Career Briefs: Winning Plays in Your Job Search

The Super Bowl is almost here, and, for many of us, the commercials are as much of a highlight as the game itself. Each year, we gather around to watch creativity, humor, and sometimes downright bizarre ideas play out on screen in 30 to 60 seconds. There’s something magical about the ability to captivate millions with a single story in such a short span of time.

But not every commercial lands, right? For every unforgettable "1984" Apple ad or hilarious "Budweiser Frogs" moment, there’s a dud that makes us collectively cringe and wonder, "What were they thinking?" And yet, even the flops leave an impression, sparking conversation and, in some cases, earning a second life online.

Life - and your job search - is a lot like Super Bowl commercials. Some applications or interviews are absolute touchdown moments: polished, memorable, and perfectly aligned with the hiring team’s needs. Others? They might miss the mark, whether it’s a cultural mismatch, a lack of preparation, or simply bad timing. I encourage you not to think about these missed moments as failures. Instead it means you’re one step closer to learning what does work.

When you’re in the middle of your career "Super Bowl," here’s how to stay in the game:

✅ Be clear on your story. The best commercials have a message. Make sure your resume, cover letter, and interviews showcase a compelling narrative about what you bring to the table.
✅ Test your approach. Great ads are focus-grouped and tweaked before they air. Do the same with your job materials and get feedback, adjust, and refine before applying.
✅ Don’t fear the flops. Even the biggest brands have off years. Learn from each misstep and use it to craft your next winning play.
✅ Stay on top of trends. Job seekers, just like marketers, need to know the current trends. Today's newsletter highlights important market factors, including federal policy updates and CFO forecasts.

The takeaway? You don’t have to be perfect every time. Keep showing up. Keep putting yourself out there. Keep yourself informed. Somewhere out there, the right audience is waiting for your unique spark.

This year, whether you’re cheering for a team, the commercials, or just the snacks, remember this: everyone faces setbacks. It’s how you bounce back that sets you apart.

Now go get your "Super Bowl ring." 🏆

Rooting for you,

Ps. Do you enjoy the insights and tips you’ve been getting from our newsletter? Would you consider sharing the love with your career-minded friends? 👉  Referral Link.

How to Build a Target Company List

A target company list is one of the most powerful tools a job seeker can use to stay focused and strategic during their job search. We connected with some of the world’s leading career experts to uncover their strategies for building and researching a robust target company list. These professionals shared their insider tips, tools, and techniques to help job seekers identify ideal companies, streamline their job search, and uncover hidden opportunities in today’s competitive market.

Read the article to uncover 14 out of the box ways to build a target company list.

The Boomerang Effect

Eagles vs. Chiefs…déjà vu much? It feels like just yesterday we were watching these two teams battle it out for the Super Bowl title. It makes you think, doesn't it? Sometimes the best candidates are the ones you already know. We're talking about "boomerang employees" – those folks who leave a company only to return a year or two later.

Korn Ferry's research shows that boomerangs can be a real asset, bringing valuable experience and insights back to the table. The catch? They often need a little extra support to get fully up to speed on any changes in policy or personnel. Interestingly, they also tend to be great resources for other employees.

The takeaway for you? Always leave on good terms. You never know when a "goodbye" might actually be a "see you later." That dream job you take might just lead you right back home.

CFO Confidence in the Economy Soars

January in the south seems so unpredictable - is it going to be freezing snow or 60 and sunny. The outlook on the economy has felt similar. But, there is good new coming out of Deloitte’s Q4 2024 North American CFO Signals survey. CFOs are feeling much more optimistic about the economy. A whopping 72% of those surveyed believe the economy will be in better shape a year from now. That's a massive jump from just 19% in the last quarter!

And it's not just the overall picture that's looking brighter. These financial leaders also expect their own companies to see a boost in earnings. So, what are they planning to do with all that extra cash? Well, building up those reserves is a top priority. But here's the really good news for job seekers: they're also anticipating higher salaries! Plus, around half of the CFOs surveyed are planning to hire or promote from within. Things are definitely looking up!

Curated Career Conversation with Mel Faxon

The struggle is real. American businesses are losing a staggering $23 billion a year thanks to the childcare crisis. And with 40% of US parents carrying childcare debt, it's not just a "family problem" – it's a major drag on our economy. Frankly, it's a problem we can't afford to ignore.

I recently had a fantastic conversation with Mel Faxon, a true champion for working parents. Mel's a childcare affordability specialist and co-founder of Mirza, a company that's actually doing something about this crisis. We talked about the very real challenges families face and the innovative solutions that can make a difference. Mel's passion is contagious, and her insights are invaluable.

Read the full article to learn more!

LinkedIn Live with Suzy Welch

I’m thrilled to announce my upcoming LinkedIn Live interview on Wednesday, March 12 at 12:00pm EST with Suzy Welch, renowned author, television commentator and educator. Her insights on careers and leadership have helped countless individuals navigate the complexities of the professional world.

In this conversation, we'll delve into Suzy's expertise in navigating career transitions, embracing new challenges, and the importance of continuous learning in today's ever-evolving job market. We'll also learn about her upcoming new book release!

Federal Worker RTO Mandate

It’s official: President Donald Trump has ordered federal workers to come into the office full-time. This impacts almost 50% of the federal workforce who previously worked either full-time remotely or in hybrid positions. Business Insider interviewed federal employees and found mixed reactions. Concerns included complicated commutes and less flexibility for caregiving duties, while those in favor discussed enhanced collaboration.

Who to Follow on LinkedIn: A Resource List

When looking for job search advice, sometimes it’s hard to know the right voices to follow. That’s why Adrienne Tom with Career Impressions put together this exhaustive resource list of top voices in the career services space. I am honored to be listed as a top resume writer. There are so many great names on this list, from coaches to recruiters to LinkedIn experts.

Review the list and follow new voices that fit your job seeker needs!

White House Policies Shake Up Hiring

The impact of executive orders and federal policy are clear on federal hiring, but what are the impacts on the private sector? The biggest impact may be the sheer number of federal employees on the market. In an unprecedented move, the Office of Personnel Management offered a buyout to more than two million federal employees. Those who leave by Feb. 6th will receive about 8 months of salary.

Julien Singh, CEO of contracting firm Crossroads Talent Solutions, and other industry experts discuss other policy implications in this Forbes article.

On the way out

• Remote Work

• DEI Programs

On the way in

• Growth in the Oil & Gas Industry

• AI Investment

Offered a Promotion with No Raise? Tips to Objectively Assess the Offer

New opportunities can be a great way to expand leadership experience, but internal promotion salary caps can limit or altogether eliminate accompanying raises. Benjamin Laker, contributing editor at Forbes, discusses whether saying yes to a promotion with no raise is worth it.

Key Questions to Ask:

1. Is this role a recognized step up within the organization, or is it more of a lateral move with extra work?

2. Are there non-monetary benefits tied to the role, such as greater flexibility, training opportunities, or access to leadership networks?

3. Could the new title increase your earning potential in the long run, even if it doesn’t now?

Remember, your time is valuable. When you work more hours, that time is subtracted from other areas, potentially leaving you with less time for family, hobbies, or unpaid activities. Do your market research to know your worth and enter into any promotion conversations as a strong self-advocate.

What Comes After DEI

One of President Trump’s priorities upon entering office has been to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts at the federal level. The official white house announcement is titled Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit Based Opportunity. Many corporations are following suite, with Forbes outlining a timeline of DEI reactions in this article. A Pew Research Center survey found that a growing number of workers also say focusing on DEI at work is a bad thing. And yet, 91% of workers report facing discrimination in the workplace.

In a Harvard Business Review article, Lily Zhang discusses how a new framework built around fairness, access, inclusion and representation could succeed where DEI failed.

Building a Personal Brand in the Startup Ecosystem

I recently had the privilege of joining Alison Curfman on her podcast, Startup Physicians. Alison is a powerhouse in the medical startup space. After founding Imagine Pediatrics—a pioneering healthcare group transforming value-based care for chronically ill children—she launched a consulting practice to help founders build companies that drive innovation in healthcare.

In our conversation, we explored the power of personal branding and shared actionable tips for professionals in academic and traditional medical paths looking to rebrand. It was a fantastic discussion, and I’m excited to share these insights!

The podcast episode drops today (Wednesday, Feb 5th!).

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.