How to Apply Proven Strategies for Career Success

I’ve coached thousands of job seekers who felt lost and overwhelmed. Here are the 10 steps we start with to find the right path: 1. Your #1 Priority Clarity should be the first thing you invest in. It makes career success SO much easier (at every stage). When you have clarity, you can invest 100% of your energy into that goal. So before you start applying to jobs or grad school? Find your path. 2. The Myth Of “Passion” People think passion is a lightning bolt that suddenly hits you. One day you wake up knowing what you're supposed to do. That's BS. Passion stems from action. It's the result of trying new things. If you want to find your path? You need to act. 3. Map Out Your Ideal Lifestyle Career happiness doesn't come from a job title. It stems from the ability to meet your lifestyle needs: – Target salary – Ideal living situation – Surrounded by people you love – Work that fills your cup Start by defining all of these things. 4. Label Your Energy Next, grab a piece of paper. Make two columns: 1. Energy Creators 2. Energy Drainers Now list out every single activity, task, and project you've worked on. Label each as a creator or drainer. Your career path should be filled with energy creators. 5. Clarify Your Strengths Success is easier when your path plays to natural strengths. I recommend the High 5 Test. It's a 15 minute quiz that will define your top strengths. It'll tell you what each means and how to harness it. Talent: A natural way of thinking, feeling, behaving × Investment: Time spent practicing, developing your skills, or building a knowledge base = Strength: The ability to consistently provide near-perfect performance 6. Find People Doing "Cool" Stuff Now you've created clarity around your strengths, energy, and ideal lifestyle. Next, I want you to find people already living that life. Who has a job you admire? What jobs have seemed “cool” to you in the past? Make a list of 30+ contacts. 7. Reach Out & Learn Make a daily habit of reaching out to one person. Be honest about your situation and desire for clarity. Then make sure to build up their achievements and mention why you admire them. Here's the email template I used when I was on this journey: The Winning Template: Subject: Quick Question  Hi [Name], My name is [Your Name] and I came across your information on LinkedIn while I was looking for people who transitioned into [Industry/Field] from a non-traditional background. Your background is really impressive! I saw you do different fields and [Industry/Field] really piqued my interest. If you have a few minutes, I’d love to hear more about your journey and how you landed in your role today. I know that’s a big ask so no worries if it’s too much. I totally understand. Either way, hope you have a great rest of the week!  

Marsha was in her 50s and hoping to make a career pivot. "Have I got chance?" she asked me. I'll tell you what I told her: Ageism in the job market is real. But, if you are prepared, you can overcome the obstacles. It had been years since she'd applied or interviewed for a job. We worked together on her resume, LinkedIn, networking, and interviewing to package her for the job she wanted. When she called to say she'd gotten an offer for a great new job in pharma, with a 30% pay increase, I was jumping up & down!! I want to be clear that this was not easy. It took a lot of focus. Here is the multi-pronged approach we worked on together: 🎯 Resume Strategy: ↳ Focus on impact ("Delivered $2M in savings" vs "25 years of experience") ↳ Go back no more than 15 years  ↳ Highlight current technical skills, leave off old ones ↳ Take the graduation year off all degrees ↳ Contact info should include only city, state (no street address) ↳ Ditch the AOL, and hotmail email addresses; they date you 🌐Networking Strategy: ↳ Reconnect with former colleagues & give them an update ↳ Practice talking about your skills and abilities ↳ Speak to others who've successfully overcome the age barrier ↳ Make sure your LinkedIn profile follows best practices ↳ Work toward 500+ connections ↳ Post and comment on LinkedIn weekly 🏢 Employer Strategy: ↳ Target 40-50 companies with age-diverse cultures ↳ Talk to people in similar roles & ask about key skills ↳ Ask HR/recruiters about their hiring process ↳ Follow each employer on social media to learn priorities 💡 Interview Strategy: ↳ Lead with energy and genuine interest ↳ Show you've done your research with deep preparation ↳ Be ready with stories that include cross-generational work ↳ Share examples of your adaptability and growth mindset ↳ Talk about new skills you've built and show you're on top of trends ↳ Communicate your experience working with diverse people 🤵🏼Personal Strategy: ↳ Take additional courses & certifications to keep your skills fresh ↳ Stay current in your field with podcasts and social media ↳ Make reasonable adjustments to your appearance ↳ Clothes should fit well and be current, but not "trendy" ↳ Avoid language that "dates" you (ask a trusted younger friend) Remember: You're not "overqualified" You have battle-tested wisdom. That, along with these strategies, will set you up as a strong candidate! ♻ Repost to help people who are facing ageism in their job search 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for more strategic career insights

After 20 years in talent management and career coaching, I’ve seen one truth over and over! ‘You cannot wait  for your boss or manager to advance your career!’ If you want a new job, a promotion, or more recognition in 2025,  here’s what I’ve learned and what I coach my clients to do: Document Your Achievements: I've kept a "brag file" of my achievements—big and small.  When it's time for reviews or interviews, I have solid evidence of my contributions. Invest in learning and development: This has helped me stay ahead of the curve.  I mastered skills aligned with the future  of work to remain competitive. Advocate for Yourself:  Don't shy away from claiming credit when you've earned it!  Throughout my career, I've made it a point  to advocate for myself. Create a Career Roadmap: Defining your goals and outlining actionable steps to reach them has been a game-changer for me. ↳ My clear plans have made the journey less daunting. Network Strategically and Consistently: Building meaningful connections regularly, not just when you need  something is crucial. Don’t forget those  Christmas parties and meet-ups. ↳ Strong relationships have been game-changers in my career. Be Proactive:  Taking initiative and following through have been key to my success. Remember, passivity stalls progress, while execution drives results. Putting these strategies into action has helped me achieve  my career goals, and I know they can do the  same for you. Embrace ownership of your success and thrive in the coming year! What strategies have helped you excel in your career?  Share your tips below! #GoalInspiredCareerCoaching #CareerAdvice #JobPromotion

Internal selling and influence within your organization are often overlooked yet crucial aspects of career success. Influence is not something that is handed to you; it is earned over time. Throughout my career, I have learned that winning the internal crowd is essential before you can make an impact externally. To become influential in your organization and gain the support of senior leaders when it’s time to close a deal, consider these strategies: 1. Get People in the Boat With You Build a movement, not just a deal. Involve others early in the vision, including marketing, tech, leadership, and partners. Elevate those around you, and when success comes, it’s a collective win. 2. Win the Crowd Establish credibility with those who can fund and advocate for your initiatives. Add value before making requests. When colleagues see your commitment to the team, they will be more inclined to support you. 3. Speak Leadership’s Language Bring solutions, not just challenges, to your leaders. Demonstrate that you have considered options, implications, risks, and rewards. Executives want to trust your path and believe in your vision. 4. Stay Humble, Seek Guidance, Offer Credit Foster collaboration by asking questions and seeking feedback. This approach shows that you value others' perspectives and encourages them to support your efforts. 5. Create Value Before You Need It Invest in your internal stakeholders without expecting immediate returns. When you show that you are a reliable team player, they will be more likely to rally for you in tough times. 6. Be a Problem Eliminator Take initiative to solve issues, no matter how challenging the task. By proactively addressing obstacles, you build trust and loyalty among your colleagues. Ultimately, people are drawn to those who are consistent, dependable, and humble—individuals who show up every day and contribute to the team's success.

Utilizing subtle strategies is crucial in your Big 4 role, where every decision can influence your career trajectory. Here are 10 practical insights to help you navigate and succeed in this dynamic environment: #1. Explore go-to-market strategies through involvement in complex client pursuits. These experiences offer valuable learning opportunities to gain insights into client behavior, decision-making processes, and cross-functional collaboration. This involvement sharpens your strategic acumen and enhances your execution skills. #2. Working with different service lines and solutions can enhance your problem-solving toolkit. This collaboration broadens your knowledge and positions you as a connector within the firm, boosting your value and visibility. #3. Success often relies on empathy. Take the time to uncover the real challenges your clients face. Tailor your solutions to meet these pain points, transforming your proposals into essential offerings instead of optional ones. #4. Establishing boundaries within your team, especially with senior managers and partners, is rooted in mutual respect. Be clear and consistent about your availability while showing your commitment to delivering high-quality work. This balance boosts productivity and maintains well-being. #5. Visibility goes beyond mere presence—it’s about creating a meaningful impact. Volunteer for key projects, contribute insights during team meetings and request feedback from your practice lead. These actions showcase initiative and leadership potential. #6. Position yourself as an essential advisor by consistently providing value, nurturing trust, and anticipating client needs. This strategy enhances your professional reputation and paves the way for new opportunities. #7. When industry clients reach out, assess not only the role but also the cultural fit, growth potential, and long-term alignment with your career goals. At times, the appeal of a new title isn’t worth the change if it doesn't correspond with your broader vision. #8. The pace of change in the industry is relentless. Commit to lifelong learning—whether through formal education, certifications, or self-study. Staying up to date helps you remain relevant and competitive. #9. If you’re a counselor, don’t just fill the seat. Recognize the significant impact you have on your mentees. Go beyond basic check-ins; commit to understanding their goals and challenges. If you’re a mentee, leverage your counselor’s expertise for crucial guidance on key career moments. #10. Adaptability is essential in an environment where priorities change quickly. Remain focused on long-term goals while being flexible enough to pivot as needed. This dual approach ensures consistent progress in an ever-evolving landscape.

Some of the career advice that got you here is working against you now. I see many experienced leaders and professionals who are still operating by rules they learned early in their careers: keep your head down, be loyal, your turn will come, your results speak for themselves. That was solid advice for a different time, but it’s definitely outdated now, and quite frankly, it never worked. Here's what moves careers forward today: 1. Get visible. Results alone don't get you promoted. The people advancing make sure the right people know what they are working on and why it matters. 2. Build relationships before you need them. Waiting until you are in job search mode to activate your network is too late. The leaders who have options are the ones who have been investing in relationships consistently. 3. Own your narrative. If you are not shaping how others perceive your work and your trajectory, someone else is doing it for you and probably not in your favor. 4. Know your value in the market. Loyalty is admirable. But staying in one place without benchmarking yourself externally can leave you underpaid, underleveled, and under-prepared if things change. 5. Treat your career like a business. That means being intentional about where you are headed, what you are building, and whether your current role is serving your long-term goals. If you suspect your career strategy hasn't kept pace with how work operates now, send me a message.

These 10 career moves worked 50 years ago and still work today. Master them and get ahead in your career (yes even in the age of AI). Here's the 10 timeless strategies to get ahead in your career: 𝟭) 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 • Don’t just connect - connect with intention. • Seek people who challenge you, champion you, and grow with you. • The more value you bring, the more doors open    𝟮) 𝗕𝗲 𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 • Don’t wait to be told what to do. • Spot problems. Offer solutions. Make things better. • The more value you bring, the more doors open.    𝟯) 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • Say less - but say it better. • Listen deeply. Ask questions that unlock clarity • Influence starts with understanding.    𝟰) 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 • People don’t follow titles - they follow those who get them. • Empathy isn’t soft. It’s a leadership skill. • Start by listening, not fixing    𝟱) 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 • Borrow brilliance from outside your field. • Creative leaps come from crossing disciplines. • The best insights come from unlikely places. 𝟲) 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • Think about how you think. • Learn how you learn. • Self-awareness is the secret to levelling up faster. 𝟳) 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸𝘀 • Comfort doesn’t compound. • The right risks stretch you without breaking you. 𝟴) 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝗻–𝘄𝗶𝗻 • Collaboration beats competition. • When others win, you do too. • Long-term success is built on shared growth. 𝟵) 𝗕𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 • Skill compounds. • Mastery builds momentum. • Be so good, you shift conversations when you enter the room 𝟭𝟬) 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝘆 • Clarity over chaos. • Less noise, more signal. • You don’t need more hours - just more direction. These strategies aren't complicated, but they do require consistent action. They apply to anyone regardless of which stage of your career you are in. Start with just one this week—which will you choose? ♻️ Share this to help others get ahead in their career. Follow Adeline Tiah for content on leadership and future of work.

What if career growth wasn’t just about luck, but about following proven strategies? These actionable steps helped immensely in my career growth. 1. Excel in Your Current Role (Most Critical): Consistently meet or exceed expectations. A proven track record builds the foundation for future opportunities. 2. Align with Organization Goals: Understand your organization’s top priorities and demonstrate how your work contributes directly to them. 3. Seek Feedback Actively: Ask for constructive insights and act on them. This commitment to growth truly makes a difference. 4. Develop New Skills: Invest in training and learning opportunities to stay current with industry trends and keep your skills sharp. 5. Network Internally: Build relationships across departments. Gaining visibility beyond your immediate team shows you’re a collaborative team player. 6. Volunteer for New Assignments: Step up to take on responsibilities beyond your current role. Initiative today can lead to larger opportunities tomorrow. 7. Express Your Career Aspirations: Have open conversations with your manager about your professional interests and goals. It’s not just about a promotion—it’s about sharing where you see your future and how you plan to contribute to the company’s success. 8. Mentoring: Seek mentors to accelerate your learning and also become a mentor to others to support their growth. 9. Maintain Integrity and Authenticity: Express your genuine views respectfully. Authenticity sets you apart and builds lasting trust. 10. Stay Resilient and Patient: Career growth takes time. Keep delivering excellence and demonstrating your value—the results will follow. What strategies have helped you achieve your career goals? I’d love to hear your story! #leadership #career #technology

JOB SEARCH STRATEGY ALERT! I recently had a client who applied to 50-60 jobs daily for TWO WEEKS STRAIGHT without getting a single call from a recruiter! This experience highlights the need for a strategic approach to job searching. Simply applying to numerous jobs isn't enough. Here's a proven strategy to increase your chances of success: 1. Define Your Niche- Identify your area of expertise and focus on specific industries or roles 2. Networking- Leverage your professional network, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn 3. Personalized Applications- Tailor your resume and cover letter, highlighting relevant skills 4. Referrals- Ask current or former colleagues, friends, or mentors for referrals or recommendations 5. Company Research- Look for companies that align with your values and goals, and apply directly through their websites 6. Recruiters- Engage with recruiters specializing in your niche, but don't rely solely on them 7. Online Presence- Ensure your LinkedIn profile and other social media are professional and showcase your expertise 8. Follow-up- Send a polite follow-up email or message to recruiters or hiring managers after applying 9. Skill Development- Continuously update your skills to stay competitive 10. Stay Positive- Job searching can be challenging, so maintain a positive attitude and persistence By implementing these strategies, you'll increase your visibility, build connections, and land more interviews! #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #Networking #PersonalBranding #Recruitment #JobSeekers #Employment #CareerDevelopment #Strategy

Looking for your next role in today’s competitive market? You need more than a resume. You need a plan. Whether you're an executive navigating a confidential transition or a mid-level professional aiming higher, here’s a 10-step job search strategy to help you land faster—with more control and less competition: 🔟 The 10-Step Job Search Plan: 1. Define your career target Be crystal clear on your ideal roles, industries, and locations. Clarity accelerates alignment. 2. Develop your brand Craft a one-sentence value statement. Who are you? What are you known for? Why should someone hire you? 3. Build strong career tools Craft a modern, results-driven resume and pair it with a fully optimized LinkedIn profile. These two assets work together to showcase your value and improve your visibility. 4. Activate informational interviews Don’t ask for a job. Ask for insight, leads or referrals. People are more likely to help when your ask is easy and clear. 5. Consider direct outreach campaigns Identify 25–50 companies of interest and and send a value proposition letter to key decision-makers. Follow up. 6. Track growth companies Monitor industry news and target companies showing signs of growth. Set Google alerts for “mergers,” “expansions,” or “product launches” in your target sectors. 7. Partner with the right recruiters. Locate recruiters who specialize in your industry and role level, remembering that recruiters work on behalf of companies—so help them help you by aligning your offering with their niche and clearly communicating your value. 8. Build social proof Gather testimonials, recommendations, and endorsements that back up your claims. Share your thought leadership and engage on social media. 9. Use job boards for research, not just applying Use alerts to identify market activity and then explore to learn more. Can you find the person who is hiring? Do you have any internal connections in the hiring company? 10. Batch your activity Consistency beats chaos. Schedule focused time each week for networking, outreach, activities, and follow-up. This 10-step approach blends strategy with action. #jobsearch