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Hey There!

Welcome to Issue #156 of Jobseeking is Hard!

Today's issue is brought to you by I Hate It Here! If you're a free subscriber and value our content, give it a click and check ‘em out! Show our sponsor some love for supporting Jobseeking is Hard! Thanks!

I’ve been really under the weather this past week and didn’t have the chance to put together a full issue, but I still wanted to share a quick bit of resume advice.

Candidates seem to be getting more traction from direct applications in the past month, so if you’re not hearing back, give this a try. Hope you find it helpful!

This week we’re talking about:

• Why your resume shouldn’t read like a job description

And for Premium subscribers I’m:

• Debunking the “easiest interview hack no one uses”

• Answering a Premium subscriber’s question about networking. I’ll explain how to build real connections without feeling fake, awkward, or forced.

Let’s get to it!

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 it’ll give you valuable feedback that you were blind to like this client 🤷‍♂️

So how did I help this Comprehensive Resume Review client find success?

I explained why resumes aren’t job descriptions.

A client had a resume packed with phrases like "managed a program," "led an initiative," and "updated processes." It all sounded good, but it didn't actually tell the reader what happened or how. Lines like "led technology transfer discussions" or "developed and managed project plans" look fine at first, but they don't say anything about what that really involved. The problem wasn't effort...it was context.

Don't just say what you were responsible for. Don't just say that you did things...show the skills you used to do them. Recruiters want to see execution. That means giving more detail about how you did the work, what tools or people were involved, and what changed because of it.

For example, "coordinated cross-functional efforts across five teams to deliver on time and under budget" tells a reader a lot more than "managed a project." It's not about adding fluff or bragging. You want to demonstrate your experience using the necessary skills, not just talk about what you were responsible for in a generic, superficial way.

(That's the problem with AI-assisted resumes btw...they take the job description and regurgitate it, without knowing what you actually did to accomplish those things. The actual work.)

Resumes aren't a list of your job descriptions...they're marketing documents to show the recruiter how you executed your job description. It's about making the work feel real.

Once you start explaining the "how," every result you share has a greater impact because the reader already understands what went into it. It's the difference between saying "increased efficiency" and showing the steps you took to make it happen. That context is what separates a resume full of responsibilities from one that actually demonstrates skill.

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. 

Today's issue is also brought to you by Superhuman AI! C’mon give it a click…it costs $0 and helps support your favorite job search newsletter 🙂

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PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER QUESTION

“First off, I just want to say how much I appreciate your newsletter. It’s the one piece of job-search content I actually look forward to reading. You always explain things in a way that makes sense...no generic advice, no recycled LinkedIn superficial crap.

Here’s my question: Everyone keeps telling me I need to ‘put myself out there’ and network more, but I never know what that actually means in practice. I don’t want to come off as pushy or make people feel like I’m only reaching out because I need something. I know I should be commenting on LinkedIn posts, but is creating content part of putting myself out there?

What’s the right way to build genuine connections without it feeling forced or awkward?”

Check out the Premium Section below for my answer! Not a Premium Subscriber? Upgrade here: www.JobseekingIsHard.com/upgrade

Why upgrade? For less than $0.63/day, you get:

• Subscriber-Only Discounts: Get exclusive promo codes for Karpiak Consulting services, available only to Premium subscribers. Whether you're updating your resume, need a LinkedIn profile review, or want expert help tailoring your applications, these occasional discounts make expert support more accessible.

• 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.

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.

AFFILIATES

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