Hi there, I'm newly unemployed and seeking a higher role than what I previously had but am getting discouraged. Does anyone have any advice?

3 Comments

1. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 4:57PM UTC

   What I do first when I transition roles is, collect well-written job postings that sound like the-best-of-the-best of that position. Then I start finding common elements/tasks between them and grouping them into themes. So I may end up with a "Stakeholder Management" theme with all the responsibilities related to influence, negotiations, conflict resolution, etc. . For each of the job required responsibilities, I will write my own bullet point of how I accomplished that. I take all of this and re-write my resume.

   This ensures my resume has coverage for what I consider a superstar of the role. It helps me shape my resume and I also start to write down interview responses. This builds the best version of my 'generic' resume.

   I also start looking on LinkedIn for people in my position and how they write or what they write about themselves. I collect these and make sure I am shaping my LI and resume with those phrases or highlights.

   At this point, I try to reach out to seasoned individuals in my targetted position for an "informational interview" where I ask them what they've done and think makes a great 'insert position I'm aspiring to'. I ask them what they really enjoy about it, what are the toughest parts of the job, and what they hate dealing with. This ensures that the position is still aligned with my perspective, and hopefully reveals some raw truths--the good, bad, ugly--of what I will need to be prepared for in an interview. If I feel I am particularly adept at addressing the most challenging or worst parts of the job, I highlight it in my resume and/or cover letter.

   This may not be the exact tactic you take because a senior position typically means more expertise/experience, which is likely gained through hard skills (unless you're applying for management). But you can still have the "informational interviews" with people in the position you seek and ask them how they get from A to B. Ask them what requirements and characteristics make up the ideal candidate. And ask them what they had to change, how they had to think, how they had to behave, what they had to do more/less of going from intermediate to advanced.

2. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 7:59PM UTC

   Network like crazy. Skip job fairs make one on one meaningful connections with people who know people. Depending on your age an additional another trade and or earn another degree or credential at a school with connections in your area of interest.

   If your in California either look into state government employment or get out of the state unless your in San Diego, Palto Alto, or Roseville. For those in Roseville look into working for local government for the moment.

3. AnonymousJune 1,2025 at 8:50PM UTC

   I would agree with advice offered below. Networking will be your #1 strategy.