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We all know that the traditional hiring process often feels like a game where no one quite explained the rules. As someone who wrote a book to help the next generation win at the Game of “Work-Life”, I have spent a lot of time thinking about how to make hiring processes and candidate experiences better. This past weekend my husband and I traveled to Philadelphia with comfortable sneakers and waded into a sea of 30,000 people for PAX Unplugged. PAX Unplugged is a massive conve

I had one of those moments that got me thinking. I was visiting with a childhood friends new home and they had this super cool metal guitar pick art that said, "Buy the Ticket." Simple, right? But it hit me like a power chord. It got me thinking about how often we hold back, how we play it safe, especially when it comes to our careers. Life is short.  We're not talking about a dress rehearsal; this is the main show! And so often, we get stuck in the rhythm of routine, of what

By Julia Levy, Career Strategist & Author Over the years, I have seen most job seekers stumble over one simple roadblock: They talk about their duties instead of proving their impact. During interviews they tell me they 'managed projects' when they should be telling them they 'reduced project completion time by 15% using agile methodology.' This is the heart of data literacy, and it needs to be your new core skill because it is the language of leadership, it instantly signals

Did you know that Sesame Street just celebrated a very special birthday? For 56 incredible years, this groundbreaking show has been a foundational teacher, instilling crucial life skills in children around the world. But here’s a secret: the wisdom of Sesame Street isn't just for toddlers learning to share their cookies. It's packed with powerful, practical lessons for adults navigating the modern job market! The world of job searching can feel like a grown-up labyrinth full

Are You Applying for Jobs That Don't Exist? If you’ve spent hours perfecting an application, only to be met with a silent, digital black hole, you've likely run into a Ghost Job. It’s exhausting, and it’s not your fault. The modern job search is governed by impersonal software and strategic corporate maneuvers. But here’s the truth, from someone who has spent two decades running Talent Acquisition for Fortune 500 companies: You can stop playing the application lottery where t

Job hunting can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the power of artificial intelligence, you can navigate your job search more effectively. Think of AI as your co-pilot, enhancing your visibility and appeal as a candidate. Instead of relying on generic responses, use AI to highlight your unique strengths and qualifications, helping you stand out in a competitive market. To tackle common job search challenges, consider these key areas: Translating Transferable

By Julia Levy The polite term is "benefit expiration." The reality, however, is a hunger cliff . As the temporary boost to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) faded away, millions of American families who are unemployed, underemployed, or simply working low-wage jobs suddenly lost hundreds of dollars in food assistance each month. Simultaneously, we are all watching grocery prices continue to soar. This is a crisis of immediate, essential need. Food banks, th

By Julia Levy, TA Executive and MS Counseling This time of year is full of intentional fear, ghosts, ghouls, and jump scares. But for those recently impacted by layoffs at Amazon, Target, or any large corporate restructuring, the real fear is unintentional. It’s the genuine anxiety that whispers: What if I’m not good enough anymore? That anxiety is a monster, and it is the single most destructive force in a job search. It prevents you from networking, forces rushed applicatio

By Julia Levy, TA Executive and MS Counseling  If you or someone you know was part of the recent corporate layoffs at companies like Amazon or Target, the first message I have for you is this: The loss of your job is a financial event, not a moral verdict. I’ve sat on both sides of that table. I’ve delivered the news, and I’ve received the news. The most dangerous fallout from a layoff is not the lost paycheck; it’s the toxic self-doubt  that whispers, "I wasn't good enough,

Female student sitting at desk while parents hover over. You and I both know, your parents mean well.They’ve spent two decades keeping you safe, fed, and (mostly) on track. But now, you’re searching for internships or jobs, and suddenly they’re hovering like you’re about to cross a busy street alone for the first time. They want to help. You want to breathe. And somewhere between their “Did you hear back yet?” and your “Please stop asking me that,” things get tense fast. Here

A frantic parent juggles multiple phones at an old call center, promoting their child's talents, while tangled in wires and beseeching recruiters, reflecting the pressure of securing a future in a competitive world. Let’s start with a true story. A few years ago, a recruiter on my team received a voicemail from a parent. The message went something like this: “Hi, my daughter met you at a career fair two weeks ago and applied for your internship program last week and hasn’t he

If you’ve ever Googled “how to get an internship,” you’ve probably seen the same recycled advice on repeat: Perfect your resume. Apply early. Network. Be yourself. But, that’s not enough anymore. You’re entering a job market that’s totally different from the one your professors, parents, or even older siblings started in. Recruiters use AI, employers care more about skills than majors, and hiring decisions often happen before you ever click “apply.” So why are we still teachi

Are you sending out applications and hearing nothing back? That black hole you feel your resume is going into... it is not your imagination. This is a massive frustration for job seekers at every level. Applicant tracking systems are overflowing, and it’s easier than ever for a good resume to get lost in the noise. When faced with this, the most common response is panic. You think, "I just need to apply more." You start a numbers game, sending out 50, 100, or 200 applications

Let's have an honest moment. You’re blowing it in the last five minutes of your interview. You had a great answer for "Tell me about yourself," you crushed the behavioral questions, and you built a real rapport with the interviewers. You’re feeling confident. You’re practically picking out your first-day outfit. Then they lean back and say the six fatal words: "So, do you have any questions for me?" And your brain short-circuits. Out of your mouth comes the most predictable,

Walking into a career fair can feel like stepping into a buzzing beehive. So many people, so many companies, and so many opportunities all swirling around. It’s exciting, but also a little overwhelming, right? I’ve been there, wandering the aisles, clutching my resume like a lifeline, wondering how to make a lasting impression. But here’s the good news: with the right career fair strategies, you can turn that chaos into your personal launchpad for job success. Let’s dive into

The open road. There's something inherently fun about it, especially when you're driving in the heart of the South. I recently made the 3-plus-hour schlep  from Memphis to Nashville, not just for a scenic drive, but to spend the week at RecFest . (And for those of you who don’t live and breathe the world of Talent Acquisition like yours truly , RecFest is basically the Coachella of recruiting conferences. Think festival atmosphere meets TED Talk gravitas . This year, instead

A parent taking over writing their students resume. As a parent, you’d do anything to see your child succeed. You’ve been their coach,...

My dog, Ellis, reminded me of some important lessons in job search strategy, and it happened at a “weenie dog race” this morning at the...

By Julia Levy, Talent Acquisition Leader & Founder of Hi2Hired A successful job search requires focus, resilience, and a keen eye for detail. Unfortunately, the modern job hunt has become a digital minefield. Scams are growing increasingly sophisticated. Scammers now use AI to create hyper-realistic fake listings, profiles, and emails. They’ve eliminated the obvious typos that once gave them away. It’s imperative that every job seeker adopts a rigorous verification process. H

You wouldn't let your student navigate rush-hour traffic blindfolded, so why are we letting them wander through a hyper-competitive job...