Mastering the `So What` Resume: Re-Post

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Mastering the `So What` Resume

Written By: Sandi MacCalla, Founder - LifeSkills Academy ~ 9/1/2025

Imagine you are a Human Resources Ninja tasked to fill a new, pivotal leadership role for a start-up thundering its way upward. Thousands of resumes arrived overnight with no end in sight. The ball is in play!

Is your resume one of thousands or ‘the one?’

From this perspective, take another look at your best-yet resume and start putting ‘finishing touches’ that best convey who you are. Here are key points to target:

Is the most important information at the beginning?
- Why? Make it easy to engage the interviewer. If they have to hunt for key points, they may not read the whole resume and move on to the next one.
- Easily display your name, contact information, and the position you’re applying for.
- Why are you applying for this role?
  - List work experiences that best align with the position in descending order of impact.
  - Include relevant metrics and the achieved result. For example:
    - Increased sales revenue 33% within six months by implementing a targeted marketing campaign.
    - Streamlined processes, reducing project turnaround time by 21%.
Eliminate buzzwords, cliches, and unexplained jargon.
- Alphabetic acronyms can be used after the full name is spelled out first. Example: Public Utility District (PUD)
Use Active/Passive Voice appropriately.
Be concise, professional, and clear.
- Long, technical descriptions of your work experience/skills quickly lose a reader’s interest. A helpful, free resource:
  - Hemingway Editor (hemingwayapp.com)
Check out this resume tutorial on YouTube for more excellent tips.

Here are other resources that I found helpful and practical.

“Remember, even a Jedi Master prepares for job interviews.
Ready yourself, you must.”
― Padmé Bright

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

Etiquette/Social Intelligence
Financial Skills
Adulting Practices

Join our email list to receive updates and details: info@lifeskillsacademy.expert

Unlock the Hidden Job Market

Written by: Sandi MacCalla – Founder, LifeSkills Academy – 8/25/2025

The hidden job market (unadvertised jobs) is a goldmine for proactive job seekers. By tapping into this market, you will access roles with less competition and often find positions more aligned with your skills and aspirations.

First of all, why is there a Hidden Job Market? This video is helpful to know how to approach it. I used these techniques and 10 years later retired from a unique industry role that did not exist.

Here are key strategies to help you unlock unadvertised opportunities.

Network, Network, Network
Actionable Tips:
- Attend Industry Events: Conferences, seminars, and workshops are excellent places to meet industry professionals and learn about unadvertised job openings.
- Join Professional Associations: Many industries have professional associations that offer networking events, job boards, and other resources.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Connect with professionals in your industry, join relevant groups, and actively engage by commenting on posts and sharing valuable content.
  
  Resources:
- Meetup for finding local professional events.
- LinkedIn Groups for industry-specific networking opportunities.
Reach Out Directly
Actionable Tips:
- Cold Emailing: Identify companies you’re interested in and send tailored emails to hiring managers or department heads. Express your interest in the company and how you can add value.
- Informational Interviews: Request brief meetings with professionals in your field to learn more about their roles and companies. This can often lead to job referrals.
  
  Resources:
- Hunter.io to find professional email addresses.
- Indeed’s Informational Interviews tips - how to conduct these meetings.
Utilize Social Media
Actionable Tips:
- Follow Companies on Social Media: Companies often post about job openings and company news on their social media channels.
- Engage with Company Content: Commenting on and sharing posts from companies you’re interested in can increase your visibility to their HR departments.
- Use Hashtags Strategically: Search for job-related hashtags like #hiring, #jobopening, and industry-specific tags to find unadvertised positions.
  
  Resources:
- X (formally Twitter) and Instagram for following and engaging with companies.
- LinkedIn Hashtag Search to find relevant job opportunities.
Volunteer or Freelance
Actionable Tips:
- Offer Your Services: Volunteering or freelancing can get your foot in the door and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.
- Target Nonprofits and Startups: These organizations often have fewer resources for traditional hiring processes and are more open to bringing in help through non-traditional means.
  
  Resources:
- VolunteerMatch to find volunteer opportunities.
- Upwork for freelancing gigs that can lead to full-time roles.
Stay Informed
Actionable Tips:
- Subscribe to Industry Newsletters: Keep up with industry trends and company news to identify potential hiring needs before they’re advertised.
- Google Alerts: Set up news notifications related to companies and industries you’re interested in.
  
  Resources:
- Feedly for organizing and reading industry news.
- Google Alerts for topical notifications.

Unlocking the hidden job market requires a focused, proactive approach, a well-developed network, and the willingness to get out there. By following these strategies, you will uncover opportunities others may miss and find a job that perfectly fits your skills and ambitions.

Happy job hunting!

LifeSkills Academy educators are professionals, some with academic backgrounds, and all have proven success in the world of commerce. We feature online learning in:

Etiquette/Social Intelligence
Financial Skills
Adulting Practices

Join our email list to receive updates and details, click here!

Shift Your Job Interview Mindset: Think Like a Savvy Buyer

Written by: Sandi MacCalla – Founder, LifeSkills Academy – 8/18/2025

When it comes to landing a dream job, your mindset is just as, or more important than your resume. Rather than pumping yourself up hoping to be chosen, think about your savvy buyer mindset looking to align your skills with the best position. This shift strengthens and helps you equalize the interview.

Here are ways to foster a winning job interview mindset:

Visualize a Partnership

Imagine the interview is a meeting to discuss a partnership rather than an evaluation. Visualize yourself and the interviewer discussing how your skills and their needs align perfectly. This reduces anxiety, moves you both into problem-solving mode, and reveals the clarity of a potential alliance.
Do Your Due Diligence

Just as you would thoroughly research investing in a major purchase, research the company. Understand its public persona, inside culture, key values, and mission. Prepare to ask insightful questions about the job description and deepen your understanding of the offer. Exhibit that you are discerning and committed to finding the right fit.
Positive Self-Talk

Instead of thinking, “I hope they like me,” tell yourself, “I am evaluating if this company is the right fit for my skills, values, and goals.” This focus significantly postures your mindset and performance in the interview.
Relaxation Techniques

As is typical, practice calming techniques before the appointment. Deep breathing, meditation, or even a short walk can help you stay peaceful and focused. A clear mind helps you better assess whether the job truly is a good fit for you and what you bring to the table.
Dress for Success

Dress professionally and comfortably. Appearance influences how you are received as well as your confidence. When you look good, you feel good, and this confidence sets the tone for your interview.
Identify Your Non-Negotiables

Being aware of your non-negotiables helps you approach the interview with clarity. Beforehand, identify your key strengths and what you’re looking for in a job. Reflect on your past experiences and what thriving in a new role could feel like.
Adopt a Value-Based Mindset

Approach the interview as a two-way evaluation. Just as the company assesses your fit, you also assess whether the company aligns with your values and career goals. This reduces pressure and fosters a balanced, confident demeanor. You want to invest your abilities wisely and produce winning results for both sides.
Stay Present

Stay attentive, listen carefully to the questions, and respond thoughtfully. Don’t let your mind wander to worries about the outcome. Being present shows the interviewer that you are engaged and helps you perform better by your standards.
Use Body Language Strategically

Non-verbal cues are powerful. Maintain good posture, make appropriate eye contact, and use relevant hand gestures. Confident body language enhances your verbal communication and leaves a positive impression.
Practice Gratitude

Before the appointment, take a moment to think about the opportunities you have had, the progress you’ve made, and the support you’ve received. Gratitude improves your mood and creates a positive mindset.

Building a winning interview mindset involves seeing yourself as a savvy buyer looking for the best match for your talents to benefit others. By adopting this perspective and incorporating these tips, you will interview with confidence and poise, while identifying the right job for you. Remember, every interview is a step toward your goals, so fully engage in the process and stay positive.

“Partnership is not a legal contract between two equal individuals.
It’s an emotional alliance between two people
who are committed to each other’s success.” ~ Warren Buffet

How do you prepare for a job interview? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences at info@lifeskillsacademy.expert. Let’s help each other succeed!

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