Career Briefs: Reigniting Your Professional Spark

An October 2024 Gartner survey of 200 CxOs found that 27% are likely or extremely likely to change jobs in the next six months. This significant turnover creates both challenges and unprecedented opportunities for ambitious executives.

With so many executives considering a change, the market is ripe with potential for those who are prepared. Take control of your career narrative by clarifying your values, honing your skills, and aligning your aspirations with concrete action. This is the moment to reflect, strategize, and proactively shape your professional future.

What can you do to help prepare?

• Reflect on your goals and ambitions. What do you want to achieve in your career? What kind of impact do you want to make?

• Identify your strengths and skills. What are you naturally good at? What do you enjoy doing?

• Explore new possibilities. What kind of careers align with your goals, ambitions, and strengths?

• Take action. What steps can you take today to move closer to your dream career?

Remember, you deserve a career that reflects your ambitions and leverages your strengths. Don't wait for it to happen – make it happen. Take the steps necessary to define your ideal career path and proactively pursue opportunities that will propel you forward.

Rooting for you,

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LinkedIn Strategies for Thought Leadership: Avoid the “Tryhard” Trap

As a former corporate recruiter, I've seen countless LinkedIn profiles, and I can tell you that quality trumps quantity. Too many voices on LinkedIn are “tryhards” or individuals who relentlessly post content in an attempt to build an audience but lack a clear strategy. To avoid becoming a “tryhard” it’s important to have a plan, be yourself, and connect with the right people. Focus on your audience, share content that helps them, and be thoughtful about what you post. If you do that, you'll build a strong personal brand. Once you authentically and strategically begin posting content you can watch your LinkedIn presence grow!

Read the article to uncover how to avoid the LinkedIn TryHard trap.

9 in 10 Workers are Looking for a New Job

We can expect to see a lot of movement in the job market this year, with 93% of workers looking or planning to look for a new job, according to a report from Monster. Job seekers are not ready to leave for just any role, however. The majority of job seekers recognize that interviewing is a 2-way street and will remove themselves from an interview process if they see red flags from the company. Benefit News discusses this and other findings on the current job market in this article.

Is Worker Bargaining Power on the Rebound?

After a challenging few years, job seekers might finally be gaining the upper hand, according to ZipRecruiter’s latest survey. The report reveals a sharp rise in active recruitment, with 53% of new hires being approached by employers—nearly double from the previous quarter. More workers are seeing higher pay, counter-offers, and sign-on bonuses, signaling a potential shift in employer hiring attitudes. However, experts caution that one-quarter of positive data isn’t enough to confirm a long-term trend.

Read more insights from the ZipRecruiter survey in this article from HR Brew.

LinkedIn Live with Chip Conley

Join me for a LinkedIn Live interview TODAY Wednesday, February 26 at 11:00am EST with Chip Conley, renowned hospitality entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and leadership educator.

Chip's insights on leadership and career development have helped countless individuals navigate the complexities of the professional world.

In this conversation, we will delve into Chips' expertise in navigating career transitions and embracing new challenges and the importance of continuous learning in today's ever-evolving job market.

Chip is a true visionary, and his wisdom is invaluable for any executive or senior professional seeking to thrive in today's ever-changing workplace.

Have questions for Chip? Submit them here.

Will Experience Save You From “The Chop”?

In a surprising twist of fate, David Bain found himself on the receiving end of the very industry shift he once analyzed—the disappearance of fifty-somethings from ad agencies. In his most recent article for The Drum, he reflects on his own redundancy and explores what it means for experienced professionals in a market that prioritizes expertise over years served. Bain challenges the traditional agency model and offers a bold rethinking of how senior talent can stay relevant, thrive, and even innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Breaking Out of a Career Niche: How to Successfully Pivot

Transitioning to a new industry can be challenging, especially when employers prioritize direct experience. However, job seekers can overcome this hurdle by strategically repositioning their skills and expanding their networks. This Forbes article outlines five key steps to breaking out of a niche, from identifying transferable skills and crafting a compelling career narrative to leveraging professional connections and considering alternative career paths. By tailoring their approach and demonstrating expertise in new ways, professionals can stand out—even without traditional experience in their target field.

Read on for actionable strategies to make a successful career pivot.

LinkedIn Live with Suzy Welch

Get ready for an inspiring LinkedIn Live interview on Wednesday, March 12th at 12:00 PM EST with Suzy Welch, renowned author, television commentator, and educator!

Suzy's incredible career journey has spanned diverse roles, and her insights have empowered countless individuals to navigate the complexities of the professional world.

In this conversation, we will explore Suzy's personal experiences with career transitions, uncover the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective on self-discovery and career change, and learn how to embrace new challenges with confidence.

We'll also get a sneak peek into Suzy's upcoming book, Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career, and discover how it can help you find your true career path.

Have questions for Suzy? Submit them here.

Five Questions for Better Decision-Making

In today’s fast-paced business world, making the right decision—whether for your career or your organization—can feel overwhelming. But by applying a simple five-question framework, leaders and professionals can gain clarity, minimize risks, and improve long-term outcomes. This Harvard Business Review article explores how to assess the impact of inaction, anticipate regrets, consider overlooked alternatives, define success metrics, and evaluate reversibility. With real-world case studies, this strategic approach provides a roadmap for making smarter, more confident choices.

The five-question framework can be a powerful tool for navigating a job search, helping you make thoughtful decisions about career moves, job offers, and overall strategy. Here’s how each question applies:

1. What would happen if I did nothing? Before making a major career move, consider the consequences of staying in your current role or continuing your current job search strategy.

2. What could make me regret this decision? Reflect on potential regrets, both in taking and declining opportunities.

3. What alternatives am I overlooking? Before looking to greener pastures elsewhere, ensure you’ve explored all career paths at your current company and that you have exhausted your options for staying.

4. How will I know if this was the right decision? Define what success looks like in your job search in advance.

5. Is this decision reversible? Remember to avoid burning bridges with your current employer. One day they may have another great opportunity for you!

By applying these five questions, you can bring more clarity, confidence, and strategic thinking to your job search, ensuring you make decisions that align with your long-term career goals.

2025 Salary Predictions

The National Association of College & Employers released their Winter 2025 salary survey data. While executives in these fields can expect compensation well above those just starting out, the data shows interesting trends for the fields overall. Read more about the ups and downs in starting salaries for various fields here.

Are You A Match?

Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Greenhouse are introducing new tools to provide transparency for job seekers and hold employers accountable. From AI-driven job matching to response time insights and employer transparency badges, these changes aim to improve the hiring experience for both job seekers and companies. As hiring processes evolve, these tools could help applicants find companies that truly respect their time and effort.

Read about the new tools available to job seekers in this Fortune article.

The Impact of Trump’s Tariffs: Chaos in the Market?

Ford's CEO Jim Farley is heading to Washington to warn Congress about the devastating impact of proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico. Farley says the tariffs would blow a hole in the U.S. auto industry and create chaos in the market. Bloomberg reports on Farley and other executives reactions in this article. Exports among the US, Mexico and Canada support more than 17 million jobs and a 25% tariff would lead to more than 177,000 job losses in American, according to a report by the Brooking Institution.

The Daily Brief: 30 Days of Amplified Job Search Advice

Let's be honest: job searching can feel like a marathon with no finish line in sight. Some days, you're hitting the pavement, making connections, and feeling unstoppable. Other days, you stare blankly at your screen, wondering if anyone will ever appreciate your unique talents. We've all been there.

To support you in your job search journey, we’ve now officially launched The Daily Brief, our 30 day job search challenge. For less than $1 a day, you’ll have access to a wealth of resources curated by the Briefcase Coach team as well as a daily supportive text message.