How to Land a Professional Role

The room decides in the first four minutes. Everything after that is confirmation. Most Directors and VPs know this and still walk in underprepared. Not because they did not try. Because they prepared the wrong things. I have watched Directors and VPs lose offers they were the right fit for because their preparation stopped at reviewing their resume and rehearsing answers in their head. Here is what actually moves the needle: 𝟭. 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗯𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Most candidates research the company. Fewer research the specific problem the role was created to solve. Find out what is broken, what is missing, or what is being built. Walk in knowing what they need before they tell you. That is what separates a candidate from a solution. 𝟮. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 Most professionals prepare answers to expected questions. The stronger approach is to prepare five to seven stories that demonstrate leadership, impact, and judgment. A strong story adapts to almost any question. A prepared answer only works if they ask the right one. 𝟯. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 Thinking through your answers feels like preparation. It is not. How you sound in your head and how you sound in a room are two different things. Practice speaking out loud with someone who will give you honest feedback on delivery, not just content. 𝟰. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝘀𝗸 The questions you ask communicate more about your seniority than most of your answers. Candidates ask about the role. Senior professionals ask about the challenge and what success looks like at the level above. Prepare questions that show you are already thinking there. 𝟱. 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲 Most professionals end an interview by waiting to hear what happens next. The strongest end it by making clear they want the role and why they are the right fit right now. Those final two minutes are almost always what the panel remembers. Confidence is not something you feel before the interview. It is something you build before you walk in. Preparation is the only strategy that has ever reliably produced it. If something in this post felt timely, comment "CONFIDENCE". Together we will work through it.

Your dream job isn't found—it's built. Here's how I did it (and you can too). 1/ Define your ideal role and company   ↳ Stop the endless scrolling through job boards.   ↳ Instead, get clear on what you want in your next role.   ↳ Research companies where you can add value.  Knowing what you want makes it easier to find the right fit. 2/ Optimize your online presence   ↳ Update your LinkedIn profile to highlight achievements and impact.   ↳ Tailor your portfolio to show your unique strengths.   ↳ Use storytelling to connect with hiring managers. Your online presence is your first impression—make it count. 3/ Network with intent   ↳ Connect with people at your target companies.   ↳ Join industry events, both online and offline.   ↳ Request informational interviews to learn about company culture. Networking isn’t just about who you know, but who knows you. 4/ Craft a personalized outreach strategy   ↳ Ditch the generic applications; tailor each one.   ↳ Write direct, engaging emails to hiring managers.   ↳ Highlight how you can solve specific problems for their team. Standing out means showing how you can bring value. 5/ Prepare for every step of the interview   ↳ Research the company’s products, challenges, and culture.   ↳ Practice telling your story with a focus on results.   ↳ Rehearse common interview questions and scenarios. Preparation turns anxiety into confidence. Takeaway: Landing your dream UX job isn’t a matter of luck; it’s about strategy, clarity, and action. TL;DR 1/ Define what you want and where you can add value.   2/ Polish your online presence to attract the right attention.   3/ Network to build meaningful connections.   4/ Personalize every job application and outreach.   5/ Prepare thoroughly for each interview stage. Comment below and let me know your biggest job search challenge. P.S. You wouldn’t trust a designer who doesn’t iterate—so why trust a job search that doesn’t evolve?

The best job search advice I can give you after 25+ years in HR. (and after hiring hundreds of people) Most people approach job searches backwards. They start with the job posting. But the strongest candidates start somewhere else. They start with clarity. I have spent more than two decades building People functions, scaling organizations, and hiring across multiple industries and stages of growth. I have reviewed thousands of resumes. And here is the truth most job seekers do not want to hear. Applying and waiting no longer works. If you want something different, you have to do something different. You have to stand out. The good news is there are many ways to do that. Start here. 1. Get crystal clear on what you want The more specific you are, the easier it is for people to help you. Think about: • Industry • Size of company • Role and scope • Culture and leadership style • Onsite, hybrid, or remote Clarity makes you memorable. When opportunities arise, people can connect the dots and make introductions. 2. Activate your community People want to help. But do not assume your community knows you are looking. Tell them. Share what you want and what you bring. Your next opportunity often comes from someone who knows someone. 3. Reach out to people already doing the role you want Search LinkedIn for people who hold the position you are targeting. Send a thoughtful message. Ask for a short virtual coffee. Share briefly what you are exploring and ask: • Who should I connect with? • Are there recruiters you recommend? • What advice would you give someone entering this role today? Those conversations are incredibly valuable. 4. Build relationships with recruiters Reach out to recruiters you already know. Let them know you are available. Then make new connections. Introduce yourself. Share your focus. Stay on their radar. 5. Engage with companies you care about Follow organizations you admire. Watch what they post. Comment thoughtfully. Engage with executives and potential hiring managers. You would be surprised how powerful this can be. When your resume eventually lands on their desk… your name might already be familiar. One more thing. Culture alignment matters. A job is not just about getting hired. It is about finding an environment where your values, expectations, and ways of working align with the organization. That is where people do their best work. After 25+ years in People leadership, one truth still holds: Great careers are built through relationships, reputation, and results. Not just resumes. People hire people. Does your community truly know you? If you are currently exploring opportunities, comment OPEN below. I will do what I can to amplify your profile and connect you with people in my community. Because none of us build meaningful careers alone.

You're not 100% qualified. Here's how to still get the job. Most executives don’t meet every requirement in a job description. But the best jobs aren’t filled through online applications. They’re filled through relationships and strategy. Here’s how to stand out and land the role: 1. Know what you want - Don't settle for whatever is available - Don't apply to everything and hope someone picks you - Instead, reflect on your strengths, skills, and values - Focus on where you can show up as your best self. 2. Tap into the hidden job market - Reconnect with former colleagues and mentors. - Reach out to people at companies where you want to work - Attend industry events and speak on panels. - Get warm introductions to decision-makers. - The best jobs aren't even posted online. 3. Position yourself as a thought leader - Post insights and leadership lessons on LinkedIn. - Comment on industry leaders’ posts to get noticed. - Publish articles or speak at conferences. 4. Sell your value, not just qualifications - Reframe your experience to highlight leadership and impact. - Share stories of solving real business problems. - Focus on results, influence, and strategic vision. - Paint the picture of what you will do for them. 5. Build a personal brand beyond your resume - Use LinkedIn to showcase your thoughts, reflections, wins, and lessons learned. - Let people see who you are beyond the job title. - Become known outside of your company - Be known for your expertise before you apply. The best opportunities go to those who show up differently. Which of these will you focus on first? 👇 If you need help with your executive job search, DM me to set up a free strategy call.

If someone had told me this earlier, I wouldn’t have gone through 100+ rejections. The job you want will not come from a job board. It will come from a person. I learned this the hard way. For months, I treated job search like a numbers game. More applications = more chances. Wrong. At mid-career especially, interviews don’t go to the most qualified person. They go to the most trusted name in the room. So while you’re applying, you should be building relationships at the same time. Here’s how to actually start (no awkward networking tactics): 1️⃣ Start with people doing the job you want Not recruiters, or HR. Engineers, managers, and ICs who are already where you want to be. Send a simple message: “I’ve been working on ___ and I’m trying to understand how teams like yours are solving ___. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat?” No referral ask. Just curiosity. 2️⃣ Ask about problems, not openings What’s the hardest part of your role right now? What skills are becoming more valuable on your team? What would you look for if you were hiring someone like me? Now you’re gathering market intelligence, and not begging for jobs. 3️⃣ Show proof of thinking After the call, follow up with something thoughtful: Based on what you shared about X challenge, I tried reading up on Y approach. Curious if your team has experimented with it. Now you’re memorable. 4️⃣ Stay lightly in touch Every 4-6 weeks, share something relevant. An article. A small project update. A new certification. Consistency builds familiarity. Familiarity builds trust. Trust builds referrals. This is how roles appear before they’re posted. Most professionals wait for a job description to go live. The smarter ones are already known when that happens. If you’re stuck refreshing your inbox, shift 50% of your effort to conversations. One warm introduction is worth more than 50 cold applications. Save this post, and follow this approach. Repost it for someone who’s silently struggling. Follow Amith Narayan, PhD for more insights on landing your dream role as a mid-career STEM professional.

By now, you already know: the best roles are rarely filled through job boards. They’re filled through relationships. Over the years, I’ve refined a method I call the “Strategic Access Framework.” Here’s how it works: 1️⃣ Identify the right people inside your target company Don’t just think about recruiters. Instead, ask: Who has insights about the team, culture, and challenges I want to be part of? These are the leaders and decision-makers worth building a connection with. 2️⃣ Initiate a conversation to learn, not to pitch Set up meetings with genuine curiosity. Ask about the company’s direction, leadership priorities, and what success looks like in their roles. When you focus on learning, you naturally leave a stronger impression. 3️⃣ Position yourself for a referral Referrals don’t happen by accident. They come from thoughtful conversations. By asking the right questions and sharing relevant experiences, you’ll naturally open the door for them to connect you to the right opportunity. 4️⃣ Nurture the relationship long-term A single meeting isn’t the end. It’s the beginning. Stay in touch, share insights, and keep the dialogue going. That way, when opportunities arise (and they will), your name is already top of mind. I’ve seen professionals land interviews and offers within weeks by applying this approach. The key is to stop relying on online applications and start investing in the relationships that drive hiring decisions.

A few weeks ago, I shared my story about struggling to find the right employer after articles. Since then, my DMs have been flooded with questions from people trying to figure out what comes next after leaving practice. It took me 8 months to land the right role in the right field. If I had to do it all over again, this is how I would shorten that journey. Three key things will change the game: 👉 Industry clarity 👉 Networking 👉 Self-advocacy 1. Industry Clarity Which audits did you enjoy most? What clients intrigued you? What does your own research say? Getting clear on your target industries will help you narrow your search and position yourself more strategically. 2. Networking Once you've got clarity, find your ideal employers in those industries. Visit their websites. See who works there. Connect intentionally. ✅ Always send a connection request with a note. Make your intentions clear. Clarity wins. Connect—don’t follow. They need to see your posts. Here’s a line you can adapt: “Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name], currently completing my articles. I’m exploring opportunities in [industry] and would love to connect. Perhaps in a few months we could have a conversation about roles at [company].” This is to plant a seed. You're offering to solve a problem. Stand tall. Also—speak to directors and managers you have rapport with. They know people. Leverage those relationships. 3. Self-Advocacy This is the heavy-lifting part. Most listings say: post-articles experience required. Here’s how to stand tall anyway: ✅ Tidy up your LinkedIn headline. Include the industry you’re targeting. Help the right people find you. ✅ Start writing. Start posting. Show your thinking. Share insights. Build a body of work. Yes, this can feel scary. You’ll worry about judgment. Post anyway. Visibility will set you apart. Those judging you won't be there when you settle for what's not for you. Here are a few post ideas I would have written during that time: “Auditing a client in [industry] ignited my passion for the field.” (shows intention) “3 months to go until I qualify. Here are the biggest lessons I’ve learned.” (shows readiness) “A partner gave me tough love—and it changed everything.” (shows growth & leadership) Remember, technical pieces will display your competence. Personal pieces will allow people to connect with you as a person. Both are important. Once you've built this, put your LinkedIn URL on your CV. A CV is a snapshot. LinkedIn tells the story. And in your job application email, try something like: “I know how difficult it is to assess candidates from CVs alone. I’ve created a body of work to help you get to know me better: [Insert LinkedIn URL]” Don’t self-reject. Apply even if you don’t tick every box. The right door might still open You've got 5 months. Start today. You’ve got this. My DMs are open if you need support. Go get ’em. #LifeAfterArticles #CareerTransition #AuditExitStrategy #PostArticlesJourney #ChanteWrites

The Modern Job Search Roadmap: Seven key stages every job seeker should master. Job searching is much more than simply clicking “Apply”—it’s a comprehensive journey that requires strategy and preparation. From the initial moment of clarity regarding your career aspirations to the final handshake (or e-signature) upon job acceptance, each stage of this process plays a critical role in securing the opportunity that suits you best. Here’s a roadmap of the seven essential stages every modern job seeker should master: 1️⃣ Self-Assessment & Goal Setting: Where do I want to go?   Begin by reflecting on your passions, strengths, and values to identify suitable roles and industries. Research the necessary skills for those positions and set realistic short-term and long-term goals to guide your journey. 2️⃣ Networking & Research: Who can help me, and what’s out there? Networking is essential in today’s job market. Update your LinkedIn profile to showcase your professional brand. Connect with alumni, attend industry events, and leverage social media to expand your professional network. Research companies that match your values to customize your applications. 3️⃣ Résumé & Profile Preparation: How do I present myself?   Your résumé and LinkedIn profile should tell a compelling story about your career. Highlight quantifiable achievements instead of just listing responsibilities. Tailor your cover letter for each application, emphasizing how your experiences align with the role and organization. 4️⃣ Applying & Tracking: Time to put myself out there  Focus on applying for positions that match your skills and goals. Keep a system to track applications, including companies, positions, application dates, contacts, and follow-ups. This will help you stay organized and follow up effectively. 5️⃣ Interviewing: Showtime! Approach interviews as opportunities to showcase your alignment with the role and company culture. Practice your personal pitch and research the company’s mission, values, and recent developments. Prepare thoughtful questions to show your interest and build rapport with the interviewer. 6️⃣ Follow-Up & Negotiation: What’s the next step?  After interviews, send personalized thank-you notes to express gratitude and reinforce your interest. If you receive an offer, confidently negotiate terms by highlighting your value. If faced with rejections, seek feedback for improvement. 7️⃣ Onboarding & Growth: I got the job—now what? Once you accept a position, focus on a strong start by building relationships with colleagues and engaging in onboarding. Learn about the company’s culture and operations, and invest in your professional development through training and mentorship for long-term growth.  What stage are you currently navigating? Or which do you find the most challenging? Let’s discuss it in the comments! ♻️ Repost to share this with your network.

If you’re an experienced professional job searching right now, you already know: 🔸 Applying online isn’t enough 🔸 The process is slower and more frustrating than it should be 🔸 And even with a great background, it’s hard to stand out After 20 years in tech recruitment and 1,000+ coaching conversations, here are 5 job search shifts that consistently help mid-to-senior professionals land faster — often with more money, confidence, and clarity: 🔹 1. Stop playing the volume game. You don’t need 100 applications - you need 10 strategic ones. Target roles where your skills match the business pain points. Quality beats quantity every time. 🔹 2. Don’t just list what you did - show what changed. Instead of “managed product roadmap,” say “revamped roadmap, cutting time-to-launch by 30%.” Hiring managers don’t need your job description - they want your impact. 🔹 3. Prepare for interviews like a pro. Most candidates wing it. The successful ones have at least 8-10 clear value stories ready, practice out loud, and tailor their examples to the audience. (Yes - your VP answer needs to be different than your hiring manager one.) 🔹 4. Use LinkedIn to be found, not just to search. You don’t need to post every day, but you do need a headline, summary, and skills section that actually reflect your strengths and achievements. Recruiters are searching - help them land on you. 🔹 5. Don’t do this alone. Job searching in isolation is frustrating, slow, and often demoralizing. Structure, feedback, and expert support can turn months of trial-and-error into weeks of progress - and often lead to bigger offers. If you're looking for that kind of support, Kadima Careers just launched a new program called Kadima Advantage that includes 1:1 coaching, negotiation support, and access to their entire system. It’s designed for experienced professionals and is heavily discounted in July: 👉 https://lnkd.in/e6Am_YEb It’s not for everyone - but if you're tired of the “spray and pray” job search and want a more strategic approach, it’s worth a look.

One non-negotiable strategy you must include in your job search: Networking. Let me share a few real examples from my clients: - One client landed an interview just by having a casual chat with a school friend at a shop. That conversation led to a referral. - Another secured a high-paying VP role after a mutual friend introduced him to the founder over coffee. - A third, from India, landed interviews in Europe through strategic LinkedIn DMs and well-nurtured online connections. These aren’t random wins. They’re proof that both in-person and online networking work, especially when approached with intention. If you’re job searching, don’t just rely on job portals or mass applications. Networking can open doors that resumes alone can’t. Here’s how to make it part of your strategy: 1. Reconnect with old friends, colleagues, or classmates. You don’t always need new contacts. Some of the best opportunities come from people already in your circle, so reach out and reconnect. 2. Start genuine conversations, not cold pitches. Don’t message just to ask for a job. Be human. Start by checking in, sharing your journey, and being curious about theirs. Conversations first, opportunities next. 4. Be visible where your industry hangs out Whether it’s LinkedIn, industry events, virtual panels, or niche groups, your presence matters. People notice those who show up consistently and contribute meaningfully. 5. Focus on building relationships, not just asking for favors. People are more likely to support you when they feel respected and understood. Add value, engage authentically, and focus on the long term. It’s not luck — it’s strategy. A strategy that helps you skip the pile of 100+ applications and go directly to the right conversations.