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- ☕ Cup of Ambition-Volume 17: Your Job Search Isn't Getting Results, Now What?!
☕ Cup of Ambition-Volume 17: Your Job Search Isn't Getting Results, Now What?!
Kelly Roehm
January 09, 2025
Hi, Realists! 👋
Welcome to Cup of Ambition, Volume 17.
In this edition, you’ll get the scoop on:
‼️‼️ 9-to-5 Dilemma: Invisibility- Why Your Job Search Isn’t Getting Results & How to Fix It.
📖 Last Call : Winter Book Club Starts 1/15!
📌 Your Guide to a BOLD Resume (with Examples/Templates!)
🔥 Ambition Accelerator (1 Quick Career Action to Take This Week).
9-to-5 Dilemma.
“I’ve applied to dozens of roles, updated my resume countless times, and even revamped my LinkedIn profile. Still, I’m not getting any traction. I feel like I’m invisible in the job market—what am I doing wrong?"
-The Invisible Wallflower.
What’s your current 9-to-5 dilemma? Send your story to: [email protected]
You’re not alone. The truth is, the job market can feel overwhelming, and even the most qualified candidates often struggle to stand out in this market. The problem isn’t your qualifications—it’s most likely your strategy.
It’s not just about being qualified; it’s about being findable and memorable.
When recruiters or hiring managers review applications, they’re looking for candidates who:
Speak their language: Does your resume and LinkedIn profile align with the specific skills and keywords they’re searching for?
Showcase their impact: Are your accomplishments clear, measurable, and tailored to the job?
Create a connection: Does your personal brand tell a compelling story that makes you more than just another resume?
If you’re missing the mark in one of these areas, it’s not you—it’s your positioning.
The Power of Keyword Strategy
The world runs on algorithms, and the job market is no different. When your resume or LinkedIn profile doesn’t include the right keywords, it’s like showing up to the right party with the wrong invitation.
Here’s how to get it right:
Analyze Job Postings: Look for recurring skills, tools, and qualities mentioned in roles you’re targeting.
Weave Keywords Into Your Story: Use these terms in your resume, LinkedIn profile, and applications to align with what recruiters are actively searching for.
Solve Their Problems: Don’t just list what you’ve done—show how you can address the employer’s specific challenges.
Let ChatGPT Help.
Not sure where to start? Let ChatGPT do the heavy lifting for you.
Prompt:
*"I am preparing to apply for jobs and want to tailor my resume and LinkedIn profile to align with specific job postings. Here are job descriptions I’m considering: [Insert Job Descriptions].
Can you:
Extract the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the job posting.
Group these into categories like technical skills, soft skills, certifications, and key responsibilities.
Highlight any recurring keywords or phrases I should include in my application materials."*
Quick Action Item
This week, commit to a visibility audit:
Review 3 Job Postings: Highlight recurring keywords and skills that align with your strengths.
Optimize Your LinkedIn Headline: Clearly state what you bring to the table using those keywords.
Tailor One Application: Adjust your resume and cover letter to reflect the language and priorities in a specific job description.
Small changes can lead to big breakthroughs. By focusing on how you position yourself—through keywords, clear accomplishments, and a compelling personal brand—you’ll not only stand out but attract the roles that align with your goals.
Let me know if you’d like more support tailoring your strategy. Together, we’ll make your job search more effective and impactful.
🚨 4 Spots Added: Don’t Miss Out on a Badass Book Club! 🚨
Join my 6-week book club designed for women ready to take their careers to the next level. We’ll dive into Likeable Badass by Alison Fragale—a guide packed with science-backed tools to build influence, expand networks, and advocate for yourself confidently.
This is your chance to start 2025 with clarity, confidence, and a badass plan for success. Space is limited, and once it’s full, it’s full!
Use Code BADASS to save $25!
The Resume Blueprint: Build Your Career Story with Confidence.
No two careers are the same, and neither should your resume be. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to crafting a resume. Your ideal format, structure, and content may vary based on your role, industry, and career goals. That said, having a proven framework to start with can make all the difference.
Ever wonder what a winning resume looks like? Or how you can turn your professional experience into a compelling career story that stands out in today’s competitive job market?
Writing a resume is more than just listing your responsibilities—it’s about selling your unique value. And sometimes, the best way to get started is by seeing a real-life example of what works.
The Secret Sauce Behind a Winning Resume.
A strong resume does three key things:
Speaks the Recruiter’s Language: It uses keywords and phrases tailored to the job you’re targeting.
Showcases Impact: It highlights measurable achievements, not just tasks or responsibilities.
Tells a Story: It connects your experience and skills to the needs of the employer.
Sound familiar? 😂
My Personal Resume Template—Your Starting Point.
To help you build your own career story, I’m sharing a copy of my personal resume and an anonymized client resume—proven, professionally designed templates that reflect the strategies I teach my clients every day.
Keyword Optimization: Designed to stand out in applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Impact-Driven Language: Highlights accomplishments with measurable results.
Modern Design: Clean, professional, and easy to read for recruiters.
IT Project Manager Sample Resume:
Page 1
Page 2
How to Use These Templates:
Customize for Your Career Goals: Use the structure and format as a guide, but tailor the content to your own achievements and target roles.
Focus on Outcomes: Emphasize how your work drove results. Think about metrics, growth, and successes that reflect your unique contributions.
Incorporate Keywords: Identify the key skills and qualifications from job postings you’re targeting and weave them into your resume.
Why This Matters
Having a strong resume is your first step to standing out, but it’s also a tool for self-reflection. It helps you articulate your strengths, see your progress, and build the confidence to go after the roles you deserve.
By starting with this template, you’re not just creating a document—you’re laying the foundation for how you’ll present yourself to the world.
Get the Template
Click here to download my resume for another sample template and start building your own career blueprint today.
Need help tailoring it for your unique experience or career goals? Let’s work together. Whether you need feedback, customization, or full resume writing services, I’m here to help you turn your story into a tool that gets results.
🔥Ambition Accelerator 🔥
This week, dedicate just 15 minutes to strengthening your network and planting seeds for future opportunities. Here’s how:
Reach Out: Message one person you admire or haven’t connected with in a while. Keep it simple—compliment a recent achievement, share an article they might like, or express interest in catching up.
Engage on LinkedIn: Comment meaningfully on one post or share an article with your own insights. Showcasing your expertise and staying visible is key to building your personal brand.
Plan a Coffee Chat: Schedule a quick virtual or in-person meeting with someone in your industry. Use it as a chance to learn about their work and share your own goals.
Why This Matters: Networking doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Small, consistent actions like these can lead to big opportunities down the line—whether it’s landing your next job, finding a mentor, or simply staying inspired.
Take 15 minutes this week to invest in your network—and watch your ambition accelerate.
Dollyism.
Don’t Be a Stranger!
Like my content?
Tired of always talking about how much you hate your job anytime you hang out with friends or family?
Think more people need to hear what I say?
5 Ways to Grow Our Networks:
1) Connect with me on LinkedIn!
2) Like, share, and engage with my content across social.
3) Refer friends and co-workers to subscribe to Cup of Ambition!
4) Refer anyone who tells you they hate their job to me! Refer a new client, spin the prize wheel, and we both win!
5) Recommend me for speaking opportunities within professional networks, community groups, ERGs, workplace events, or other groups you’re a part of.
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