How to Create a Job Search Roadmap

Laid off or decided it’s time for a new role? Stop. Don’t touch your CV yet. That’s where most people go wrong. They jump straight into applications… And end up stuck in the spray-and-pray loop. Here’s what I share with my clients to do in the first 2 weeks instead: Week 1: Reset & Refocus ▶︎ Get clear before getting busy. What are your 3 superpowers? What kind of work drains you vs. energizes you? ▶︎ Craft your “pivot pitch.” One short paragraph that explains what you do, what you’re great at, and what you’re targeting. Use this in DMs, intros, and networking convos. ▶︎ Update your LinkedIn. Your headline should say what you do, not just your old title. Highlight wins, not duties. ▶︎ Reconnect—don’t beg. Reach out to 5-10 people you trust. Ask for perspective, not a job. Week 2: Activate with Intention ▶︎ Build a target company list (15-20 max). Find places that excite you—not just ones hiring today. ▶︎ Network inside those companies. A 15-minute convo beats 50 cold applications. You better pay for the coffee, if it is in person 🙂 ▶︎ Start a simple job tracker. Keep it lean: Company, Contact, Stage, Next Step. ▶︎ Now revisit your CV, with purpose. Use insights from Week 1 to tailor it. Focus on value and results, not just responsibilities. We talk about this alot here (if you are new, make sure to follow me - Eli Gündüz) ▶︎ Soft launch on LinkedIn. A thoughtful post can surface hidden opportunities. ▶︎ Learn something small but useful. Interview training for technical rounds or cert, tool, even tactic, whatever gives you momentum. Your first 2 weeks = your foundation to stand out and make the right decisions rather than panic and get lost in the crowd. Be strategic. Be steady. You’ve got this. ▶︎ Save this playbook. You never know when you might need it. ▶︎ Share it with someone who’s starting over. ▶︎ Follow me for real job search tactics that work..

Job searching can feel like gloom and doom—but I want you to focus on a different rhyming word instead: BLOOM. Yesterday, I attended the North Carolina Museum of Art's Annual Art in Bloom opening day. I was inspired by the stunning floral arrangements on display, and I left feeling hopeful—reminded that growth happens when you nurture what’s already there. That got me thinking about how career growth works the same way. Here’s a framework you can use to keep momentum during a challenging job search along with some free job search resources: B.L.O.O.M. B – Brainpower your career Before you dive into a job search, the thought work comes first. Jumping straight into applications without a plan is like trying to navigate a new city without a map—you might get somewhere, but it won’t be efficient or strategic. 1. Build your target company list Use tools like Crunchbase and LinkedIn to identify companies that align with your career goals, values, and desired growth trajectory. Look beyond obvious names—consider companies that are scaling, have strong leadership, or are in industries where your expertise is in high demand. 2. Identify decision-makers Once you have your list, use platforms like Hunter and TheOrg to find the right contacts—executives, hiring managers, or functional leaders—so you know exactly who to connect with. 3. Leverage your centers of influence Think about mentors, colleagues, and past collaborators who can help open doors. Share your target company list with them and ask for introductions or guidance. Strategic referrals often get you further than cold outreach alone. L – Leverage your strengths Focus on what you do best. Make sure your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews highlight your unique value—not just a laundry list of responsibilities. See comment section for a resource on how to build out result rich resume bullet points. O – Optimize your brand Your personal brand is more than your resume. Share thought leadership, highlight achievements, and make it clear why you’re the right person for the roles you want. See comments for a white paper on how to write a LinkedIn profile. O – Organized strategy Treat your search like a project. Track applications, follow-ups, and networking opportunities. Small, consistent actions add up faster than sporadic bursts of activity. M – Move forward with confidence Job searches can be slow and unpredictable. Keep taking action, stay visible, and don’t let setbacks shake your belief in your skills and potential. Make daily and weekly outreach goals. **You should not be measuring how many jobs you are applying to each day. Instead, focus on decision-maker conversations.*** When you approach your career like this, you’re not just surviving the search—you’re planting seeds for growth and opportunity, and eventually, you bloom. 🌸

To all the job seekers diligently searching for a new job right now, I see you. I want to share my family's story, which includes a relevant strategy for today's job search that could help. My husband lost his job during the pandemic. At the time, layoffs and job searches were at a peak, similar to today's market. With a concentrated effort, my husband landed a new role in just 2 months. He did it without applying for hundreds of jobs or relying solely on job boards. In fact, he applied for just 3 jobs. He also convinced an organization in another province to hire him remotely (when the role was not originally a remote position). Here's how he did it: ✔️ Nailed down a clear and defined job target. He resisted the temptation to cast a wide net and focused on what he was good at and what he wanted to do. ✔️ Built a tailored and results-rich resume for his job target (yes, of course, I helped, but I also taught him how to own the customization process). ✔️ Created a job search plan with a daily schedule – and executed it. This included time for job search activities, plus personal and family time. The schedule kept him focused and moving forward, but not burning out. ✔️ Conducted lots of research and searched out decision-makers, mainly here on LinkedIn (we also ensured his profile was fully optimized). ✔️ Identified a well-suited opportunity that was not in our city, so he dug into the organization, found a person in his network who worked there, and reached out to that person. ✔️ Developed an internal champion for himself inside the target company. This person vouched for him, gave him inside intel, and helped him shine during the hiring process. ✔️ Ensured that his resume was given directly to the hiring manager (care of the internal contact) in addition to applying for the role online. ✔️ Prepared diligently for multiple interviews, including a well-thought-out pitch on how he could manage the role remotely (remember, this was at the start of the pandemic and not as popular as it is today). ✔️ Secured the offer! Job seekers today can benefit from a similar strategy, remembering to lean on your network. Relationships matter a lot during a job search! Tell everyone you know what you need and what you are good at. Seek out decision-makers. Foster your network. People hire people. #jobsearch #layoffs #laidoff

Every week, a few people reach out and say: “I’m thinking about a change. How should I run my search?” Over the years, I’ve turned my answer into a simple philosophy: treat your job search like one of the most important projects of your career. Because it is. In this first in a series of posts, I want to share the key principles. In future posts, I’ll go deeper on each one with examples and tactics. Principle 1: Cast a wide net If you only react to what lands in your inbox, you’ll see a tiny fraction of the opportunities that exist. Proactively talk to a lot of companies and people. Aim for real conversations, not just inbox surfing. Options create clarity. Principle 2: Track the process Once you’ve had more than a handful of conversations, your memory will fail you. Treat your search like a pipeline: track who you’ve talked to, who introduced you, what you learned, and what the next step is. Staying organized keeps you from feeling scattered and helps you see patterns in what feels like a fit. Principle 3: Define and test your criteria Before you fall in love with a logo, define what you think you want: stage, market, location, culture, type of work. Then go test those assumptions in real conversations. Each “no” helps refine your sense of what a true “yes” looks like. Principle 4: Have an elevator pitch for yourself Most people assume they can “wing it” when telling their story. Get crisp on how you explain the problems you’re great at solving, the stage where you thrive, and a few concrete examples. When you’re clear, other people can quickly see where you fit. Principle 5: Own the decision and the timing Companies will always prefer you to decide quickly. That doesn’t mean you should. This is your career. You’ll do your best work in the right role, at the right company, with the right people — and it’s worth waiting for that combination. Principle 6: Use your people as a sounding board You don’t have to figure this out alone. Share your finalists with a few trusted people who know you well. Sometimes they’ll hear red flags or see misalignment you’re too close to notice. Their perspective is a feature, not a crutch. Principle 7: Don’t just follow your last boss It’s flattering and comfortable when a former leader wants you to join them again, but you grow the most when you learn from multiple leaders with different styles and experiences. Be intentional about diversifying who you learn from over the course of your career. In the next posts, I’ll go deeper into these principles — including how to: • Structure a “wide net” search without burning out • Build and refine your criteria so you can say “no” with confidence • Craft an elevator pitch that actually reflects your value If you’re in a search right now, or thinking about one soon, let me know which principle you’d like to see unpacked first.

If I get laid off today, this is exactly how I’ll plan my next 60 days to land a job: No panic. No random applications. Just clarity + execution. Days 1–30: Build the foundation [1] Get ruthless about clarity. I’ll decide one direction: Role + domain + company type [start-up / large enterprise] + location. In a tough market, clarity is a signal. Confusion is a red flag. [2] Create a niche-focused resume. One target. One resume. I’ll remove anything that doesn’t support that role, no matter how impressive it looks. The resume exists for recruiters, not my ego. [3] Align my LinkedIn completely - Headline, banner, experience, certifications, everything tells the same story. I’ll use ChatGPT to draft, but I’ll refine it with intent. [4] Activate job portals - Upload the resume on LinkedIn, Naukri.com, iimjobs.com, Indeed, and 1 or 2 other job portals specific to my niche. This tells the market: I’m active and intentional with my job search. [5] Start networking early - I’ll inform ex-colleagues, managers, friends, and acquaintances, clearly and confidently. Not begging. Just visibility. [6] Build a job search tracker: Applications, referrals, follow-ups, responses. If I can’t see my funnel, I can’t improve it. Days 31–60: Relentless execution [1] Apply daily, no exceptions - 5–7 highly relevant roles every single day. Same niche. Same focus. No distractions. [2] Improve the process, not emotions. Rejections = data. I’ll refine what’s not working and double down on what gets interviews. [3] Follow up intentionally. Through referrals, messages, and networks, not silence. [4] Attend relevant career events. Webinars, workshops, and creator-led sessions, only those aligned to my niche. I’ll connect with attendees, not just consume content. [5] Prepare niche-specific interview answers. Based on actual questions I’m getting asked. I’ll use Claude or Mera Career to draft and personalise them. [6] Track where I’m losing momentum - Application? Shortlisting? Interviews? I’ll fix the weakest stage objectively. [7] Ask for help early - Mentors. Industry leaders. People who’ve done it before. Struggling silently helps no one. The real question: Which part of this do you think is the hardest to execute consistently? Let me know in the comments. I'll try to answer as many as I can. #jobsearch #layoffs #careergrowth

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁? 𝗗𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗿𝘆, 𝗜’𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱! 🚀 Through my own experiences, I've crafted a Job Search Checklist that will guide you every step of the way. Here’s how you can make your job search as effective and organized as possible: ��𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 🎯 Start with a self-assessment to understand your unique strengths and career ambitions. ✍️ Polish your resume until it shines. 🔗 Optimize your LinkedIn profile to catch the eye of recruiters. 🤝 Network with industry professionals using tools like ContactOut to gain valuable insights and advice. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🕵️♂️ Research potential employers and target companies that align with your values and career goals. 📊 Identify booming industries and sectors ripe with opportunities. 📈 Stay updated on the latest trends and skills needed in your field. 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 📝 Set up profiles on prominent job search platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn. 💌 Customize your cover letters for each job application to add a personal touch. 🗂️ Create a system to keep track of your job applications, ensuring you never miss a follow-up. 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 💬 Prepare answers for common and behavioral interview questions—my downloadable guide can help! 🎤 Practice your responses aloud or conduct a mock interview with a career coach to gain confidence. 📚 Learn about your interviewers to tailor your interactions. ❓ Draft thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate your interest and engagement. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰-𝐔𝐩 🙏 Send personalized thank-you emails after interviews to leave a lasting impression. ⏳ Follow up on your applications after the deadline to show your enthusiasm. 📞 Inquire about the status of your applications to stay on the radar. 🌱 Allocate time for ongoing professional development to continuously enhance your skills. These steps have significantly improved my job search effectiveness, and I’m excited to share them with you! 💼🎉 👇 Do you have your own job search tips? Share them in the comments— I’d love to hear your strategies! ----------------------------------- Follow Surya Vajpeyi for more such content💜 #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #InterviewPrep #CareerTips

Want to know how to land your dream job? Here's a proven job search framework that has worked for over 100 people I've helped: 1. Set a crystal-clear goal - Write down your ideal role - Define your non-negotiables - List your target salary range 2. Research like your career depends on it - Study market trends - Track industry developments - Follow key thought leaders 3. Pick your top 5 dream employers - Check their growth trajectory - Review their culture - Analyze their hiring patterns 4. Polish your profiles (all of them.) - Update LinkedIn daily - Craft a compelling resume - Clean up social media presence 5. Network strategically - Connect with industry peers - Reach out to past colleagues - Join relevant professional groups Here's what most people miss: consistency beats intensity. Spending 30 minutes daily on these steps for 60 days straight. Result? 3 job offers, all above market rate. The framework works, but only if you work it. Quick reality check: Are you actually following these steps, or just reading about them? P.S. Which step do you find most challenging? Drop a comment below. #jobsearch #jobseekers #careertips

If I had to start my job search again in 2026… with zero referrals, no brand name, and no luck Here’s exactly what I would do differently. Not 500 applications. Not random Easy Apply clicks. Not "hope strategy." Here’s the real playbook 👇 1️⃣ Pick ONE role. Not five. (Data Analyst OR Data Engineer OR ML Engineer - not all.) 2️⃣ Reverse engineer 20 job descriptions. Find the skills that repeat again and again. 3️⃣ Build 2 strong projects around those skills. Not tutorials. Real use cases. Deploy them. Make them clickable. 4️⃣ Fix resume for THAT role only. One role = one story. Not generic resume. 5️⃣ Apply within 24 hours of job posting. Speed > volume. 6️⃣ Message 3 employees from that company. Not "refer me." Ask what tools they use. Most people are working hard. Few are working strategically. The market is competitive. But it’s predictable. If you want the exact checklist I use, comment 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗧 and I’ll share it. #jobsearch #careers #dataanalytics #hiring #careerstrategy

One thing that many people need to think about when on the hunt is having a real "Job Search Routine" because we all know it's a full-time job. In this video, I explain why it's so important to break up your job hunt into daily, weekly, and monthly goals, and to set realistic targets for yourself. This actually takes time, just like anything, but here is a small breakdown example : 👉🏻 Step 1: Start with a Plan (Weekly Overview) > Apply for 5 jobs. > Reach out to five contacts (good ex-colleagues, friends, or people you know). > Create an #Opentowork post (a good one with context) 🧠 Neurodivergent Folk: Break it down into what is manageable for you. 👉🏻 Step 2: Daily Breakdown > Morning: Check job listings, and save roles that may be of interest to you. > Afternoon: Send personalised connection requests, engage with your network, and submit applications. > Evening: Update your progress in a sheet or app with details like the role applied for, submission date, and follow-up deadlines. 🧠 Neurodivergent Folk: If this feels like a lot of energy, just jot down "wins" and tasks left unfinished in a simple note. 👉🏻 Step 3: Review What's Worked If you’ve made progress or had interviews, refine what worked and apply the learnings to your next week. I totally get that this can feel very overwhelming for many people, but once you get into a good routine with it, you’ll thank me. Do you have a routine for your job search? #LinkedIn #JobSearch #Careers #Neurodivergent #JobAdvice

A former client reached out concerned about a friend of his who had recently lost his job. He wanted to pay me to do an all day session with his friend to prepare him for his job search. What an incredible gesture. That is the kind of guy he is though. Andy and I met and spent 6 hrs on a zoom call. Andy was a mid-level manufacturing manager and was just laid off. The goal was not for me to introduce him to hiring leaders, but to prepare him to do a job search on his own, and create a solid resume within 48 hours. We went through my process. It was a productive day and Andy's attitude was amazing. I told him to keep me posted and reach out if he needed me further. Andy landed a new job in 3 weeks. No joke – the stars were aligned for him!    Here are some of the things that I do with most of the people that I coach in preparation for a job search: Let's get clarity: What Matters Most to You Now – at this time in your life? Career? Family? Finances?  Health?   What is that ideal job? What are you must haves? What have you done in your career that you are most proud of? What accomplishments were so significant that you will never forget the way they made you feel? What did it take for you to do this? What was the impact? What competencies stand out consistently that describe who you are at your core? Resume Prep: Let's build a resume that tells a story of where you have been, what you have accomplished and what you are capable of. This is sometimes the only information a potential hiring leader has about you. Make it count. Job Search Strategy: Where are the jobs I am looking for? Suggested Next Steps: Reconnect with people that you have worked with in your past, lean on your network and everyone you frequently associate with to let them know of your search. This is not a time to feel like you are a burden. We all need others, especially in a job search. Get in front of the people that need to know you exist. I will show you how. Set weekly goals and put daily action behind them (i.e., 10 new industry/job specific connection requests on LinkedIn, 10 past co-worker connections/messages, 1-2 hrs research on new opportunities and hiring leaders, 10 applications for jobs posted, etc.) Automation tools: Are they right for you? What tools are out there that can quadruple your efforts?       Mindset: Stay on track and optimistic about the possibilities. Remember that your search is unique. The timing is not under your control, but your attitude and actions are! If you are struggling or feel lost, engage a coach. It’s ok to get help. There is something to be said for having good energy supporting you during this time. Open up your mind, remember who you are and get after it! Where there is strong intention, action and great energy is where the results are.     Trust me, I know. Much love, everyone.