361: Preparing for a Job Search in 2026

Whether you are planning to start a job search in 2026 or continue with one you've already begun, I give you the big picture view of the current job search landscape, a checklist to prepare for your job search, and five bottom-line job search tips.

What the data are telling us about the current job market - and what the problem REALLY is.

What the hidden job market actually is, why it happens, and how to leverage it.

How to put together an effective job search strategy with a combination of active and passive strategies.

12 tips for increasing your chances of success when applying online.

I'm back after a 6-month hiatus! I will be focusing solely on the job search going forward.

Please check out my new podcast, The Exclusive Career!

I thought last week was my last episode of The Exclusive Career Coach as I move over to my new podcast, The Exclusive Career - but I missed a few steps and the first episode of the new podcast didn't get published. The first two episodes are up now on all the major platforms, so I hope you'll check it out! Want to reach out? [email protected]

I want to begin this episode by saying how very proud I am. Of myself, for producing more than 350 episodes of content for my audience. For learning and growing as I prepared these episodes, which in turn helped my clients tremendously. I’m also proud of you, listener, for choosing to consume my content rather than some other podcast (or in addition to). For choosing to improve your ability to interview, write a resume, get a promotion, manage your relationship with your boss. All the things. Those of you who are on my mailing list know that my business, Exclusive Career Coaching, is becoming The Exclusive Career. This is the last episode of The Exclusive Career Coach podcast. I’m moving from serving several clients at one time, with smaller engagements, to working with just a few clients every year in a 6-month coaching relationship. My new package is called The Exclusive Career Accelerator (TECA), and it is designed for high-achieving mid- to later-career professionals who want to go all in on their careers. They are currently employed but planning to make a move within the next 6-9 months. They need the usual things – resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile, job search strategy, interview coaching, networking coaching, how to leverage LinkedIn, how to negotiate a salary. They also get 5 hours of research support from me and my team – to help them formulate their Target Employer List and research those companies, to find key contacts at companies…whatever they need. And I will make personal introductions to key networking contacts for each client. Beyond that, they want to work on whatever may be holding them back professionally. Perhaps their boss has given them some feedback they want to work on, or they have self-identified an area they want to improve, or they want to take one of their emerging strengths to the next level and see it become a signature strength. What kinds of things, you may ask?-Managing your relationship with your boss-Executive presence-Communication skills-Identifying, and leveraging, your personal brand-Shifting your mindset around your boss’s or a colleague’s behavior-Navigating corporate politics-Self-confidence-Setting yourself up for success-Issues around managing a team And so many more. Accelerator clients will meet with me 3X/month for a total of 18 sessions, which does not include the sessions we will schedule to work on their marketing documents. But I don’t leave them hanging after the six months is up. If they still haven’t landed their next role and are continuing to actively search, I will continue to support them for however long their search takes. I’m confident in offering that because I know my program works – and clients won’t need those extra sessions. Why am I doing this? Because increasingly, I’ve felt frustrated with the limitations of my existing coaching packages. I was only able to give each client a small piece of my zone of genius – and I wanted to change that. To work with fewer clients using a model that allows me to give them absolutely everything I have to offer. There are other programs out there like this. Here’s what is different about my program: 1) it is 100% 1:1 coaching, customized to exactly what you need, when you need it; 2) your documents will be written by one of fewer than 25 Master Resume Writers in the world. Other companies that provide these kinds of services either outsource the writing to subcontractors, often with little to no experience, or have in-house writers who are paid very little for their efforts. I’m going to be openly marketing the price tag for the Accelerator, so here it is: $12,000. If you paid upfront, I’m offering a $2K savings, bringing it to $10,000. I promise you, it’s worth every penny and more. What about those of you who have worked with me in the past? As long as you’ve been a client of Exclusive Career Coaching at any time, you can continue to come to me for document refreshes and coaching. I will support you as long as I possibly can. If you have never worked with me before and would like that opportunity before my previous document and coaching programs go away, schedule a consult soon. At some point this year – I don’t know exactly when – I will no long accept new clients for those services. Specifically, if you think you would be best served with new documents and possibly a few coaching sessions, or just 2 interview coaching sessions, or just three coaching sessions, now is the time to do that before it goes away. Let’s come full circle to this podcast. While I will no longer be dropping new episodes, I intend to keep the podcast up for the foreseeable future. How will the new podcast be different? I will be speaking to a more senior audience. In the past, I’ve done episodes for recent college graduates, entrepreneurs, and other audiences; this podcast will strictly be focused on high-achieving mid-to-later career professionals who want to advance their career. If that sounds like you, I hope you will hop over to the new pod today and subscribe or follow. I’ll also be asking you to rate and review! If that doesn’t sound like you, there are more than 350 episodes of great content right – so keep listening! If you want to remain connected to what I’m doing – especially if the new podcast isn’t for you – I recommend you visit exclusivecareercoaching.com and sign up for one of my Free Resources. That will get you on my mailing list so I can stay in touch with you. It’s been an amazing, fantastic, awesome ride here on The Exclusive Career Coach podcast – and The Exclusive Career Coach will be just as great or even better! I couldn’t be more excited for this new adventure I’m embarking on. And yes, I’m terrified. I have all the feels. And that’s exactly how I know I’m doing it right. My new email address: [email protected] new website: https://theexclusivecareer.com Here’s the link to apply for a consultation to The Exclusive Career Accelerator:https://theexclusivecareer.com/application-teca

According to a Jobvite survey, employee referrals are 5X more likely to land you a role than just applying online like the rest of the universe.  Here’s the thing: Networking is the key. But it doesn’t have to be hard, or feel terrible. What if networking was just part of your professional life, like keeping your credentials current or meeting with your boss or direct reports?  AND…and this is a big AND…networking should be an ongoing part of your professional life, not just when you are job searching. After all, if only people who are job searching are networking, who are they networking with?  Here are 6 strategies for incorporating networking into what you’re already doing.  Network where you’re already going. Perhaps you are in a book club, or your kids are in school sports, or you attend regular fitness classes, or are a member of a church. Choose conversation over the quick exit. You never know when you’ll be in the right place with the right person at the right time – whether it is for your benefit, theirs, or mutual.  Become active in your online communities.Leverage social media to connect with people you already share an interest with – parent groups, industry- or job function-relevant groups, or people who share a hobby. Engage with content, sharing, and commenting to build a network where you already participate.  Check in via email. Touch base via emails with your current contacts to keep your relationships active. As I like to say, LinkedIn shouldn’t be the place where your contacts go to die. A simple, “Hi, what’s new in your world?” or “Here’s a resource I thought you would be interested in…” goes a long way.  Utilize your organization’s social platforms. Leverage your company’s internal platforms like Slack, Yammer, or Intranet forums to interact with colleagues throughout the organization.  Accept those invitations. From professional association webinars, a neighborhood get-together, a random lunch invitation, or Happy Hour with the gang – say yes to an invite and go with the goal of engaging in intentional conversation.  Connect with connectors. I call these people “Centers of Influence” – they seem to know everyone. When you speak with them, be sure to ask them “who else do you think I should speak with?” followed by “Would you be willing to make the introduction?”  How to make sure this actually happens.Here are five tips to make sure these ideas become part of your professional routine: -Schedule time. I like to think of networking as a low-level priority in my schedule. I am doing it on a regular basis, it isn’t taking a ton of my time, but it’s happening. To do this – it must be on my calendar. For example, set aside 15 minutes each week for email check-ins with your connections.  -Set goals. For example, decide to leverage your organization’s internal networking platform to reach out to 2 colleagues each week. Then reward yourself for achieving your goal – it’s the cumulative effect of these small wins that make the difference. -Follow-up and follow through. As you meet people, be sure to send thank you’s as appropriate – this will also serve to remind them of what they said they would do for you. When you promise to do something for someone else, be sure to get it done – it’s your reputation at stake. -Equal exchange of energy. As I like to say, don’t be a barnacle in the networking process – aim to give at least as much value as you get. This will feel so much better.           -Regularly evaluate and make adjustments. Not all types of meetings will be fruitful for you. Some contacts you thought would be gold mines turn out not to be. Just make sure that, before you eliminate an avenue or person, you can honestly say you’ve done your part to make the relationship work.   Are you in the wrong job that chips away at you every day? The document and coaching programs offered by Exclusive Career Coaching will help you find a job that uses your zone of genius, recognizes your value, and pays you what you’re worth.  If you’re ready to take your job search to the next level by working with a highly experienced professional with a track record of client success, schedule a complimentary consult to learn more:  https://calendly.com/lesaedwards/zoom-meetings2