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Hey There!

Welcome to Issue #167 of Jobseeking is Hard!

Today's issue is brought to you by Dare to Dream! If you're a free subscriber and value our content, it costs $0 to support us by clicking the ad and checking out the service. Show our sponsor some love for supporting Jobseeking is Hard! Thanks!

I want to help you kick off your 2026 job search on the right foot.

January is here, and you know what that means: hiring budgets are reset and the out-of-office replies are gone. Teams are back, job reqs are open, and decisions are actually being made again.

This is when ghost jobs are at their lowest. The roles you’re seeing posted right now are far more likely to be real, funded, and actively moving. Companies aren’t just collecting resumes, and recruiters aren’t building pipelines for later. They’re working open roles that need to be filled.

Which makes this a genuinely good time to revamp, retool, and reinvigorate your job search. Not by doing more. Not by starting over. But by being smarter about what you’re targeting, how you’re positioning yourself, and where your effort actually has a chance of paying off.

Below, I’m breaking down what to prioritize, what to ignore, and where small adjustments can have big impact. The goal isn’t more activity. It’s better decisions, so your search builds real momentum instead of burning you out.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to recalibrate, this is it.

This week we’re talking about:

• What actually matters as you reset your job search for 2026

And for Premium subscribers I’m:

• Debunking a claim about ATS and AI-written resumes

• Answering a Premium subscriber’s question about a lack of interviews. I’ll explain how to diagnose whether it’s a resume issue or a strategy issue.

Let’s get to it!

RESET YOUR JOB SEARCH FOR 2026

Get clear on the exact roles you are targeting

If you are not specific about titles, level, and direction, everything else becomes harder. Your resume gets unfocused, your LinkedIn profile sends mixed signals, and recruiters struggle to place you. Clarity here is not about limiting yourself, it is about making sure hiring teams can immediately understand where you fit. This often means narrowing to one or two primary targets instead of keeping five options open. It also requires being honest about tradeoffs between scope, compensation, seniority, and industry. Most people underestimate how much this decision alone affects their results.

Rebuild your resume so it sells relevance, not history

A resume is not meant to capture everything you have ever done. It is meant to show why you make sense for a specific role right now. That requires prioritizing the right experience, downplaying what does not help, and structuring it in a way that matches how hiring managers evaluate candidates. This usually involves removing good experience that is no longer relevant. It also means reshaping bullet points so they speak to outcomes, not responsibilities. The hardest part is deciding what not to include.

Fix how your resume is scanned by recruiters

Most resumes do not fail Applicant Tracking Systems. They fail because a human cannot quickly see the point. Ordering, emphasis, and what you lead with matter far more than formatting tricks, and small changes here often have a big impact on whether your resume gets read or skipped. Recruiters scan before they read, and they are looking for fast confirmation of fit. If that confirmation is buried, they move on. This is where resumes quietly lose opportunities without anyone realizing why.

Align your LinkedIn profile with how recruiters actually search

Your LinkedIn profile is a discovery tool, not a duplicate resume. Headlines, titles, summaries, and keywords all affect whether you appear in searches and whether someone clicks through. When this is not aligned with your resume, you lose visibility and confuse the reader. Many profiles describe what someone has done, not what they are trying to be hired for. Small wording changes can shift how you show up in recruiter searches. This is especially important if you are changing roles or industries.

Decide which jobs you should and should not apply to

Applying broadly feels productive, but it usually leads to weak results and burnout. Tightening your criteria helps you focus on roles where you actually have leverage instead of chasing everything that looks possible. Knowing what to skip is often more valuable than knowing what to apply to. This includes filtering by level, scope, and how closely the role matches your core experience. It also means recognizing when a posting looks appealing but is unlikely to convert. Most people waste time here without realizing it.

Build a realistic application strategy

How many jobs you apply to, how often, and where you focus your effort should be intentional, not reactive. A strong strategy balances quality and volume based on your level, industry, and timeline. Without that structure, people tend to over apply or freeze altogether. Applying to too many roles can dilute your focus and follow up. Applying to too few can stall momentum. The right balance looks different for different people.

Network your way into conversations, not favors

Effective networking is not about asking strangers for jobs. It is about creating context and familiarity so your name makes sense when roles come up. The right approach depends heavily on your background and goals, which is why generic networking advice rarely works. This often involves reconnecting with people who already know your work. It also means being clear about what you are targeting so others can help you effectively. Most networking falls flat because the ask is unclear or premature.

Fix your follow up timing and messaging

Following up can help or hurt depending on how and when it is done. Knowing when to check in, what to say, and when to let something go is a judgment call that many people struggle with. Poor follow up often costs opportunities quietly, without feedback. Following up too soon can signal anxiety. Waiting too long can make you forgettable. The goal is to stay visible without becoming noise.

Prepare for interviews in a way that matches how hiring teams evaluate

Interview prep is not about memorizing answers. It is about understanding what the interviewer is listening for and shaping your experience accordingly. Most candidates underperform not because they lack experience, but because they are not framing it effectively. Strong interviews connect past work directly to the problems of the role. Weak interviews stay descriptive instead of relevant. This is a skill that improves quickly with the right guidance.

Set a weekly rhythm for your job search

Job searches fall apart when they are either chaotic or all consuming. Setting a simple weekly rhythm helps you stay consistent without burning out. This includes deciding how much time you will spend on applications, networking, follow ups, and preparation. A predictable structure makes it easier to notice what is working and what is not. It also prevents the search from taking over everything else.

If this list felt useful and also a little overwhelming, that’s normal.

None of these things are hard because they require more effort. They’re hard because they require judgment and time. Small decisions compound quickly in a job search, and it’s easy to lose time doing things that don’t actually move the needle.

You don’t need to do everything perfectly to make progress in 2026. You do need to be intentional about where you focus, what you adjust, and what you stop guessing about.

Here’s to a smarter reset and a better start to the year.

(And if you want support with your resume, LinkedIn, or overall job search strategy, Karpiak Consulting can help.)

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

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PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER QUESTION

“How do I know if my lack of interviews means my resume is the problem…or if it’s my targeting and strategy instead?”

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.

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