Beyond the Resume

Why a strategic, multifaceted approach is essential for success

Photo by Hannah Fulkerson

I recently had someone reach out and ask: "Would it be possible for you to review my resume? I have been applying to jobs with no success since November. I’m starting to wonder if I have missed something in my resume or need to expand my search criteria in some way.”

Here's the thing: this particular person has a great resume. They had learned to customize their resume and cover letter to align with each unique application. Their materials were polished, professional, and well-targeted.

So what's the problem?

The single-strategy trap

I see too many clients and students get tunnel vision, focusing intensely on one particular piece of the career development and job search process. This single-strategy approach often leads to frustration and burnout. Here are some common misconceptions I encounter:

Misconception: "I just need to have a great resume, and then I'll land a great job."

Reality: A professional, polished, organized, well-written, and well-formatted resume is one essential piece of the job search process - but it's just one piece among many.

Misconception: "I have a master's degree, so I should easily get better and more offers."

Reality: Your education is one valuable component that helps advance your career, but employers evaluate candidates holistically.

Misconception: "It's all about who you know."

Reality: Building professional relationships and expanding your network is essential and ongoing, but it works best when combined with strong application materials and relevant skills.

The 2025 job Market reality

Let's be honest: we're facing a challenging job market in 2025. The search isn't easy, and success requires persistence, grit, determination, and - most importantly - a strategic, multi-faceted approach.

If you're stuck in the cycle of continuously applying without hearing back, it's time to strategize your search to include these essential elements:

1. Perfect Your Professional Brand

• Ensure your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile are the best they can be

• Customize resumes and cover letters for each unique application

• Make all materials "ATS-friendly" to pass through applicant tracking systems

2. Develop Market-Relevant Skills

• Research the skills and requirements needed for your target roles

• Identify gaps in your current skill set

• Actively work on developing missing qualifications - whether that's additional education, soft skills, or technical competencies

• Consider certifications, online courses, or volunteer opportunities to build relevant experience

3. Prioritize Strategic Networking

• Professor Heather Austin shared in one of her recent videos that 80% of job offers come from networking

• Continuously expand your professional network through industry events, LinkedIn connections, and one of my personal forms - informational interviews

• Check out my blog on networking if you need guidance on how to build professional relationships

The bottom line

Job searching in today's market requires a comprehensive strategy that goes far beyond having a great resume. Success comes from combining excellent application materials with continuous skill development, strategic networking, and persistent effort across multiple channels.

If you've been applying continuously without success, please know that this is more common than you might think, and it absolutely doesn't reflect on your qualifications or potential. It means it's time to expand your approach and leverage all the tools in your job search toolkit.

I tell all of my students and clients to always remember the three P's: Patience, Persistence, and Positivity.

Patience is essential because the job search is not an easy process. It takes time. We don't know when that next offer will come, and that lack of control drives people crazy.

Persistence is necessary because you must consistently network, build relationships, gain professional experiences in your desired direction, and apply to openings.

Positivity matters because rejection is hard. When we invest everything into an application and interview, only to learn we didn't receive the job, it hurts. That's only natural. We need to allow ourselves time to process these feelings, and sometimes we need to take a break from the job search. But then, it's important to jump back to it.

Ultimately, the career transition journey, though challenging, offers invaluable opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Each application, interview, and even rejection brings you closer to finding not just any job, but the right fit for your skills, personality, and aspirations.