From Resume Mistakes to Networking Wins: How to Get Noticed in Your Job Search
Episode 4
Is your resume getting ghosted?
You’re not alone—and you’re not doomed.
In Episode 4 of The People Success Circle, we dig into six surprising job search mistakes that could be standing between you and your next interview.
From overlooked resume mistakes to missed networking opportunities, these are the easily fixable slip-ups that keep qualified candidates stuck.
Listen in or read on to learn how to turn your job search from crickets to callbacks.
In Episode 4 of The People Success Circle, I walk you through the six most common job search mistakes that keep talented candidates from getting interviews, and how to help them fix them. Here's what I cover:
The most overlooked resume mistakes that can prevent a candidate’s application from ever being seen
Why graphics, logos, and fancy formatting can derail a resume (and applicant tracking system resume tips to avoid that)
The power of relevance: how to write resume bullets that show value, not just duties
The importance of networking for job seekers, and why applying online alone isn’t enough
Practical LinkedIn tips for job seekers to build visibility and connections
How to prepare for interviews using the STAR method and behavioral question strategies
Why a clear, multi-channel job search strategy outperforms the “spray and pray” approach
🎧 Ready to help your candidates (or yourself) stand out in today’s job market? Tune in or keep reading for the full breakdown.
🔗 Helpful Links
🌐 Mindy’s website for business consulting: https://www.limerockcareerco.com
🎧 Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts
Episode 4: Watch or Listen
Key Takeaways from Episode 4: From Resume Mistakes to Networking Wins
Generic, overdesigned, or outdated resumes won’t get you in the door.
One of the most common job search mistakes I see is sending out the same resume for every role. Not tailoring your resume means missing critical keywords that help it pass through the applicant tracking system. On top of that, using graphics, icons, or Canva-style layouts can get your resume flagged or filtered out entirely. Instead, stick to a clean format that focuses on content over creativity.
Your bullet points should show results, not just responsibilities.
Many resumes read like job descriptions. To stand out, you need to show how you achieved success, not just what you did. Use numbers, outcomes, and action verbs to help hiring managers visualize you getting results for their team.
Networking for Job Seekers Is Non-Negotiable
Less than 5% of jobs come from online applications
If you're only applying through job boards, you're likely hitting a dead end. Networking for job seekers is still the most effective way to land interviews. This includes attending events, reaching out on LinkedIn, and leveraging your personal connections.
Don’t let introversion stop you. Start with one conversation.
You don’t need to become a social butterfly overnight. Focus on building a few meaningful connections at companies you admire. One introduction can make a bigger impact than 50 online applications.
LinkedIn Is Your Digital First Impression
Treat LinkedIn like your job search launchpad.
I hear it all the time—“I don’t like social media.” But LinkedIn isn’t just social, it’s strategic. If your profile is outdated or private, recruiters can’t find you. Start by optimizing your headline and summary, then build your network intentionally. These are simple but powerful LinkedIn tips for job seekers.
Interview Prep Isn’t Just About Research
Match your resume to the job description, line by line.
Use the job description to connect the dots for the hiring manager. Prepare stories that show how your experience aligns with what they’re looking for. The better you can communicate your fit, the easier it is for them to say yes.
Come with 4–5 strong questions of your own.
Nothing says “I’m ready” like thoughtful, prepared questions. They show initiative and help turn the interview into a two-way conversation, which it should be.
Strategy Wins the Job Search
“Spray and pray” isn’t a strategy.
Waking up and applying to every new posting is exhausting and ineffective. A solid job search strategy includes batching your applications, blocking time for networking, and tracking your progress weekly. Without a plan, it’s easy to lose momentum and motivation.
Ready to help your candidates succeed?
Listen to the full episode for more insights, and feel free to share it with anyone in your network who’s on the hunt for their next role.
Read the full transcript
Welcome to The People Success Circle, your go-to source for actionable insights and strategies to create thriving workplaces and rewarding careers. I'm Mindy East, an HR leader with over 28 years of experience helping businesses and individuals unlock their full potential. Whether you're a business leader looking to build a stronger team or a professional ready to thrive, you're in the right place. Get ready to uncover proven strategies for success, both personal and organizational. Let's dive in.
Welcome to The People Success Circle podcast. I'm Mindy East, and in this series, we are breaking down what I like to call the big disconnect. This is when employers and hiring managers say they can't find good people, and job seekers say they can't find a job. There is a breakdown in hiring on both sides.
In Episode One, we uncovered why so many job seekers are having a hard time landing a position and why companies say they can't find top talent. Last week in Episode Two, we tackled the hiring mistakes many companies are making. And in Episode Three and Four, we're flipping the script to talk about the mistakes that job seekers are making.
If you've been applying and not hearing back, not getting through the interviews, or feeling like you're lost in the job search process, this episode is for you. I'll uncover the six biggest mistakes that job seekers are making, and of course, how to fix them. Let's dive in.
When a job seeker calls me and asks for my help, the very first thing that I do is what I call a litmus test to figure out what's not working for them. The first question I ask is, “Are you getting interviews?” If they say no, then two things are usually keeping them from getting interviews: first, their resume isn’t working in their favor, and second, they’re not networking enough.
Let’s start with the resume.
Many job seekers use a generic resume that they’ve created once, and they miss the opportunity to tailor it for each job they’re applying to. Now, I don’t mean that I want you to write an entirely new resume every time. But it is important to look at the job description—if you have it—or talk to the person you’re networking with to learn more about the role.
If you don’t customize your resume, you miss the chance for it to be seen by the applicant tracking system, because hiring managers and recruiters search for keywords. Remember in the last episode, I talked about the thousands of people who apply online. It’s hard to get a generic resume noticed, so those keywords really matter.
The most common resume mistake I see? Focusing on creativity over content. There are so many resumes with graphics, icons for email or phone, logos, QR codes, hyperlinks—you name it. Most applicant tracking systems can’t read those and will kick the resume out or send it to spam. You could apply to hundreds of jobs, and it’s like you never did—because no one ever saw your resume.
Next: people often try to include everything they’ve ever done. But hiring managers only scan resumes for 5–7 seconds. If your resume is full of outdated or irrelevant experience, or it looks like a job description instead of highlighting your results, you’re missing your shot.
And finally, bullet points that are too generic are a problem. They don’t speak to your success or how you got there. A great resume bullet shows results and how you made them happen. Hiring managers don’t care what you did—they care how well you did it, and whether you can do it for them.
So how do you fix this and create a standout resume?
Use a simple, clean template. No graphics, no images, no links—just a Word document. I don’t recommend Canva resumes because it’s hard to know if they’ll pass the tracking system. Make sure your bullet points show what you achieved and how. And use keywords from the job description. Those four simple things can dramatically increase your chances of getting seen.
If you’re not sure if your resume meets these standards, I offer resume reviews for just $27. You’ll get personal feedback from me or a career consultant on my team—so you can stop guessing and start applying with confidence.
Now, if your resume is solid, the next thing I look at is networking. Are you doing it? I hear all kinds of things—“I’m an introvert,” “I don’t like social media,” “I don’t know how to network.” But the truth is, networking is critical. Not just when you’re looking for a job, but all the time.
Online applications lead to less than 5% of hires. It’s actually easier to get into Harvard than to get hired online. So, up your networking game. That means getting on LinkedIn, going to career fairs, attending industry events, and grabbing coffee with connections. Get out from behind the computer and meet people. Those are the connections that lead to opportunities.
The third mistake? Poor interview preparation.
Too many candidates focus only on researching the company, thinking that will impress the hiring manager. I use the 80/20 rule: spend 20% of your time learning about the company and 80% connecting the dots between what the company needs and what you bring to the table.
Show the hiring manager you understand the job and why you’re a great fit. Lay your resume next to the job description and highlight the overlaps. Also, prepare 4–5 questions to ask at the end of the interview. People who say, “Nope, I think you covered everything” miss the chance to stand out.
Mistake number four: not knowing how to sell yourself.
Hiring managers want to hear about leadership competencies. That’s where behavioral interview questions come in—things like “Tell me about a time when…” You need to prepare examples of times when you showed leadership, solved problems, or bounced back from failure.
Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. It’s not enough to say you’re a strong communicator—you need to show it with real, clear stories. That’s what helps hiring managers picture you succeeding in their role.
Mistake five: not having a strong online presence.
I’ve heard it so many times—“I don’t like LinkedIn.” But LinkedIn isn’t just social media. It’s a strategic networking tool. Job seekers often overlook that. Your profile needs to be complete, public, and recruiter-friendly. Make sure your headline, summary, and work history are polished. Then start engaging—comment, connect, share.
Be intentional. Pick 10 companies you’d love to work for. Find people who work there. Connect, start a conversation. These are simple LinkedIn tips for job seekers that make a huge difference, not just in the search, but once you land the job and start building a long-term network.
And finally, mistake number six: no job search strategy.
Too many people wake up, check the job boards, apply, repeat. That’s not a plan—it’s exhausting and ineffective. A real job search strategy is multi-pronged. Yes, apply online, but also dedicate time to networking, follow-ups, and goal-setting.
Block time on your calendar for job search tasks. Track where you’ve applied. Set weekly goals for new connections. Without a plan, it’s easy to lose momentum. And before you know it, months have passed with no progress.
That wraps up my three-part series, The Big Disconnect. If you’ve been struggling to get hired, I hope this episode gave you confidence and clarity. Remember, success in hiring is a two-way street. Whether you’re an employer or a job seeker, when people succeed, businesses thrive.
Thanks for tuning in to The People Success Circle. I’ll see you next time.
