How to Thrive After a Layoff - A Guide for Executives

 

How to Thrive After a Layoff - A Guide for Executives by https://www.market-connections.net

A Strategic Guide for Professionals Navigating a Layoff

​A layoff can be an unsettling experience, especially for executives whose careers are often tied to specialized skills and long-term growth paths. While the initial shock can feel overwhelming, a layoff can also serve as a turning point, a chance to reevaluate, re-strategize, and relaunch your career with a renewed sense of direction. Below are actionable steps and top-tier resources designed to help you navigate this transition with confidence.

Your Post-Layoff Career Strategy Starts Here

Navigating the job market after a layoff requires a clear plan, strategic action, and the right professional resources. Whether you're seeking executive resume services or targeted career coaching, the steps below will help you rebuild momentum and position yourself for high-impact opportunities. This transition period is a powerful time to reassess your goals, update your professional identity, and tap into tools that support your long-term career success.

1. Prioritize Your Mindset and Well-Being

Resilience is the foundation of a successful comeback. Take time to process your emotions and focus on maintaining a positive outlook. Consider leveraging professional counseling services if needed; platforms like BetterHelp and Talkspace provide accessible online therapy. A strong mental foundation will allow you to approach your job search with clarity and determination.

2. Refresh Your Professional Brand

Your resume and online presence should reflect your most current achievements and capabilities. Update your LinkedIn profile with measurable results, recommendations, and a clear professional About section. Platforms like The Muse and Glassdoor can provide guidance on positioning yourself effectively in today’s job market.

3. Expand and Leverage Your Network

Networking remains one of the most effective job-search strategies for senior executives.

• Use LinkedIn Jobs to connect with recruiters and explore industry-specific opportunities.
• Join targeted networking platforms such as Slack Communities or regional/professional groups on Meetup.

For executive-level opportunities, consider ExecuNet or BlueSteps.

4. Upskill to Stay Competitive

Continuous learning demonstrates adaptability and keeps you competitive. Online learning platforms like edX and Harvard Extension School offer advanced courses in leadership, analytics, and emerging technologies. Google career certificates in project management, data analytics, or strategic leadership can significantly strengthen your profile.

5. Explore Opportunities in the Hidden Job Market

Not all roles are publicly advertised. Tapping into the hidden job market and niche platforms and cultivating relationships with industry insiders can uncover these opportunities. Consider:

• FlexJobs for remote and flexible professional roles.
• Monster and CareerBuilder for a broad range of professional listings.
• Idealist if you’re exploring purpose-driven roles in the nonprofit sector.

6. Stay Informed and Industry-Relevant

Stay up-to-date with industry news and market trends to position yourself as a knowledgeable candidate during interviews and networking discussions. Resources like Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal provide in-depth coverage of business and financial developments that impact senior executives.

Final Thought

A layoff is not an endpoint; it’s a pivot point. By focusing on mindset, strengthening your professional brand, building strategic connections, enhancing your skills, and using elite job search resources, you can transform this setback into an opportunity for growth. With the right approach and tools, your next chapter can be even more fulfilling than the last. If you're ready to accelerate your comeback, consider partnering with Mandy Fard at Market-Connections Resume Services for expert guidance, a powerful new resume, and personalized career support.

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

 

Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/

 

Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com

Modern Job Search Strategies in 2026

 

Modern Job Search Strategies in 2026 by https://www.market-connections.net

How to Get Noticed in 2026

​Searching for a job today is very different from even a few years ago. Between AI-driven hiring tools, skills-based applications, remote work, and the hidden job market, staying competitive requires a strategic approach. This guide walks you through the top trends and actionable steps to maximize your chances of landing the right opportunity.

Master Today’s Job Market Expectations

​The hiring landscape has evolved, and employers now expect candidates to demonstrate adaptability, digital fluency, and proactive communication. To stay competitive, be prepared to refine your application materials, strengthen your online presence, and use tools that give you a measurable edge. If you want a shortcut to better results, consider options like a professional resume rewrite or scheduling a career strategy consultation to fast-track your job search. This will prepare you for the ten strategies that follow.

1. Tailor Your Resume for AI Screening

Many companies now use AI-driven applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen résumés before a human ever sees them. To improve your chances:

• Use keywords from the job description naturally.
• Stick to standard, clean formatting.
• Highlight measurable achievements instead of listing duties.

​Consider hiring a professional resume writer to optimize your résumé for both AI and human reviewers.

2. Emphasize Skills Over Titles

Skills-first hiring is on the rise, and employers care more about what you can do than what your previous job titles were.

• Include transferable skills across your résumé and LinkedIn.
• Take online skills assessments to validate strengths.
• Add a dedicated skills section with quantifiable results.

​A career coaching session can help you identify the strongest skills to highlight.

3. Build a Professional Portfolio

Even non-design roles benefit from showcasing work samples. This is also known as an Interview Brag Book.

• Include reports, dashboards, case studies, or project summaries.
• Highlight achievements that show results.
• Use LinkedIn’s “Featured” section to display samples.

​A resume services professional can help you build a polished portfolio that impresses employers.

4. Leverage Video Resumes and Introductions

Create a self introduction video for your job search. Video introductions are becoming popular for roles requiring communication or client interaction.

• Keep it under 60 seconds with a practiced script.
• Record in a quiet, well-lit environment.
• Pair your video with a strong written resume.

Consider booking a consultation call to get tailored guidance on your video introduction.

5. Engage with LinkedIn Content

LinkedIn visibility now depends heavily on engagement.

• Post industry insights or updates weekly.
• Comment thoughtfully on others’ posts.
• Leverage newsletters or groups to show thought leadership.

​Active participation often generates opportunities before jobs are posted.

6. Explore the Hidden Job Market

The hidden job market refers to many open job that are filled through internal networks long before they become public.

• Reach out to contacts for insights on upcoming openings.
• Network directly with hiring managers.
• Conduct informational interviews to uncover leads.

This is an ideal time to hire a professional resume writer so your materials are ready when hidden opportunities surface.

7. Consider Micro-Internships and Freelance Projects

Short-term assignments can open doors.

• Apply for project-based roles in your target industry.
• Treat each project as a chance to prove your value.
• Use results to build references or case studies.

Career coaching can help you identify the right opportunities to pursue.

8. Optimize for Remote & Hybrid Opportunities

Remote work continues to shape modern hiring.

• Highlight remote skills and digital tools on your resume.
• Vet remote job listings for legitimacy and work-life balance.
• Prepare your space for virtual interviews.

9. Use Salary Research and Transparency Tools

Salary transparency empowers jobseekers.

• Research pay ranges using Levels.fyi, Payscale, and Glassdoor.
• Highlight unique strengths when negotiating.
• Use state salary transparency laws to request compensation data confidently.

Final Thought

​Job searching in 2026 requires a thoughtful, multi-layered strategy. With AI screening, skills-based hiring, remote-friendly workplaces, and an evolving hidden job market, success depends on staying agile and proactive. Consider hiring a professional resume writer to elevate your application materials and schedule a Discovery Call to receive personalized job search guidance. When you understand modern hiring trends and position yourself effectively, you dramatically increase your chances of landing a role that aligns with your goals and expertise.

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.

 

Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/

 

Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com

Top Ways to Get Noticed in a Pool of Job Seekers

Top Ways to Get Noticed in a Pool of Job Seekers - By www.Market-Connections.net

Proven Strategies to Stand Out in Today’s Competitive Job Market

​The job market is more competitive than ever, and simply submitting your resume isn’t enough to secure a recruiter’s attention. To stand out, you need to take intentional steps that go beyond the basics. Here are some proven strategies to help you rise above the crowd and get noticed by employers.

1. Elevate Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Your resume and LinkedIn profile are often your first introduction to an employer; make them work for you.

• Use a clean, professional design.
• Highlight quantifiable accomplishments, not just responsibilities.
• Incorporate keywords from job postings so your profile appears in recruiter searches.
• Make the About section on LinkedIn engaging, your headline attention-grabbing, and your skills section robust.

2. Join and Leverage Professional Networks

​Professional networks, both online and offline, are goldmines for opportunities. Many recruiters use them to scout top talent, but the key is to participate strategically.

• Upgrade when possible: Paid memberships often unlock more job postings, insider details, and recruiter access.
• Optimize your profile: Use honest, impactful descriptions of your experience. Research which keywords employers use to filter candidates and integrate them into your profile.
• Get endorsements: Ask colleagues, clients, or former managers to endorse your skills. A third-party confirmation carries more weight than self-promotion.
• Follow strategically: Instead of following dozens of random companies, focus on those you truly want to work for. This lets you track news, leadership changes, and job openings and this kowledge gives you perfect talking points if you land an interview.
• Be visible: Make your full profile viewable to recruiters so they can quickly evaluate your fit.

3. Engage With Employers Online

Many companies post discussion topics, polls, and industry news on social media and professional platforms. Participating thoughtfully can put you on their radar.

• Contribute ideas that are insightful, respectful, and relevant to the discussion.
• Double-check grammar and spelling before posting; think of it as a mini-interview.
• Use these discussions to show your expertise and your genuine interest in the industry.

4. Build Your Personal Brand

Recruiters often search online for candidates before reaching out. A strong, consistent online presence can make you memorable.

• Post industry insights or curated articles on LinkedIn.
• Share success stories from your work (while respecting confidentiality).
• Maintain professionalism across all social media platforms, or keep personal accounts private.

5. Keep Learning and Stay Relevant

Demonstrating that you’re committed to professional growth shows employers you’re adaptable and proactive.

• Earn certifications or take short courses in in-demand skills.
• Keep up with industry trends, tools, and best practices.
• Update your resume and LinkedIn profile as soon as you earn new credentials.

6. Follow Up with Purpose

A well-timed follow-up can make a lasting impression.

• Send a personalized thank-you note within 24 hours of an interview.
• If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, follow up politely to express continued interest.

Final Thought

Standing out in a competitive job market requires more than luck; it takes visibility, credibility, and connection. By strategically using professional networks, engaging with employers online, keeping your skills sharp, and presenting yourself as a well-rounded professional, you increase your chances of being noticed and remembered.
​
Your goal isn’t just to be another name in the pile; it’s to be the candidate they can’t ignore.

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.
 
Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/
 
Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com

How to Avoid Ghost Jobs

The Rise of Ghost Jobs

You apply. You wait. You hear nothing. Weeks pass, the job is still posted, and you start wondering: “Was this even real?”
 
Welcome to the world of ghost jobs. Ghost job postings or fake jobs are the ones that look legitimate, posted by people who have little or no intent to hire. In 2025, they’ve become so common that nearly 1 in 5 listings fall into this category. For job seekers, ghost jobs waste time, drain energy, and make the job hunt feel like running in place.
 
Recent studies and reports suggest a significant prevalence of ghost jobs (fake jobs):
​
Prevalence: Anywhere between 18% and 36% of all job openings might be "ghost jobs". One study from Baruch College researcher Hunter Ng suggests that as many as 21% of job ads could be classified as ghost jobs.
 
Industry Variations: Some industries exhibit higher rates of ghost jobs. For example, construction (38%), arts (34%), and legal (29%) sectors show higher rates of ghost job postings, according to the hiring platform “Greenhouse”.

Why Ghost Jobs Exist

Employers post fake jobs with no intention of filling them for several reasons:
 
Maintaining Talent Pipelines: Especially for specialized or hard-to-fill roles, companies may keep listings open indefinitely to gather resumes for future hiring needs.
 
Market Research: Analyzing resumes and salary expectations from ghost job applications can provide companies with insights into the talent pool and compensation trends.
 
Projecting Growth: Posting numerous job openings can create an illusion of company growth, even if hiring is not actively taking place.
 
Budget Uncertainty: The role may be frozen until funding is approved.
 
Compliance Requirements: Certain government contracts require posting a role even if an internal candidate is already lined up.
 
Employee Relations: Some companies might post fake jobs to make current employees feel replaceable, subtly pushing them to perform better.
 
Internal Promotions: They’ve already chosen someone inside the company, but post publicly for policy reasons.
 
The impact of ghost jobs can have several negative consequences:
 
Wasted Time & Frustration: Job seekers spend time and effort applying for positions that were never meant to be filled, leading to frustration and job-search burnout.
 
Distorted Labor Market Data: The presence of ghost jobs can inflate job vacancy numbers, distorting labor market metrics and potentially leading to misinformed policy decisions.
 

According to a Greenhouse study, in any given quarter, 18-22% of the jobs posted on the Greenhouse platform are classified as ghost jobs. (https://www.greenhouse.com/blog/greenhouse-2024-state-of-job-hunting-report)

 
Clarify Capital reports that 68% of managers had job postings active for more than 30 days, and 50% of managers keep job postings open because they're “always open to new people” (https://clarifycapital.com/job-seekers-beware-of-ghost-jobs-survey) 

How to Spot a Ghost Job

While difficult to definitively determine, some indicators might suggest a job posting is not genuine. Look for these red flags before you hit “Apply”:
  
Job Posting Date Keeps Resetting: A role reposted for months is a warning sign.
 
Long-Standing Postings: Job ads that remain open for extended periods (months) may be ghost jobs, says FOX 13 Seattle.
 
Vague Descriptions: Generic or overly broad job descriptions lacking specific details about responsibilities or qualifications can be a red flag.
 
Lack of Salary Transparency: The vagueness of salary information could be a warning sign. In other words, a big gap between the low end and high end is a red flag. For example, compensation listed between $65,000 and $175,000 calls for suspicion.
 
Unrealistic Requirements: A laundry list of skills for an entry-level salary is often filler for a role they’re not serious about.
 
Lack of Urgency: The ad says “immediate hire,” but interviews are scheduled weeks away.
 
No Hiring Manager Listed: Legitimate jobs often name the department head or recruiter.

Ghost Jobs vs Scam Jobs

​It's important to differentiate between ghost jobs posted by legitimate companies and outright job scams. While both are misleading, job scams often involve requesting sensitive personal information or payment up front. Always exercise caution and verify company information and job offers through official channels before sharing sensitive data or making any financial commitments.

Learn to Avoid Ghost Jobs

You can’t eliminate ghost jobs, but you can waste less time on them:
 
Ask Before Applying: A quick LinkedIn message to the recruiter or hiring manager:

• “Hello [Name], I saw the [Job Title] posting. Would you please let me know if this role is actively interviewing right now?”

 
Focus on Fresh Postings: Apply to jobs less than 7 days old.
 
Track Company Patterns: If the same company keeps “hiring” for the same role but never responds, skip them.
 
Leverage Your Network: Internal referrals can confirm whether the role is real.
 
Diversify Your Search: Combine traditional job boards with networking events, LinkedIn connections, industry groups, and cold outreach to decision-makers.
 
Explore Freelance or Entrepreneurial Options: Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Etsy can keep income flowing while you search for the right opportunity.
 
If you want your applications to lead to real interviews:
 

• Search “actively hiring” or “urgent hire” in job board filters.
• Use LinkedIn’s “in your network” filter to prioritize companies where you know someone.
• Keep a spreadsheet to track responses and identify ghost job patterns.
• Follow industry-specific recruiters on LinkedIn; they’re more likely to share genuine openings.

The Role of Remote Work

In early 2025, 40% of jobs allowed some form of remote work, and hybrid roles rose from 9% of postings in 2023 to 24% in 2025. IT, communications, project management, and education remain top fields for legitimate remote roles.
 
Why this matters: Remote options can give you more real opportunities by widening the talent pool beyond your local area.

Legislation Is Catching On

​Some governments are stepping in. Ontario, Canada, is crafting legislation to make HR ghosting illegal, requiring employers to update candidates after interviews or face fines.
 
In the US, New Jersey, Kentucky, and California have proposed or active bills aimed at reducing ghost job postings and improving hiring transparency. While it’s not yet nationwide, these measures could be the first step toward holding employers accountable.

Final Thoughts

​Ghost jobs are frustrating, but they don’t have to derail your job search. By spotting the warning signs, asking the right questions, and diversifying your strategy, you can avoid the fake job trap and focus your energy on opportunities that are real, active, and ready to hire.

Source: ​https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-avoid-ghost-jobs

About the Author

Mandy Fard is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, CMRW) and Recruiter with decades of experience in assisting job seekers, working directly with employers in multiple industries, and writing proven-effective resumes.
 

Feel free to connect with Mandy Fard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandyfard/

 
Please follow Market-Connections Resume Services on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/market-connections-resume-services.com