When Life Doesn't Go As Planned- Keep Moving & Keep Learning
Welcome to The Standout!
I ran my own business for over 10 years. It was successful, but my household expenses kept rising (sending kids to college will do that).?
So I made the tough decision to return to the 9-to-5 world, trading independence for steady paychecks.
My first job back didn’t pay great, but I learned a lot. Then I got a better job. Now my life is more stable, and I’m in a better place financially and emotionally.
It might be hard to accept that you need to retreat. But progress isn’t a straight line—it often unfolds in loops. Moving forward often means backing up and finding another way.?
If your life isn’t going as planned, don’t panic. Keep moving, keep learning, and the way forward will eventually reveal itself. ??
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
? Introducing Jobscan's Standout Summit 2025! ??
This is the ultimate virtual event for job seekers, offering two days of expert-led sessions, practical workshops, and actionable strategies to supercharge your job search.
Each of the 15 workshops covers a different aspect of the job search, including:
- Five Resume Improvements to Land 5x More Interviews
- The Two-Hour Job Search
- Acing Your Job Interview with AI
- LinkedIn Hacks and Networking Tips
- Recruiter Secrets About the Hiring Process
Here's what you need to know:
Date: February 26-27, 2025
Time: 10 AM to 6 PM EST
Where: Grab your spot here!
You can check out the rest of the lineup here.
Learn more about the speakers here.
In today’s edition of The Standout newsletter, we offer the following five tips to make your job search easier and faster:
Here’s the first tip…
?? Tailor your LinkedIn profile for multiple jobs ??
Don’t optimize your LinkedIn profile for just one job. Instead, look at a handful of similar job descriptions and identify common skills and keywords. Then, tailor your profile to reflect the broader picture. This allows you to stay flexible while still attracting the right opportunities.
?? How to answer “What’s your biggest weakness?†??
In interviews, the “What’s your biggest weakness?†question isn’t a trap—it’s an opportunity to show growth. Pick a weakness and explain what steps you took to get better. For example, you might say, “I wasn’t great at public speaking, but I took a course and now present confidently in meetings.�
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? Apply even if you don't meet every requirement ??
Job descriptions often list a ton of requirements, but most employers are open to candidates who show potential and a willingness to learn. If you meet a majority of the requirements, don't hesitate to apply. Your unique experiences and enthusiasm can set you apart.
?? Stay competitive with lifelong learning ??
In today’s job market, keeping your skills sharp is more important than ever. Show employers that you’re committed to continuous learning by enrolling in a course, earning a certification, or attending a workshop. Hint: learning about AI can give you a competitive edge and demonstrate your adaptability.
?? Changing careers? Be realistic about finances ??
A midlife career change often comes with financial considerations. Review your finances and set a budget for your transition, including potential retraining costs or a temporary salary dip. Determine the minimum salary you can accept while switching careers so you can plan with confidence.
?? More Insights from the Jobscan Blog ??
Discover how to write a compelling resume summary that’s ATS-friendly and tailored for any job situation.
Stand out from the crowd with a LinkedIn headline that highlights your professional identity, key skills, and unique value.
Learn what the five essential resume sections are, and in what order you should put them in for maximum impact.
Learn the easiest way to upload your resume to LinkedIn so recruiters can find you faster.
?? Discover The Standout Jobseeker podcast ??
Ready to take control of your career? The Standout Jobseeker is here to guide you. Through candid conversations with career experts, recruiters, and successful job seekers, we uncover the strategies and tools that lead to thriving careers.?
That’s it for this edition. I hope these tips have sparked some new ideas for your job search.?
See you next week!
Robert Henderson, CPRW, Resume Expert