers really want to see
Giving you tips on how to follow up after applying
Telling you why an "interests" section might help (or hurt) your job search
Answering a Premium subscriber's question about handling a choppy work history. I'll explain how to frame contract and freelance experience so it reads as intentional, not inconsistent.
Let’s get to it!
STUPID INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
To work at a bank, I was asked, "If you could be any kind of furniture, what would you be and why?"
I wish I had the confidence of that interviewer…asking what kind of furniture I'd be like it was a perfectly normal question. Must be nice to go through life unburdened by self-awareness.
“If you were an animal, which one would you be?
There’s only 1 wrong answer:
“Would you rather have jellyfish for your feet or hands?”
Was this the interviewer:
Now I’m curious…
Would you rather have jellyfish for your feet or hands? |
Want to share your stupid interview questions? Reply or email [email protected]
SPEAKING OF POLLS
Back in issue #128 (pre-Spring Break), I asked you, "If you had no clean underwear, would you wear a dirty pair inside out or not wear any underwear that day?" More than 65% of you said you’d go commando!
Some of the best responses:
“Commando it is!! No zippers though.”
“Alexa, play the Law & Order: SVU theme song.”
"Depending on the type of trousers I was wearing. Because if they're a polyester mix, I don't need that all up in my business. Kind of like this question if I got asked in an interview..."
But my favorite was:
"I'm out there, Jerry, and I'm lovin' every minute of it!"
COMMUNITY CATHARSIS
For a role in a government department, I had to attend an info session and then submit a resume, cover letter, and selection criteria.
The next stage was a screening phone call. Then, I was given 24 hrs to develop a PPT on a concept (that I had to come up with) on how to improve the business/department.
I then had to deliver the PPT to an online panel.
The next stage was a panel interview with 4 people.
This dragged on for 3 months with no feedback or updates. Finally, after all that, I received a rejection email with no opportunity for feedback.
Since then, I've seen my “concept” idea implemented across that department and another government department.
Three months. Info session. Resume. Cover letter. Selection criteria. Screening call. A 24-hour original concept deck. A live panel delivery. Another panel interview. And after all that… a rejection email with no feedback?
AND THEN THEY USE YOUR IDEA?!?
Not even a "Thanks for the free consulting!"
It's exhausting how normalized this kind of behavior has become. Companies (and yes, government departments too apparently) ask for original, strategic thinking during the interview process…then ghost or reject the candidate while still moving forward with the idea like it just magically appeared.
You deserved better.
If you're reading this and nodding because it happened to you too... you're not alone. And no, it's not just "part of the process." It's exploitation dressed up as an interview process.
Subscribers…
Has anything like this ever happened to you? |
If there's a jobseeking horror story *you’d* like to share, reply or email [email protected]
SHAMELESS PLUG
If your job search needs a little more help, Karpiak Consulting offers resume and LinkedIn services, as well as job search strategy coaching.
Who knows…maybe my suggestions will help you land an offer in a tough job market like this client 🤷♂️
So how did I help this Comprehensive Resume Review client go from low traction to multiple interviews and offers?
Positioning and potential.
The experience was there…but the relevance was buried. Vague phrasing, inconsistent formatting, and a lack of clarity around the job posting’s duties made the resume feel unfocused. It didn’t reflect the seniority of the roles being targeted. It didn’t highlight outcomes. And it didn’t help hiring managers quickly see how the experience aligned with the types of positions being pursued.
The biggest issue? The resume wasn’t telling a story that made sense for where this candidate was headed. It wasn’t enough to show what had been done…it had to clearly explain how that experience made them a strong fit for the next level.
How do you fix that? First, reframe the summary. Instead of just recapping the past, it needs to provide a forward-looking snapshot of the value the candidate could bring to a new team. Then, strip the generic phrasing that could apply to almost anyone in a similar role and replace it with clearer, results-focused statements highlighting ownership, outcomes, and growth.
Next, reorganize the bullet points to lead with what matters most for the types of roles being targeted. Clean up dense descriptions, and pull accomplishments to the front so they’re visible at a glance…because that’s all the time you get in a quick initial scan.
If you don’t position yourself for growth, your resume will only ever make sense for lateral moves. Listing your responsibilities as a historical record might check the box for “qualified,” but it doesn’t make a case for why you’re ready for more. Hiring managers look for signs of initiative, leadership, and ownership. That means showing how you made things better…not just that you kept things running.
The end result? A resume that doesn’t just reflect past work…but clearly positions you as qualified for where you want to go.
Even if you’re qualified, your resume has to look like someone ready for the next job…not just the ones you’ve had.
If you’re feeling like your resume isn’t telling your story the way it should and don’t know how to frame your experience, our services can help.
BEST (WORST?) JOB POST
OF THE WEEK
Here’s the job post that got the most people talking on my Instagram this week!
I wish all job postings were this honest
If you come across an irritating job posting, email it to the newsletter or DM me on Instagram and I’ll add it to the list to post!
JOB SCAMS!
A new scam is going around targeting federal layoffs.
Over the past couple of weeks, multiple people have messaged me about this, and others have sent articles confirming what they experienced firsthand.
Scammers are searching LinkedIn for people recently laid off from federal departments. They're searching by employer (especially from well-known agencies currently in the news) and looking for a "-2025" end date.
If your profile says you've recently separated from the federal government, you're suddenly a target.
The scam attempts vary:
Fake job offers asking you to buy equipment before onboarding.
Phishing links disguised as "apply here" buttons from companies you've never interacted with mimicking actual job openings from legit companies.
Resume harvesting...someone offers to pass along your resume or connect you to a role, only to reply with, "Actually, your resume isn't ATS-compliant. But I know someone who can help…" with a sketchy link to an overpriced "resume expert."
It's manipulative and gross, preying on people during an already vulnerable time.
Always go directly to the company's website to verify legitimacy (not through the link they sent). And if something feels off, trust that instinct.
Stay safe out there!
Has this scam contacted you? |
If you come across a potential scam, send it to [email protected], and I’ll warn the community. And if you’ve been a victim of a job scam, the FTC has job scam reporting resources listed here.
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"I've had a few short-term roles over the past couple of years. Some were contracts, one where I got laid off after 5 months, and another that just wasn't the right fit. None of them were shady, but now I'm worried it looks like I'm job-hopping. What's the best way to handle that on my resume and in interviews?"
Check out the Premium Section below for my answer! Not a Premium Subscriber? Upgrade here: www.JobseekingIsHard.com/upgrade
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Exclusive Q&A: Have questions about your job search? Premium subscribers can ask Adam directly! Questions will be featured in upcoming issues, with detailed answers tailored to real-world scenarios, ensuring you get the guidance you need.
Bonus Content: As part of your Premium subscription, you’ll receive 20 additional job search tips delivered to your inbox over the next 20 days. This includes advice on avoiding common mistakes and maximizing your job search strategy to land interviews faster.
Jobseekers, have a great rest of your week, and good luck with those applications!
-Adam
PS!! If you're enjoying the newsletter, let people know! Forward it, post it on social, tag me, whatever...the bigger the discussion, the better! The idea is to help as many people as possible!
About Adam- Recognized as a leading voice on hiring and workplace trends, Adam has been recruiting and providing career advice since 2003, developing high-trust relationships based on honesty with companies and jobseekers. A highly sought-after speaker, he has appeared in numerous outlets, including Bloomberg News, Business Insider, LinkedIn, and CNNMoney. You can find out more about Adam's resume and coaching services here.
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- • Extra Tips & Advice: Gain exclusive insights, strategies, and advice from a recruiter with over 20 years of experience in the field. Discover what hiring managers truly value and how to stand out at every step of your job search.
- • Access to Previous Issues: Explore a library of knowledge with all 100+ past issues of the newsletter. Each edition is packed with proven strategies, practical advice, and real-world jobseeking stories to give you an edge in today’s competitive job market. From resume tips to handling tough interview questions, you’ll find answers to every challenge.
- • Exclusive Q&A: Have questions about your job search? Premium subscribers can ask Adam directly! Questions will be featured in upcoming issues, with detailed answers tailored to real-world scenarios, ensuring you get the guidance you need.
- • Bonus Content: As part of your Premium subscription, you’ll receive 20 additional job search tips delivered to your inbox over the next 20 days. This includes advice on avoiding common mistakes and maximizing your job search strategy to land interviews faster.
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