Minimizing Job Search Risks

Don’t Fall for These UX Job Search Pitfalls! Here’s how to avoid them and land your dream role. 1/ Don’t rely solely on job boards. ↳ Job boards are often saturated with applications. ↳ Many roles aren’t even posted—hidden job market is real. ↳ You can’t differentiate yourself just by sending in a resume. Takeaway: Networking and direct outreach are more effective than job boards. 2/ Avoid applying to only “sexy” companies. ↳ High-profile companies attract tons of competition. ↳ These companies may not always prioritize UX in their culture. ↳ Smaller, less glamorous companies might offer better growth opportunities. Takeaway: Consider companies where you can make a real impact, not just add a name to your resume. 3/ Be wary of roles that lack clarity. ↳ Vague job descriptions often signal unclear expectations. ↳ Lack of defined responsibilities can lead to role confusion. ↳ Clear roles with well-defined outcomes are more rewarding. Takeaway: Ensure you understand the role’s expectations and success metrics. 4/ Steer clear of positions that are too “capital intensive.” ↳ Roles requiring constant personal resource investment can be draining. ↳ High demands without adequate support can lead to burnout. ↳ Look for roles that offer balance and adequate resources. Takeaway: Find positions that respect your time and offer resources for success. 5/ Don’t jump into “highly regulated” companies without research. ↳ Strict environments may limit creative freedom. ↳ Regulatory constraints can stifle innovation. ↳ Understand the industry’s constraints before committing. Takeaway: Know the industry’s landscape to ensure it aligns with your career goals. TL;DR 1/ Network more, apply less. 2/ Don’t get lured by big-name companies alone. 3/ Seek clarity in job roles. 4/ Avoid roles that overburden personal resources. 5/ Research industry constraints before applying. Ready to avoid these job search mistakes? Share which pitfall you’ve encountered or how you overcame it. P.S. Not all that glitters is gold—sometimes the best roles are where you least expect them! Curious how this mindset can change your career?

"When I was laid off with no warning. I spent 4 months: • Sending applications into the void • Getting ghosted after interviews • Watching my savings dwindle • Questioning my entire career Today, I help others avoid that pain. If I was starting my job search over today, here's exactly what I'd do: 1. Create a target list of 15 companies based on values alignment, not just open roles 2. Set up Google alerts for news about these companies 3. Connect with 3 people at each company (not HR, but potential future colleagues) 4. Share valuable insights consistently for 2-3 weeks 5. Request 15-minute conversations about their career journey 6. Follow up every 2-3 weeks with something valuable This approach takes more initial effort but cuts total job search time by 60%.

Searching for a job while still employed is one of the hardest things to manage in tech. Not because the process is different. Because everything has to be invisible. Here's how to do it without burning bridges or burning out: ✅ Protect your privacy first. Turn on the recruiter-only Open to Work setting on LinkedIn. It makes you visible to recruiters without alerting your current employer. Don't use your work email, your work laptop, or your work time for any part of the search. Ever. ✅ Be strategic with your time. You don't have the luxury of applying to everything. Pick 15 to 20 target companies that genuinely excite you. Focus your energy on quality over volume. One tailored application beats ten generic ones every time. ✅ Schedule interviews like a professional. Request early morning, lunch, or late afternoon slots. Most hiring teams will accommodate this if you ask. If you need to take a half day, use PTO. Don't lie about where you're going. You don't owe anyone an explanation but you do not want to start a new chapter with a habit of dishonesty. ✅ Network quietly and consistently. Most of your conversations should happen outside of LinkedIn DMs. Coffee chats. Phone calls. In person meetups. Warm outreach to former colleagues who already know your work. These conversations move faster and stay private. ✅ Manage your energy carefully. You're running two jobs simultaneously. One that pays you right now. One that will pay you better soon. Protect your weekends. Batch your job search tasks - applications on Tuesday, follow ups on Thursday, interview prep on weekends. Treat it like a part time job with office hours. ✅ Keep performing at your current role. This one is non-negotiable. Your reputation is your most portable asset. The tech industry is smaller than it looks. Leave every role the way you would want to be remembered. Because you will run into these people again. Oh, one last thing: The biggest mistake employed candidates make is moving too slowly because they feel comfortable. Comfortable is not the same as fulfilled. If you know it's time to move, treat the search with the same urgency you would if you had already left. The right role is not going to wait for you to feel ready. 🔄 Share to help other tech folks land jobs 📲 Follow for more job search insights that actually deliver

Many professionals get derailed in their search by focusing their efforts exclusively on one step (locating job postings) or one tool (developing a resume). Job seekers often overlook the fact that a job search is a multifaceted journey of various activities and actions that must be strategically planned and executed to increase success. Focusing all efforts on one ‘basket’ will produce lackluster results. Instead, a diversified job search approach is required. Items to consider: 🔔 Pick a target before you execute. A shot fired in the dark is unlikely to hit a target. Identify a clear job target before you commence a search to avoid spinning your wheels in frustration. General job searches rarely work. 🔔 Know what sets you apart. You can’t sell something if you don’t know what makes it worthy of investment. Identify notable career achievements - and be prepared to articulate them - to support your value. 🔔 Research job requirements and understand employers’ buying motivators. This will help you keep content and communications targeted. Research people and companies on sites like LinkedIn. Understand their needs and work to position yourself as a solution. 🔔 Get career documents perfectly polished Create a resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, executive biography, references sheet, and thank you letter. Yes, potentially all of these. Identify the documents that will be valued in your process. 🔔 Beef up your online presence. Keep your online information on-brand and highly professional. If you aren’t very active on LinkedIn, start engaging regularly. Build connections. Share thought leadership. 🔔 Iron out ‘wrinkles’ or employment barriers. Missing skill sets? No related experience? Fired in the past? What challenges are you likely to face in the journey, and how are you prepared to deal with them? 🔔 Prepare for the interview. This involves practice and preparation. There is no other way around it. If you want to nail this critical step in the process - you must invest. 🔔 Network. Both online and off. One of the biggest ROI in a job search is networking and referrals. People don't hire resumes, they hire people -- so talk to more people! 🔔 Finally, seek assistance if you need it. You don’t need to tackle this journey alone. Be open to suggestions, align yourself with people who can help, and invest – fully! You can’t just dip your toe in the employment waters and expect a quick and well-suited bite. Nor can you invest in just one step or tool and expect results. Take action and explore all avenues!

Job hunting is tough enough. Don't let common mistakes make it even harder. If you’ve been applying nonstop and hearing nothing, this might be the wake-up call you need. Here are 8 job search mistakes I’ve seen (and made myself), and what to do instead: 🔹 Not building real connections Job boards are crowded, but relationships open doors. If you’ve been avoiding networking because it feels awkward or intimidating, you’re not alone. But trust me, having someone vouch for you can completely change your job search outcome. 🔹 Playing it small with self-promotion I get it. No one wants to sound boastful. But you can’t expect people to guess your value. You’ve worked hard to build your skills. Talk about them! It’s not bragging. It’s giving people a reason to believe in your expertise. 🔹 Taking roles just to get out of your current one If your job leaves you feeling drained, don’t jump into the next available opportunity just for the sake of change. Take the time to align your next move with your values and goals. You deserve better than “just tolerable.” 🔹 Skipping the research phase If you’ve ever accepted a job only to realise it was a toxic mess… you’re not alone. Job descriptions rarely tell the full story. Talk to people. Read the room. Dig deeper. A little due diligence upfront can save you from a lot of regret later. 🔹 Relying only on online applications Yes, it’s easy to click “Apply.” But the real magic happens in conversations, not portals. Reach out to people. Show up on LinkedIn. Let hiring managers and peers see your expertise in action. 🔹 Underestimating your personal brand In 2025, your online presence is your first impression. If someone Googles you or lands on your LinkedIn, what do they see? Use that space to tell your story and position yourself for the opportunities you actually want. 🔹 Avoiding salary conversations I know they’re uncomfortable, but skipping them could mean leaving thousands on the table. You can negotiate respectfully and professionally. Your future self (and bank account) will thank you. 🔹 Stopping after one interview Got an interview? Amazing. But don’t pause your whole search. Keep the momentum going. Interviews are just one part of the journey, and having options gives you leverage when it counts. Job searching can be exhausting, but it can also be empowering when you’re strategic and intentional. Which one of these have you experienced in your career journey?

A candidate told me his current job was “soul-destroying.” His words.   He’d been searching for four months. Nothing had landed yet.   In his next interview, he described his current company as “going nowhere.” His manager as “checked out.” The culture as “toxic.”   He didn’t get the offer.   The hiring manager told me afterwards: “He seemed desperate to escape more than excited to join us.”   That’s the trap. And I see candidates fall into it constantly.   Staying in a job you hate while you search is a test of discipline most people aren’t prepared for. Here’s how to handle it.   Don’t let it show at work   This sounds obvious. It isn’t.   The problem isn’t just professional — it’s that a visible decline affects the references you’ll need later. The people writing those references are watching you right now.   Show up properly until the day you leave. It costs you nothing and protects everything.   Don’t let it show in interviews   The moment you start bad-mouthing your current company, you’ve handed the hiring manager a reason to say no.   It doesn’t matter how justified the frustration is. What they hear is: this person will talk about us the same way someday.   Prepare one clean, neutral line about why you’re looking. Practise it until it sounds boring. Then move on.   Watch for desperation bleeding into your decisions   Applying to roles that aren’t right because you need out fast. Accepting the first offer because waiting feels unbearable. Overselling your enthusiasm for a company you haven’t properly evaluated.   These decisions look like progress. They usually aren’t. A bad move made quickly puts you back at square one — except now you have a short tenure to explain.   Create separation between the job and the search   Don’t search from your work laptop. Don’t take recruiter calls from your desk. Don’t spend your lunch hour obsessing over your application status.   Keep the two separate. When you’re at work, work. When you’re searching, search. Mixing them makes both worse.   Set a weekly structure for the search   Desperation comes from feeling like things are out of your control. Structure helps.   Set aside specific times for applications, follow-ups, and networking. Track what’s in progress. Know your numbers. A disciplined search feels different from a frantic one — and it shows up differently in how you come across.   Know when to reassess   If you’ve been searching for six months or more with no traction, the problem isn’t your current job. It’s something in the search itself — your positioning, your targeting, the story you’re telling.   Don’t use the misery of your current situation as a reason to avoid that honest assessment. It’s uncomfortable. It’s also the only thing that will actually move things.   The search ends faster when you’re not running on fumes. Protect your energy, protect your reputation, and don’t let the job you’re leaving define the one you’re walking into. #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #Recruitment

Job searching can be incredibly discouraging, but it becomes even more frustrating when you find yourself fixating on the things you have no control over… There are so many aspects of the job search process that are out of your hands, but dwelling on these uncontrollable factors isn’t going to move your job search forward. In all actuality, the job search only gets harder when you fixate on things like: Reasons for rejection Geographic restrictions Work-from-home policies Length of interview processes Size of compensation packages Qualifications of your competition Hiring manager preferences or biases Job market conditions or industry trends Timing or quantity of suitable opportunities  Company culture or internal group dynamics Instead, it’s crucial to shift your focus to the actions and decisions that are within your control, because these are the areas where real positive change can happen. As challenging as it might be, do your best to focus on the controllable aspects of the process, like: Determining your target roles and ideal companies Pacing and consistency of your job search efforts Branding yourself effectively for target audience Deciding whether to apply for a particular role Increasing your visibility by engaging online Adjusting your strategies based on results Organizing and tracking all applications  Continuing to grow your relevant skills Preparing thoroughly for interviews Tailoring resume and cover letters Networking with industry peers Following-up after interviews Keeping a resilient mindset Negotiating higher salary If you can concentrate your time and energy on the things you can control, rather than the things that are beyond your influence, you can increase your chances of success and feel more empowered throughout the job search process! #jobsearchadvice #jobsearching

“Your job has an expiry date — But your skills are timeless.” - Bachar 💜 Naamani Be the person others can’t easily replace — But always be prepared to be replaced. How?👇🏼 🟢 Assess Your Finances Financial preparedness is crucial in surviving potential layoffs. Review your budget, identify areas for cost-cutting, and establish an emergency fund to cover living expenses for several months. 🟢 Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile A polished resume and an updated LinkedIn profile are your professional calling cards. Ensure that your resume highlights your achievements, quantifies your impact in previous roles, and uses dynamic language to describe responsibilities. Request recommendations on LinkedIn to add credibility and stand out to potential employers. 🟢 Grow Your Network Maintaining a strong professional network is invaluable. Strengthen your connections, attend networking events, join relevant communities, and seek your mentors’ advice. 🟢 Sharpen Your Skills Upskilling and acquiring in-demand skills can enhance your marketability. Identify the skills that are currently sought after and take courses or attend workshops to acquire them. Showcase these skills on your resume/profile to demonstrate your commitment to professional development. 🟢 Diversify Your Job Search Broaden your search by utilizing various channels. Beyond traditional job search platforms, explore opportunities on LinkedIn and company websites, engage with recruitment agencies, and network with professionals in your field. In addition, consider freelancing to diversify your income streams. 🟢 Evaluate Your Benefits and Severance Understanding your entitlements in case of a layoff is crucial. Review healthcare coverage, severance packages, and other benefits provided by your employer, and seek legal advice to ensure you’re well-informed about your rights to make informed decisions. 🟢 Be Emotionally and Mentally Prepared Never underestimate the emotional toll of layoffs. Seek support from friends, family, or professionals to navigate emotional challenges. Learn and practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness to maintain a positive mindset and overall well-being. 🟢 Create a Job Search Plan Develop a structured job search plan to stay organized and proactive. Set weekly goals for job applications and networking activities. Tailor your resume for each application, and keep records to facilitate follow-ups. Consistency and organization are key to a successful job search. 🟢 Explore Entrepreneurial Opportunities Consider whether your skills can be applied to entrepreneurial ventures. Assess potential markets, create a business plan, and network with entrepreneurs to explore opportunities. Entrepreneurial ventures may provide a fulfilling career path. Preparation is key, and staying proactive will empower you during uncertain times. “Job safety is an illusion — Skill safety is a choice.” - Bachar Naamani

So this happened... my first media feature! CityNews Winnipeg did a piece on youth unemployment and contacted me for a few words. Since it was brief, and the best parts of the interview did not make it into the clip, I wanted to share them here! 1️⃣ Overcome the Experience Gap Many students and young professionals are caught in the 'need experience to get a job, need a job to get experience' cycle. To overcome this gap, lean into your academic experience. Highlighting the professional and transferable skills gained in school demonstrates you are ready to take on paid employment. Strategically featuring assignments, projects, case studies, research, case competitions, hackathons, work-integrated learning, and committee and extra-curricular involvement can demonstrate your employability skills. 2️⃣ Engage Early Job search involves a lot of steps. If you delay getting started, you'll delay getting results. Be mindful of academic schedules, work experience terms, and when you would like to start working after graduation. Complete prep work like career exploration, industry research, networking, resume development, and interview practice months in advance. 3️⃣ Seek Support There is often a tendency among job seekers to search in silence. However, tapping into your circle of support can often uncover new opportunities, provide insight and perspective, and accelerate the process. Tell family and friends about the kind of work you are looking for, discuss job search efforts with classmates, alumni, and instructors, tap into career services offices, and seize opportunities to learn from human resources or industry professionals. 4️⃣ Focus on What You Control Understand that some parts of job search are beyond your control. The number of opportunities available at a given time, employers hiring schedules and timelines, the labour market and the economy will all impact your job search, however, there is little that can be done on these fronts. Investing your time and energy into things you can control is more likely to move your search forward. Labour market research, understanding employer expectations, skill development, training and certifications, networking efforts, and the quality of your applications are all within your control. 5️⃣ Take Good Care Job search is tough, and there is a good chance that you will feel some challenging emotions. Stress, frustration, disappointment, pressure, and uncertainty are common feelings, so remember to take care of yourself. Scheduling regular breaks, practicing self-care, connecting with loved ones, and enjoying hobbies will help build the resilience needed to reset after a setback. If anyone has any other thoughts or ideas on how youth can transition from campus to career, please drop a comment below! Full video in the comments. #careerdevelopment #jobsearch #careers

⛏️ "Your Resume: A Goldmine for Scammers and Identity Thieves" 🏧 Sending out your resume might seem like a routine part of job searching, but have you ever stopped to think about the personal information you’re sharing? As someone who’s been an AWOL-chasing MP, a private investigator, and a bounty hunter, I’ve seen firsthand how much can be uncovered with just a few data points, and a resume often provides far more than most people realize. Think about it. Your resume typically includes: Your full legal name City and state where you live Phone number and email address Employment history with dates and locations Degrees earned, universities attended, and sometimes even the year This is a treasure trove of information for a nefarious actor. With these details, someone can easily begin piecing together your life. From past job locations, I can figure out where you’ve lived. With university information, I can potentially find your graduation year and narrow down age demographics. Once I’ve gathered this, I’m just a few clicks away from accessing public records or databases to pull your birth certificate. And from there? A copy of your Social Security card isn’t far behind. Armed with this information, a scammer could: Open lines of credit in your name. Steal your identity and even your home. Access your criminal history or personal background. Impersonate you online, potentially damaging your reputation. If this sounds alarming, it should be. Your resume, while a powerful tool in landing your next job, can also expose you to significant risk if it falls into the wrong hands. How to Protect Yourself: Remove your physical address and limit location details to just the city/state. Use a professional email not tied to your personal accounts. Leave off graduation years or dates unless explicitly required. Be cautious about sharing your resume on public job boards or with unknown recruiters. In today’s digital world, protecting your personal information is just as important as finding the right job. Don’t let a piece of paper make you a target!