How to Use AI to Discover Where You’re Actually Competitive in the Job Market

Kelli HrivnakJob Search Tactics, Job Seeker Advice Leave a Comment

Everyone’s using GenAI to rewrite or tweak their resume. Here’s the smarter play. You’ve probably used ChatGPT to amp up or even write your resume. I’m all for using whatever tools are available to you, and the glorious thing about genAI is that it’s accessible to anyone for free or at a low cost. When you use smart prompts and …

How to Job Search Like a Headhunter (A Recruiter’s Playbook)

Kelli HrivnakJob Search Tactics, Job Seeker Advice Leave a Comment

I’m often asked by job seekers if they can pay me to help them find a job. The short answer is no. I don’t offer job search services like the old-school headhunter model, or you might hear newer versions of this called “reverse recruiting.” While I could structure a plan followed by action items, it’s just not a service I’d …

Why Your 2026 Job Search Needs an Interactive Portfolio Chatbot

Kelli HrivnakJob Search Tactics, Job Seeker Advice, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

Why Portfolio Chatbots are a Game-Changer As a recruiter, I see the same problem repeatedly: talented candidates are overlooked because their portfolios (or resume) don’t answer the right questions quickly enough. Here’s what hiring teams actually need to know to determine whether the applicant is worth a screen: Traditional resumes or a static portfolio might get you to all four …

person looking at computer taking interview skills assessment

The Truth About Skills Assessments: What 80% of Job Seekers Really Think

Kelli HrivnakJob Search Tactics, Job Seeker Advice Leave a Comment

A data-driven look at candidate attitudes toward skills testing and how to implement assessments that work for everyone The Surprising Poll Results That Changed My Perspective When I recently polled my LinkedIn network about skills assessments, the results came as a complete surprise to me. 80% of job seekers said they WOULD take a skills assessment if they were made …

two people at a desk interviewing for a job

Never Heard Back After Interview? Here’s When You Should Reapply.

Kelli HrivnakJob Seeker Advice Leave a Comment

Not hearing back from a job you applied to is one thing. But going through numerous rounds of interviews. You’re excited, confident, and already envisioning yourself in the role. Then… nothing. Radio silence. Weeks turn into months, and suddenly you spot the same job posting online again. Sound familiar? This scenario is more common than you might think, raising an …

FEDERAL TO PRIVATE transition

From Federal to Private: Rebranding Your Government experience for Commercial Success

Kelli HrivnakJob Seeker Advice, Resume Writing Leave a Comment

In today’s rapidly evolving job market, many federal employees are considering transitions to the private sector. Whether due to federal layoffs, shifting priorities, or personal career goals, successfully navigating this transition requires strategic rebranding of your skills and experience. Why Consider Rebranding? The landscape for federal employees is changing. With DOGE-led cuts and shifting priorities in government agencies, many professionals …

Resume Scanner Tools: Do They Actually Help Your Job Search?

Kelli HrivnakJob Seeker Advice, Resume Writing Leave a Comment

In recent conversations with job seekers, I’ve noticed a concerning trend: many are obsessing over their resume scanner scores, believing these tools hold the key to getting their applications in front of hiring managers. As a recruiter, I’m here to tell you why this approach might be steering you wrong. What Are Resume Scanners? These online tools claim to evaluate …

two people job interviewing

Mastering the Art of Discussing Your Professional Experience in Job Interviews

Kelli HrivnakInterview Prep, Job Seeker Advice Leave a Comment

In today’s competitive job market, the ability to effectively communicate your professional experience is crucial, especially during interviews. While many job seekers focus on securing interviews, the real challenge lies in articulating your value proposition once you’re in the room. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to elevate your interview responses and showcase your professional journey effectively. Beyond Basic Job …

How to find Job Postings beyond LinkedIn’s Jobs

Kelli HrivnakJob Search Tactics, Job Seeker Advice Leave a Comment

Are you frustrated that LinkedIn’s job search filters are not delivering the right opportunities aligned with your experience? You’re not alone. For example, I used the keywords “paid search marketing” in the search field for the open job tab on LinkedIn today. These are the top 9 results from a search of “paid search marketing” within a 25 mile radius …

Crafting a Killer “Open to Work” Post

Kelli HrivnakJob Seeker Advice, LinkedIn advice Leave a Comment

If you regularly engage with content on LinkedIn, you’ve probably seen posts from users publicly sharing their job search status—commonly known as the “Open to Work” announcement. First, publicly sharing your active job search is a personal decision. If you would rather keep those conversations one-on-one and private, you can still conduct an effective search. In today’s competitive job market, …