Open To Work

When I see that a connection on LinkedIn has added the “Open to Work” ribbon on their profile picture, I always stop and pause and quietly send positive thoughts their way.

Unfortunately, I’m seeing that update far too often these days. Layoffs are happening more frequently — sometimes due to AI and automation, sometimes because of a cooling labor market, economic uncertainty, or corporate restructuring when new leadership steps in.

A friend of mine experienced this firsthand a few years ago. After a mass layoff, he sent out over 500 résumés. This was a very capable leader with two decades of experience — and still, it was a grueling process. The story eventually had a happy ending, but too often I hear about people who are overqualified and underemployed, dipping into savings, or taking early retirement before they’re financially ready.

Standing Out Matters More Than Ever

It may sound obvious, but in today’s market the biggest challenge for job seekers is standing out. Gone are the days when one generic résumé worked for every posting.

• Customize each résumé: Use language directly from the job description, then blend it with your own accomplishments to create a story the hiring manager can’t ignore.

• Do your homework: Once you land the interview, research the company and the people in the room. Anticipate their questions and prepare thoughtful answers.

And yes, AI is everywhere — but instead of seeing it as a threat, see it as a tool. Paste the job description and your résumé into ChatGPT (or another platform) and ask it to draft a tailored version. Then review it carefully, making sure it’s both truthful and compelling.

Pro tip: AI can also be your cheerleader when the process wears you down. Try this: "I just had a terrible day. Tell me four things I do really well and one big win I should be proud of — in the voice of my drunk best friend." Trust me, you’ll laugh, reset, and be ready to get back to work.

Advice from Joel Schwan

On our Leaderish Podcast, Regina Taute and I recently interviewed Joel Schwan, who specializes in helping businesses streamline hiring, onboarding, and retention. Joel reminded us that job seekers should think beyond the résumé. One standout point (and one I’ve shared in other contexts) is this:

Act today as though you already have the job you want tomorrow.

If you want to be promoted from manager to director, start carrying yourself like a director now — in how you dress, make decisions, and connect with people.

That same principle applies during a job search. Treat your time off like you’re already in the role you’re aiming for:

• Write industry articles.

• Volunteer your skills with nonprofits.

• Share insights on LinkedIn.

• Participate in panels or networking groups.

Even if you can’t “sell a product” or “run a production line” while unemployed, you can still show that you are active, current, and contributing. Employers notice when your knowledge is fresh, not frozen in the past.

A Broader Takeaway

This isn’t just advice for those actively job hunting. We all know someone who has faced layoffs, is considering a career change, or is quietly testing the market. If that’s not you today, it could be tomorrow.

The real takeaway is this: your professional identity is bigger than your job title. Whether employed, unemployed, or in transition, you can continue to learn, contribute, and lead. And if you’re lucky enough to be secure right now, you can support others — by sharing their posts, connecting them with opportunities, or simply sending encouragement when you see that “Open to Work” ribbon appear.

Because work may come and go, but community and connection are what carry us through.

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If you're interested in learning more about my coaching and training services or how I can help you turn your visions into business realities, email me at doris@dunnwise.com, reach out via DM or visit my website at www.dunnwise.com. And be sure to listen to the Leaderish Podcast for great insights on Leadership.