Hello friends,

I hope you’re all doing well! This year, for the first time in a few years, I found myself back on the job market. While I’d heard plenty of chatter about how tough the job market is right now, I decided to test the waters. Spoiler alert: the journey turned out much better than I expected.

Let me share what I learned and what worked for me during this process, in the hope it can help you or someone you know.

1. The Reality of the Job Market

Heading into the search, I kept hearing about how competitive things were. The job market in 2024/2025 is as challenging as ever. With major companies continuing to downsize and waves of layoffs affecting industries worldwide, competition for top roles has never been fiercer. Many talented professionals are now navigating career transitions, searching for stability and growth in uncertain times.

But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, it’s possible to not only land a new role but also secure a significant pay rise—just like I did. I was aiming for a significant pay increase—about 10-20% more than my current salary—and, to be honest, I wasn’t sure if it was realistic. However, by the end of my search, I managed not only to hit my target but to exceed it and secure a 35% pay rise.

This experience taught me that if you’re good at what you do, present yourself well, and stay consistent, there are still incredible opportunities out there—even in a tight labour market.

2. How to Approach Your Job Search

Over the years, I’ve learned that looking for a job isn’t just about sending out applications—it’s a strategy game. At a minimum, it’s like taking on a part-time job that requires dedication. Here’s how I approached it:

2.1. Find Out Where Your Industry Lives

Each industry has its own "watering holes"—places where the best opportunities are posted. I’ve spent a significant part of my career in financial services, and during my job search, platforms like eFinancialCareers proved invaluable for discovering roles at banks, hedge funds, and fintech companies.

Every industry has these hubs, and you’d be well-placed to engage with people and companies there, whether online or offline.

2.2. Leverage LinkedIn

This time around, I leaned heavily on LinkedIn. The "Easy Apply" feature saved me a ton of time by letting me quickly submit applications without filling out lengthy forms. While the majority of my applications—about 90%—were through LinkedIn, I did explore other platforms and opportunities as well.

That said, LinkedIn’s reach is massive, and I’d be surprised if any serious company doesn’t post their openings there.

2.3. Set Yourself Up for Success on LinkedIn

One feature that made a huge difference for me was LinkedIn’s "Open to Work" option. I didn’t use the big green banner—I personally think it’s incredibly tacky and a bit "beggy," but maybe that’s the South London in me. Instead, I used a more subtle option that only recruiters could see.

A significant number of interviews I landed came from third-party recruiters who reached out directly because they saw my profile. These recruiters got my resume directly to either the hiring manager or the recruitment person at those companies, bypassing horrible auto HR platforms. It made a world of difference.

Here’s how to enable this option:

• Click the Me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage.

• Click View profile.

• Click the Open to button.

• Select Finding a new job.

• Provide the requested information in the pop-up window.

• Under Visibility, choose Recruiters only.

• Click Add to profile.

3. Leverage Referrals

One of the most effective ways to bypass the noise of the job boards is through referrals. If you know someone at a company you’re interested in, reach out to them. Many organizations offer referral bonuses, so your contact has an incentive to help. Plus, referred candidates often get fast-tracked in the hiring process, skipping automated systems that might otherwise filter you out.

I’m pretty sure most people know the above. However, one thing I’ve seen work for many friends—though I haven’t done it myself—is asking referrals from complete strangers. They reach out to them, mostly on LinkedIn, and ask whether they’d be willing to refer them to the role so they can get the referral bonus. Provided you have a good enough profile, I’ve heard 9/10 they’re willing to refer.

They do it because, in most companies, a successful referral is often worth $3-5,000 once you’ve been hired and worked a minimum number of months. They’re incentivized to do this.

I’d personally pick an angle on how you two are similar to engage with them on a somewhat familial playing field. For example: "went to the same university," "both are women," "both are ethnic minorities," "both are former athletes/military," or "similar work background." Something that explains why you picked them in their company versus hundreds of others.

4. Play the Numbers Game

Let’s be real: job searching is a numbers game. I applied to around 200-300 roles, finding and applying to 20-30 jobs a day in the evenings and weekends.

This led to multiple interviews, which gave me the chance to practice interviewing, refine my pitch, and figure out how to convey my value proposition. I recommend keeping a spreadsheet to track where you’ve applied, who you’ve spoken to, and the status of each application. Organization is key.

5. Crafting Your Value Proposition, Telling Your Story, and Exuding Confidence

When it comes to landing a job, one of the most important things you can do is define your value proposition—the unique set of skills, experiences, and qualities that make you the best candidate for the role. Think of it as your personal "elevator pitch." Here’s how to uncover and communicate it effectively:

Step 1: Discover Your Value Proposition

Start by reflecting on your career journey:

• Identify your strengths: What are you exceptionally good at? Think about the skills, both technical and soft, that set you apart.

• Pinpoint your achievements: What have you accomplished in previous roles that had a measurable impact? Examples might include increasing revenue, improving processes, or building a team. Quantifiable results always make your value more tangible.

• Understand your "why": Why do you do what you do? Employers love candidates who have a clear purpose and passion for their work.

Once you’ve clarified these points, distill them into a concise message. For example:
"I specialize in [specific skill], and in my last role, I was able to achieve [specific result]. I’m passionate about solving [specific challenge] and thrive in [specific type of environment]."

Step 2: Craft Your Story

Your story is what ties your experience and skills together into a compelling narrative. Rather than just listing your job titles, use storytelling to make yourself memorable. Here’s how:

1. Start with the “why”: Why did you enter your field? What motivated your journey?

2. Connect the dots: Explain how each role or career decision has built your expertise and led you to where you are now.

3. Highlight growth: Show how you’ve grown, adapted, and learned from challenges in your career.

4. End with the future: Explain why you’re interested in the role you’re interviewing for and how it aligns with your goals.

For example:
"I started my career in marketing because I’ve always been fascinated by how brands tell stories and connect with people. Over the past five years, I’ve honed my expertise in digital strategy, where I’ve helped companies grow their online presence by 200%. Now, I’m looking to bring my skills to a fast-growing organization like yours, where I can tackle new challenges and create even bigger results."

Step 3: Exude Confidence in Interviews

Confidence is key to making a strong impression during an interview. Here’s how to project it, even if you’re feeling nervous:

1. Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your answers to common interview questions, focusing on your value proposition and story. The more you practice, the more natural you’ll sound.

2. Use the STAR method: When asked about your experiences, structure your answers using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This helps you stay organized and clear.

3. Mind your body language: Sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and use open hand gestures. Nonverbal communication speaks volumes about your confidence.

4. Pause to think: If you’re unsure how to answer a question, it’s okay to take a moment to collect your thoughts. This shows composure rather than panic.

5. Focus on “we” rather than “I”: Employers want team players. Highlight how your work has benefited teams and organizations, not just yourself.

Final Tip: Own Your Narrative

Remember, you are the expert on your career. No one else knows your story better than you do, so speak with conviction and pride. Even if you don’t have all the answers, your confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table can make all the difference.

By defining your value proposition, crafting a compelling story, and presenting yourself confidently, you’ll leave a lasting impression on interviewers and set yourself apart from the competition.

6. Why You Should Interview Even If You’re Not Sure About the Role

Practice makes perfect. The first few interviews I did were, frankly, terrible. But as I went through more rounds, I got better at telling my story, explaining my career trajectory, and selling my skills.

Use opportunities you’re less interested in as practice to build your confidence and sharpen your presentation skills. I often interviewed 4-5 times a day, even for roles I was moderately interested in, to stay sharp for the ones I really wanted.

7. How to Prepare for a Career Move

If you’re considering a career change, start planning six months before you actually want to make a move. Here’s what I recommend:

• Identify Your Top Companies: Make a list of 5-10 companies you’d love to work for, even if they don’t have current openings.

• Polish Your Pitch: Be ready to explain why you’re leaving your current role, why you’re interested in the new company, and what unique value you bring.

• Warm Up Your Network: Reach out to contacts in your industry. Let them know you’re considering a move and would love to hear about any opportunities.

Closing Thoughts

The job market might be challenging, but with the right approach, there’s still plenty of room to grow your career—and your salary. I hope this helps you think more strategically about your next move. Remember, it’s all about preparation, persistence, and presenting your best self.

Until next time,

Paulo