HOW I WOULD LOOK FOR A JOB IN 2025

If you’ve decided that this is the year to land a new role — pause before you jump into your resume.

Most job seekers make the same move: “Update my resume, upload it everywhere, apply, apply, apply.”

Sound familiar?

I want to gently suggest: Don’t do that. Not yet.

Yes, your resume matters—but it’s not the starting point. Not if you want to land the right role, not just any role. Instead, I want to share how I would personally approach a job search in 2025.

This is the same strategy I use with clients who land jobs faster, feel clearer, and avoid the burnout that comes with random job hunting. 

1. Start With Introspection, Not a Resume

Before you look outward, look inward.

Ask:

• Why am I even looking for a new role?
• What’s motivating this change?
• What do I want more (or less) of in my next chapter?

Too many people land in new roles only to realize three months later they’ve just changed the company name, not the experience.

Next, reflect on your past roles especially over the last 5–10 years.

Ask yourself:

• What were my actual achievements?
• What did I love and what drained me?
• What would I be remembered for?

This gives you clarity on your superpowers and the kind of environment where you thrive. You’ll start to see patterns—and those patterns guide the job search better than any job ad can.

2. Explore Before You Commit

Only once you’ve got clarity should you start looking outward.

• Scan job descriptions.
• Look at LinkedIn profiles of people whose careers intrigue you.
• What roles attract you naturally?
• What pivots have others made from where you are? 

Think of this as career window shopping. No pressure to decide yet—just explore with curiosity. And then, take it a step further: have conversations.

Talk to people in those roles, ask what they love (and don’t), and get real insight—not just job spec jargon. When I did this myself, those conversations helped me realize I wanted to become a coach.

And the bonus? Many of those people later became part of my network, mentors, and advocates.

3. Build Your Brand Before You Broadcast It

Once you’re clearer on where you want to go, now it’s time to shape your story.

• Refresh your resume, not just with everything you’ve done, but with the pieces that align with where you want to go.
• Refine your LinkedIn profile highlighting what’s relevant, not just chronological.
• Start creating content or commenting thoughtfully to build visibility (even a little goes a long way). 

Think of your brand as a bridge from your past to your future. Every word should connect the dots.

4. Reach Out But Be Selective

Now comes the part most people jump to too soon: outreach.

But here’s the catch—you don’t need to do everything. You just need to find the 2 or 3 avenues that work for you.

Here are the five I recommend:

1. Online Applications – Easy, but usually the least effective. Use with strategy.
2. Recruiters – Great if you’re staying in the same function (less so for career changers).
3. Networking Events – In-person or virtual, both are great for expanding beyond your immediate circle.
4. Existing Connections – The gold mine. But don’t just stick to your inner circle—weak ties often open better doors.
5. Targeted Outreach – Start with curiosity, not a job ask. Your earlier exploration will already give you names to start with.

Try each for 2–3 weeks. Track what’s working. Then double down on the ones giving results.

5. Build Your Stories Along the Way

While you’re doing all this—start crafting your career stories.

The ones that answer, “Tell me about a time when…”

They’ll show up in interviews, yes. But they’ll also help you build trust during informal chats, coffee meetings, and even team lunches once you’re in the job.

The most compelling professionals I know have 5–6 great stories they return to again and again. Time to start building yours. 

Bonus Tip: Track Your Network

Start a simple Google Sheet:

• Who you spoke to
• Where they work
• What you discussed

Don’t overthink it. Just create a master networking list and keep adding to it. These are relationships to nurture even when you don’t need a job.

That’s how long-term career momentum is built.

To Wrap It Up…

If I were looking for a job today, I would:

1. Reflect deeply on what I want and why I want it
2. Explore intentionally—roles, people, pivots
3. Craft my brand to reflect my next chapter
4. Outreach selectively through the 5 Avenues
5. Collect career stories I’ll use forever

 This is the strategic way to search. It’s thoughtful, it’s focused, and best of all—it works.

 So before you open that Word doc and start formatting your resume, start here.

Until next week!

Your Career Growth Partner,

Shub

PS. If networking still makes your palms sweat, I've got a course that dives into the Art & Science of Networking for Job Search – packed with frameworks and scripts to make this whole thing less "ugh." More details here if you're curious