Most people do not understand how third-party recruiters (non-company-based) work in the marketplace. You may not have ever worked with one before. If you understand the business model (especially how they get paid), you will better understand how they operate and how to best work with one of these recruiters.

Some people believe that a job is just something you have to endure. I do not and will not believe that. While I do not think your work has to be a passion project, I do think that if you know yourself and what you are good at and like to do, you can find opportunities that are a good fit. From my two examples, it wasn't because I got lucky. I had a plan. I knew what I wanted. I proactively looked for the right opportunities and did not settle.

To show value, you need to understand your audience. Figure out what they value, and in all aspects of your job search, demonstrate this value. Doing so time-and-time again demonstrates your personal brand.

1) How should I start and end an interview?

2) Why would a job posting require a cover letter in addition to a resume?

3) Everyone at my company was asked to take a 15% pay cut due to COVID-19. That was in April. It was hard to manage my budget, but I have been able to do so, mostly because my family does not go out much, and we did not take a vacation. I have not heard anything that the salaries are going to be reinstated any time soon. I know I cannot permanently live on less money. What should I do?

When I was a corporate recruiter, I loved working with the candidates and finding work they would love. I also loved working with the hiring managers and finding people that would be an asset to their team and the organization. It is not an easy job, though. Understanding what they do and why they do it helps each candidate make that vital connection with a recruiter. That connection can be essential to get your resume in front of the hiring manager.

What this means is that all effort is not created equal. The application of this as a job seeker is that not all activities are created equal. To be the most effective, you have to identify the activities that are likely to give you the most return on investment, that 20%, and put 80% of your effort behind them.

Career coaches talk a lot about value propositions. But it is a concept that confuses many people. So the admonition to make your value proposition into a compelling story feels to many like career coaches are speaking a foreign language. How can I do that when I don't even know what a value proposition is?

Stories are just another avenue to build personal connections and to promote yourself. As a job seeker, it gives you additional visibility. It also may allow you to share more about the personal side of yourself.

Make sure that when you look for a job, you think through before you apply or network with others, what are the "must-haves" for you. The "must-haves" will help you to be proactive and know the types of firms you want to target, but it will also keep you from being swept off your feet by an opportunity that is too good to be true.