Before we discuss this week's topic, I want to update you on my new service. Yesterday, September 15, I launched the RB Lnkdn Club. It’s a private LinkedIn group designed to help professionals like you build a consistent and credible presence on LinkedIn without the overwhelm.
Each week, members get a structured LinkedIn task, done-for-you templates, and feedback on their posts. We’ll also meet for a monthly live Q&A and build a supportive community of peers who are working on their visibility and career growth.
So far, we have members joining from Australia, the US, and Canada. If this sounds like what you need right now, I'm leaving the doors open for a few more days for you to join as a Founding Member. I plan to close the doors so I can focus on working with this original group and maximise their results before opening up again for more members
Today’s Job Market and How Professionals Can Respond
Layoffs, rejections, and the uncertainty of job searching are realities many professionals face, especially in today’s rapidly shifting job market. This week's episode of The Job Hunting Podcast is dedicated to answering questions from professionals navigating layoffs and career transitions. The questions came from a recent webinar I participated in, organized by Callings.ai, where hundreds of participants shared their concerns about staying motivated, dealing with rejections, optimizing resumes, and pivoting into new roles.
This newsletter is designed to serve as a detailed summary and deep dive into the episode, offering practical insights and actionable strategies for experienced professionals and executives. If you are facing a layoff, considering a pivot, or simply want to future-proof your career, this guide will give you the tools to move forward with clarity and confidence.
1. Handling Rejections and Maintaining Motivation
One of the most common questions professionals asked during the webinar was how to deal with the sting of rejection. When you apply for jobs, rejections are inevitable, but the way you interpret them can determine your progress. I often tell my clients that rejection is data.
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If you are not being invited to interviews, the issue likely lies in your resume or the way you apply.
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If you are advancing through interviews but not receiving offers, the problem is often related to your executive presence or the way you communicate during interviews.
Motivation often wanes during long job searches. To stay energized, I recommend creating clarity around your goals and values. Define what success looks like for you, then set milestones that feel achievable. This helps transform setbacks into part of the journey rather than roadblocks.
Small wins are also crucial. Volunteering, engaging in networking conversations, or learning new skills can provide forward momentum and reinforce your confidence. As professionals in mid-to-late career stages, focusing on work that energizes you rather than drains you is essential.
2. Applications, Resumes, and LinkedIn Strategy
A significant portion of my answers focused on applications and resumes, particularly for professionals with limited work experience or employment gaps. Recruiters and employers have come to understand layoffs and short-term roles, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The key is framing them properly. For example, list short-term roles as consulting or contract projects and emphasize achievements rather than timeframes.
On LinkedIn, avoid leaving your last role open-ended. If you are in transition, consider using features like “career break” or “parental leave.” LinkedIn has become more flexible in recognizing these realities. If you have undertaken freelance projects, pro bono work, or even industry-related volunteering, highlight them. They demonstrate initiative and keep your profile active.
Another concern raised was whether AI-generated resumes and cover letters make applications sound the same. The answer is yes, unless you personalize them. If you're struggling to get good results from ChatGPT or Claude (they require you to learn how to prompt), AI tools designed for job seekers, like Callings.ai, can be helpful. But it is important to input your unique voice, experiences, and career goals. Without customization, your applications risk blending into the crowd.
Finally, focus on quality over quantity. Many job seekers believe they must send out hundreds of applications, but in reality, a smaller number of well-targeted, tailored applications is far more effective, especially for experienced professionals with specialized expertise.
3. Career Pivots and Returning to Former Employers
Another theme in the episode was career pivots. Many experienced professionals question whether their current path is still the right fit. If you are considering a pivot, treat it as a project. Conduct informational interviews, shadow professionals in your field of interest, and test ideas before committing fully.
Career discovery can be messy. Sometimes the grass looks greener in another industry or sector, but the reality may not match your expectations. Stay flexible and allow yourself to adjust if a new direction does not feel right.
A related question was whether returning to a former employer is a step backward. The truth is, returning can be a strategic move. Ask yourself whether the role meets your current needs in terms of income, stability, and growth opportunities. In large organizations, even if you return to the same company, you may find yourself in a new division, working with new teams and challenges. Far from being a failure, this move can be a bridge to future opportunities.
4. Interviewing and Closing the Deal
Many professionals struggle at the final stage of the hiring process. They advance through multiple interviews but fall short when it comes to securing the offer. This is often the result of issues with executive presence, trust-building, or rapport rather than technical competence.
At this level, it is less about STAR-format answers and more about demonstrating confidence, warmth, and authenticity. Employers want to hire a colleague they can trust and enjoy working with.
If you find yourself repeatedly reaching the final two candidates without securing the role, it may be time to seek professional coaching. Fine-tuning presence and communication often requires feedback and practice.
When closing an interview, focus on storytelling, rapport, and positioning yourself as a strong cultural fit. The technical qualifications got you to the table; now your presence and personality need to secure the offer.
5. Application Timing: When to Apply for Roles
Another practical question concerned the timing of applications. Should you apply immediately when a role is posted or wait?
Submitting an application too quickly can signal a lack of research. Employers may doubt whether you took the time to understand the role. Conversely, waiting too long may mean the hiring process is already underway.
The best practice is to apply within the first few days after a job is posted. If a role is advertised on a Monday, aim to apply by Wednesday or Thursday. This balance ensures you have time to tailor your application while staying within the early review window.
The Current Job Market Reality
The ability to pivot, reframe experience, and maintain executive presence will remain essential for career longevity and advancement. In difficult markets, short-term consulting, freelance projects, or bridge roles may be the most practical option until conditions improve. These interim roles not only provide income but also keep your skills fresh and demonstrate adaptability to future employers.
It is important to give yourself grace during these times. Layoffs and downturns are not a reflection of your value as a professional. They are part of broader economic patterns. Your responsibility is to stay visible, stay active, and ensure you remain competitive when the market turns upward again.
Above all, remember that the job market is cyclical. Downturns are temporary, and professionals who stay active and adaptable will be ready to seize opportunities when they arise. If you are currently in transition, I encourage you to use these strategies to strengthen your approach and regain momentum.
Got lots of questions about job seeking? Listen to this week's episode:
From the rise of portfolio careers to the growing importance of digital transformation, the 2025 Interim Executive Survey highlights how executives are choosing new ways of working. Discover insights from Donna Burr on what this means for professionals navigating change.
- Listen to the full episode on the podcast website
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Listen on Spotify
- Watch on YouTube
An Invitation to Join the RB Lnkdn Club
If LinkedIn is a challenge for you, I invite you to take the next step and join the RB Lnkdn Club. This is a private, unlisted LinkedIn group I created exclusively for experienced professionals who want to build a strong, consistent presence on LinkedIn without second-guessing themselves.
Inside the Club, you will:
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Receive weekly step-by-step tasks to strengthen your LinkedIn activity
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Access practical templates and examples you can adapt immediately
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Learn how to post with confidence, comment with intention, and grow visibility
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Get direct feedback from me on your posts and engagement strategies
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Connect with other senior professionals who share your career ambitions
I created the RB Lnkdn Club to simplify LinkedIn for you and reduce the "noise" and confusion in your career to-do list. I'm focusing on LinkedIn because I know it's crucial that you get it right, and that you do it now. This service is designed to provide you with clear guidance and hands-on support, so that LinkedIn becomes a career asset rather than a source of stress.
Membership is private and unlisted. This creates a safe space for learning, experimenting, and refining your professional voice.
If you’re serious about advancing your career, safeguarding against unexpected change, and positioning yourself as a visible leader in your field, this is the place to do it.
Time Out
- Ok, this may be very "out of the box" for you. I stumbled upon this tiny YouTube Channel and I am really enjoying it. If you're interested in learning more about Brazilian music, you may also enjoy it. Chico invites you into his living room and plays his favorite songs for you. With a lovely collection of long discs, I have been revisiting old favorites and discovering new ones. Sometimes he plays outdoors at his farm, which is another lovely background. He dances a bit; sometimes his wife is in the kitchen. It's a vibe. While you're on YouTube, remember to subscribe to my channel and give our new episode a like. Very few people watch us on YouTube, and I'm hoping to change that!
- Although I find it very confusing following the Mystery Road series and movies, I love watching them. A new season of Mystery Road: Origin has popped up on Australia's ABC, and it's so good. This critically acclaimed series was brought to my attention by American guest of the pod, Lou Adler. So I am certain it can be found around the globe. Click here for a Google Search of "How to watch Mystery Road in order."
I hope you found this newsletter helpful. Please spread the word and let your friends know they can subscribe as well. Sometimes people reply to this newsletter to ask if I know a coach who can help them. I get very confused, because I do so much self-promotion! Apparently not enough!
Click here to learn more about my services.
Here's to your career success
RBX
Renata Bernarde | Career Coach | Host, The Job Hunting Podcast
