If you’re ready to find a new job, or even just thinking about it, I want to share something important. Before you apply for a single role or reach out to anyone in your network, there are 3 things you absolutely need to have in place. Don’t apply for a job until you’ve done these 3 things. I walk my clients through these steps, and I always say: Don’t skip them. Do them right.
I’ve learned that when we’re stuck in the day-to-day grind, it’s easy to ignore that quiet voice telling us we’re not quite where we want to be. So, if you’ve been going in circles, unsure whether your current job (or even your whole career path) still fits, I get it, I’ve been there too. Give yourself permission to slow down, reflect on what you love and what drains you, and get clear on what you’re really looking for. Having purpose in our careers is too important to ignore. Then, before you start your job search, do the 3 steps:
Here are the three steps:
1. Your messaging
2. Your resume
3. Your LinkedIn profile
Until all three are ready, I advise you to hold off on applying for jobs or contacting your network. You only get one chance to make a strong first impression, and these are the tools that shape how people see you.
Let me walk you through each step.
Step 1 – Your Messaging
This is where it all begins. What do you really want next in your career? Take a moment to think about what’s mattered most to you in your past roles. What influenced your decisions? What lit you up? Are those things still doing it for you, or have your priorities shifted?
Your messaging is what you say about yourself. Whether it’s in an interview, a casual coffee catch-up, or an elevator pitch.
It’s also the answer to questions like: “So, what are you looking for next?” or “Tell me about yourself.”
If you haven’t taken the time to think this through, your answers will come out vague, unfocused, or just not quite right. That’s why messaging comes before your resume or LinkedIn. It’s your foundation.
Start by writing down your answers to some key questions:
WHO – Who am I? What are my core values? What matters to me in life and work? What are my personal strengths and attributes?
WHAT – What do I bring to the table? What are my top skills? What have I achieved in my career? What comes naturally to me? What do I enjoy doing most? What do others say I’m good at?
WHY – Why should someone hire me? What unique value do I offer? What impact do I make? What benefits would I bring to an organization?
This exercise helps you define your professional self. A clear, confident way of communicating who you are professionally, what you’ve accomplished, and what you can offer.
It’s the core of how you present yourself. Once you’ve nailed it, you’ll feel more confident in every conversation, interview, and networking opportunity.
Step 2 – Your Resume
Once you’ve got your message clear, it’s time to put it on paper. Your resume is your personal sales document. It should tell your story in a way that makes people want to talk to you.
Start with a strong first page. This is what recruiters and hiring managers focus on the most.
Make sure it includes:
• Your name, phone number, and email
• A clear career profile
• A list of key accomplishments or top skills
• A career snapshot (company names, job titles and dates (years only))
Think of page one as your highlight reel. Can someone glance at it and immediately understand what you do, what you’re great at, and why they should keep reading? If not, revise it until it does.
Step 3 – Your LinkedIn Profile
Now that your messaging and resume are aligned, it’s time to bring it all to life online. Before you start reaching out to your network or applying for jobs through LinkedIn, make sure your profile is 100% complete and optimized. This is your digital first impression, and just like your resume, it needs to be strong and consistent.
Here’s what to check:
• Is your headline clear and reflective of your current goals?
• Is your “About” section compelling and aligned with your messaging?
• Are your experience, skills, and accomplishments up to date?
• Do you have a professional photo and custom URL?
Remember, people don’t have time to read between the lines. Make it easy for them to understand who you are and what you’re looking for. Just like you wouldn’t send out a half-finished resume, don’t connect with people on LinkedIn until your profile is ready. Make every interaction count.
Finally
If you feel stuck with any of these steps, especially your resume or LinkedIn, I offer a Personal Branding coaching session to help you get clarity and confidence fast. You can learn more and book a session HERE.
Don’t rush into your job search unprepared. Get these three steps right, and you’ll set yourself up for a smoother, faster, and far more successful path to your next role.
If you need help creating your job search routine, CLICK HERE.
Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
- Career crossroads and need clarity? Click here
- Maximise your LinkedIn and Resume for a successful job search, click here
- Nail that job interview and get the job offer, click here
Alternatively, if you are feeling overwhelmed or are unsure where to start and need help with EVERYTHING click here