Networking Isn't Plan B—It’s THE Plan

🤩This week’s “Girl, thanks for telling me!” Topic: Networking is NOT a plan B!

"This position is no longer accepting applications." So what?! Truth bomb: The 'Apply' button was never your only path forward. In fact, it should never have been your primary strategy. We suggest that your approach always be two-track - yes, submit that application, AND simultaneously build connections at your target companies. When a posting closes, you're not shifting to Plan B. You're just continuing the networking you have been doing all along. This isn't a desperate end-game move - it's business as usual for savvy professionals. The job boards will come and go. Your ability to build meaningful professional relationships? That's your constant competitive advantage. Let me know what you learn by doing this!

20-MINUTE HOW TO: Find 5 people at the organization (why five? because not everyone's active on LinkedIn). Reach out thoughtfully. Let them know you saw the role and are interested in learning more. Ask if they can introduce you to the right person to continue the conversation.

🔢This Week’s Tool Alert!  Power Move Primer

Get Her Hired’s Power-Move Primer is your guide to becoming the leader everyone wants to poach. This isn’t just another worksheet; it’s a tool to help turn your experience into scroll-stopping stories that make CEOs take notice. In a market where genuine connections matter, you’ll stand apart by telling the stories that make people think, “finally—someone who gets it.” So, pour yourself a coffee, find 45 uninterrupted minutes, and leave the corporate speak for the annual report. This is your moment to make an impression. Read More Here

🔥This Week’s Sizzling Job Search Strategy: Read the Job Description and PERSONALIZE your Application

I'm hiring for a virtual admin role and only 3 of the 375+ applicants actually read the job description. How do I know? Because of how I asked them to apply. So far, I have 3 applicants I will consider. I am not even looking at the profiles of people who applied but didn't follow directions Why? Because I need my new team member to be detail oriented, specific, curious, and follow SOPs. I need them to deeply care about our clients, treating each one as a VIP. My advice to job seekers - don't apply if you aren't going to read the job description or reach out to the hiring team. Just don't bother.

🍳This Week’s Killer Skill: Strategic Thinking

Strategic thinking isn't some fancy business school concept. It's a SUPERPOWER. Here's the truth: Most people are stuck in reactive mode. They're putting out fires, dealing with the urgent, and wondering why they feel like they're running on a hamster wheel. Sound familiar? I've been there. We all have. Strategic thinking is what separates the leaders who are CRUSHING IT from those who are just getting by. It's not some talent you're born with. It's a muscle you can build, starting today. You don't need permission to think strategically. You don't need an MBA. You don't need years of experience. You just need to START.

If you want to learn this skill, we’ve got a few ideas for you:

4 Ways to Develop Your Strategic Thinking Skills Free, blog from Harvard Business School Building Strategic Foresight Capabilities (7 hours) Initial course free at Coursera Whole Systems Thinking (1.5 hours) $60 Udemy How to Make Strategic Thinking a Habit (37 minutes) Free for LinkedIn Premium Subscribers

Pro Tip: Update your LinkedIn and Resume with this new skill!