Advice for Succeeding at Your Career

How do people actually land jobs—especially good, impactful ones? And how do they then do well at those jobs?

There’s a ton of career advice out there… some helpful, some outdated, and some outright contradictory. It’s hard to know where to start, especially if you’re early in your career. That’s why we collected the advice here: to nail down the basics of job hunting and provide actionable advice on how to approach it.

For those who already have a general sense of the kind of work you want to do and how it aligns with your values, this guide will help you navigate the job search process step by step. We’ll cover everything from identifying opportunities to crafting strong applications, tackling interviews, and negotiating offers.

If you’re still exploring career paths or thinking through the social impact of different options, we recommend starting with our career guide first. But if you’re ready to land your next role, let’s dive in.

Finding relevant roles

Consider a wide range of options

It’s natural to start your search with a specific job title or industry in mind, especially if you have a clear idea of what you want. But taking time to look beyond your initial focus can lead to great opportunities that align with your skills and goals—even if they weren’t on your radar at first.

Think beyond job titles. Job titles vary wildly between companies—what one organization calls a “Content Strategist” might be a “PR Specialist” or “Media Relations Manager” elsewhere. Instead of fixating on one title, try searching for similar roles with different names. You can even use tools like ChatGPT to generate related job titles based on your skills.
Focus on transferable skills. Your job search doesn’t have to be limited by your past titles or even industry. If you’ve been the go-to person for organizing projects, for example, roles in operations or project management could be a great fit—even if they weren’t what you originally had in mind. Looking at transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and taking initiative can help open up more opportunities.
Explore job descriptions proactively. Even if you’re not ready to apply yet, reading job descriptions for roles that interest you can give you insight into common skills and qualifications. You might discover a job title you hadn’t considered or spot gaps in your experience that you can work on filling.

Use job boards as a jumping-off point

Job boards are a great place to start looking and applying for specific opportunities, especially when you’re exploring different industries or roles. They can give you a sense of what’s out there and help you discover positions you might not have considered.

To get the most out of job boards, it helps to focus on platforms that align with your field and career goals. Niche boards and company career pages often feature unique, up-to-date opportunities you won’t see on larger, more general sites. This can save you time and help you zero in on roles that are a better match. Large job boards also tend to have other issues, like excessive numbers of applications, outdated postings, and even “ghost jobs”.

With all that in mind, it’s best to think of job boards as just one part of your job-search toolkit. Pairing them with more proactive approaches we’ll cover below—like building connections and creating opportunities for yourself—can give you a much better chance of landing the right role.

Build a network you’ll actually use

A lot of jobs are filled through connections, referrals, and word-of-mouth. Yes, you can land a job without a big network, but investing time in building connections now can open doors in ways you may not expect down the road.

To make networking feel less daunting, think of it as planting seeds. You’re not looking for instant results; you’re starting conversations and letting relationships grow over time.

Keep it authentic. Networking doesn’t have to be about schmoozing at events—it’s about building real relationships with people you find inspiring or whose work you admire. Approach it with curiosity: start conversations, ask thoughtful questions about their experiences, and share your own goals and interests. When you’re not forcing it, it’s easier to form meaningful connections and feel more motivated to do so.

Show up to things that interest you. One of the best ways to build your network is simply by being in the right places. Attend events, workshops, or gatherings related to your interests—whether that’s industry conferences, in-person or online field-based meetups, or niche networking spaces like community Slack groups and Discord servers. These spaces create opportunities for “targeted serendipity,” where you naturally meet like-minded people, learn about new organizations, and even hear about job openings. If formal networking isn’t your thing, focus on having casual conversations with those who share your interests. Even a single good connection can open unexpected doors.

Frame your request as seeking advice (not a job). Rather than directly asking for a job, consider starting by seeking advice. Reaching out with genuine curiosity—whether about someone’s career path, their organization, or the field in general—can lead to more natural and engaging conversations. This approach also makes it easier for the other person to respond, since advice is lower-pressure than evaluating a potential hire. If the conversation goes well and there’s a mutual fit, it may naturally lead to job opportunities down the line.

Open doors to new opportunities

Instead of just hunting down job openings, set yourself up so the right people can find you. If a hiring manager Googles your name, will they see a blank profile or a clear picture of what you bring to the table? It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a simple personal website or an updated LinkedIn profile can help relevant people like recruiters, hiring managers, or industry professionals find you. Focus on showcasing your skills, experience, and aspirations—incorporating relevant keywords from job descriptions to ensure your profile aligns with the roles you’re targeting.

If you’re unsure how to present yourself, look at the profiles of people a few steps ahead in your field—those whose careers you admire or who have roles you’re aiming for. See how they describe their work, what tone they use, and how they balance humility with showcasing their achievements. This isn’t about copying them—it’s about learning what makes a profile compelling.

You can also share relevant work of yours publicly, to make it easier to show off what you’ve done when you meet new people, and keep you on the radar of those who might refer you for a role. This is especially useful during the application process. When hiring managers are sorting through hundreds of resumes, having a link to something that gives a real sense of who you are and what you can do could be the thing that sets you apart and helps you move to the next stage. And, if you’re just starting out, try thinking about the kind of work you want to do and how you could create something that proves you could do it. This could be a work in progress, but the goal is to have some easy-to-see evidence of your competence or willingness to take initiative.

Getting jobs

Apply to a lot of roles

Applying to jobs is often a numbers game, especially for niche or competitive roles. Even if you’re a strong candidate, a lot of factors are outside your control. The employer might be looking for an incredibly specific skill or experience, or your application might simply arrive on a busy day. That’s why applying to a range of roles that genuinely match your skills and experience is key to improving your odds.

That said, applying for jobs takes time and energy, so it’s crucial to get strategic. Spamming dozens of generic applications might feel productive in the moment, but it’s rarely the best use of your resources. On the flip side, spending hours perfecting just one or two applications is probably ineffective. The sweet spot is to focus on roles that align well with your skills, then to create thoughtful, tailored applications without overthinking every detail.

Deciding whether to apply for a job—or spend time pursuing an opportunity—often comes down to two questions:

Is this right for me? (Motivation)
Am I right for this? (Match)

It’s also worth keeping in mind that jobs with high application numbers might not be as competitive as they seem. For example, LinkedIn might show that a job has 1,000 applicants, but many of them likely clicked “Apply” without following through. While the exact numbers vary, most typically receive tens to hundreds of applications—yet many of those applicants don’t meet the qualifications or take the time to tailor their resumes. The real competition is often a much smaller pool of strong candidates.

Finally, don’t be afraid to aim high. Applying to stretch roles—positions that excite you but feel just beyond your current experience—can increase your chances of landing a job that truly challenges and advances your career. If you only apply for roles where you’re 100% confident, you’re likely aiming too low. A mix of realistic and ambitious applications gives you the best shot at a great opportunity.

Think about the hiring manager’s perspective

It’s easy to focus solely on why you’re great, but what really matters is showing why you’re a great fit for this specific role. Imagine what a hiring manager (going through dozens or hundreds of applications) would need to see to pass you forward. Yes, you want to ensure that your skills, experience, and values align with the organization’s needs, but also that you’re genuinely interested in the role and could be a uniquely good fit for the job.

Show genuine interest in the role and company. Hiring managers can easily tell whether you’ve thoughtfully considered why this particular organization appeals to you or if you’re just applying indiscriminately. Somewhere in your application, make sure to communicate why you’re genuinely drawn to their mission, values, or projects. This could be mentioning something specific about their work that resonates with you or connecting your own experience and goals to what they’re doing.

Proactively address any concerns they might have. Think about any potential questions or concerns a hiring manager might have and address them early in your application. If you’re switching fields, explain why you’re making the transition and how your transferable skills set you up for success in the new role. If there are gaps in your resume, don’t leave them unexplained. Share how you’ve grown professionally or personally during that time, whether it’s through freelance work, volunteer experiences, further education, or skills you gained. Similarly, if you’re overqualified, explain why you’re excited about the role despite your advanced qualifications. Maybe you’re seeking better work-life balance or a specific aspect of the role aligns with your long-term goals.

By addressing concerns upfront, you make it easier for the hiring manager to see that your experience, skills, and motivations match the role. The more you can preemptively clarify doubts, the more confident they’ll be in moving your application forward.

Polish (and tailor) your resume

Hiring managers often skim through resumes quickly—sometimes in as little as 30 seconds—and they can form a strong impression in the first 5-10 seconds. With this in mind, your resume should immediately show why you’re a great fit for the role. This means making sure it’s easy to scan and directly highlights your relevant experience and qualifications. It’s also important to note that AI tools are increasingly used to filter resumes before a human even sees them. This means your application should be tailored to match the job description, using clear, specific language to highlight relevant skills and qualifications.

Highlight meaningful results. Employers care most about real evidence of your capabilities—especially significant outcomes. Instead of just listing responsibilities, focus on tangible achievements that demonstrate your impact. Whenever possible, use numbers to make your results stand out (e.g., “Led a team of 5 to increase project efficiency by 30%”). The important thing is to emphasize outcomes that are non-trivial and impressive in context. If you can highlight a major success, an independent initiative, or a clear example of making a difference, that’s what will truly help you stand out. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can help structure these examples effectively.

Once you have a solid base resume, the next step is tailoring it for specific job applications. Tailoring your resume doesn’t mean rewriting everything—it’s about making small, targeted adjustments to highlight how your skills match the job description. This increases your chances of standing out when employers skim through resumes quickly.

Create a compelling cover letter

Cover letters and application questions are your opportunity to connect the dots between your experience and the role, while showing why you’re genuinely excited about the position. Here’s a few things to keep in mind:

Offer new information. Use your cover letter or application responses to go beyond your resume by focusing on the most relevant aspects of your background. Your aim is to create a cohesive narrative that ties your experiences directly to the role and organization, highlighting how your skills, values, and goals align with their needs. Introduce specific details or examples that demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm—essentially, make the best case possible!
Show genuine interest. Highlight specific aspects of the role or organization that resonate with you to demonstrate you’ve done your research.
Be specific. Use clear, detailed examples (e.g., “reduced processing time by 20%”) rather than vague statements about your competency.
Be concise. Aim direct, specific answers to application questions, and keep cover letters to about 3-5 short paragraphs.
Address potential concerns. As mentioned earlier, it’s always good to provide brief context for resume gaps or explain why you’re interested despite being overqualified. Try to ease any hesitation they might have in passing you to the next stage.

Practice for interviews

Interviews can definitely feel high-pressure, and it’s normal to feel that way, but it’s helpful to remember that interviews are also a two-way conversation to determine if you and the employer are a good match. The goal is to come across as competent for the role, nice to work with, and genuinely excited about the opportunity. As Alison Green from Ask a Manager puts it: “Be your normal self, not your job-seeking self. Stop feeling like the employer is the source of all power in the world. Don’t be deferential or suck up. Act like you are both businesspeople contemplating a relationship with each other, because you are.”

Here are some tips for improving your interview skills:

Understand what type of interview you’re going into. Interviews can take many forms, such as traditional interviews (focused on your background and skills), case-study interviews (problem-solving exercises), or technical interviews (testing specialized skills, like coding). It can ease your nerves to have a clear idea of what you’re going into. And if you’re unsure about the process, it’s completely okay—and sometimes even beneficial—to ask clarifying questions. You might ask, “What sort of interview is this?” or “How many stages are in the process?” You can also inquire about the role itself, such as, “When would be a good time to learn more about the specific role?” Remember, you’re not expected to know exactly how their process works unless it’s clearly outlined somewhere.
Practice common interview questions aloud. One of the best ways to prepare is by simulating the interview environment. Anticipating questions and practicing your responses helps you feel more confident and natural. Saying your answers out loud, even if it feels awkward, builds muscle memory and helps you present yourself clearly. While you can’t prepare for everything, there are several questions you’re likely to encounter, such as “Tell me about a time you resolved a conflict” or “What are your strengths for this role?” If you’re not experienced or comfortable with interviews, it’s especially important to do at least one or two dry runs. Practicing with someone else—whether a career services coach, a friend, or a family member—can help you refine your answers and feel more confident going into the real thing.
Don’t just give the answer—explain your reasoning. Beyond gaining explicit information, employers are often trying to figure out how you think and communicate. Share your thought process concisely as you work through a problem. Even if your final answer isn’t perfect, explaining your reasoning can earn you “partial credit” and demonstrate your ability to approach challenges logically.
Treat interviews as a two-way conversation. While it’s your chance to showcase your fit for the role, it’s equally an opportunity to evaluate the company and see if it aligns with your goals. This mindset can make the process feel less nerve-wracking—you’re not just being judged; you’re also assessing whether this is the right place for you. When asked if you have questions, use this moment to dig deeper into the role, team, and culture. For example, you might ask what a typical day looks like, what challenges someone in this position might face, or how success is measured.

Once you get an offer

Getting a job offer feels great—and it is! But before you say yes, it’s worth taking this final opportunity to ensure you get the best offer. There are a few key things that can help with that:

Do your homework first. Research salary ranges for roles similar to yours in your industry and location. Use sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, or even talk to current or former employees to understand the pay structure and culture of the company. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel during the negotiation.
Start with enthusiasm. It might seem like holding back enthusiasm gives you a better chance to negotiate, but in reality, the opposite is true. Employers want to hire people who are passionate about the role, not just checking off boxes. Saying something like, “I’m really excited about this opportunity—it aligns so well with my goals and skills. After reviewing the offer, I’d love to discuss the salary to make sure we’re aligned.” This shows you’re not just interested, but you’re invested in making the role work, which can open the door to a better offer—even if your salary expectations are a bit higher.
Make it about what you need to make the role work. Rather than explaining why you “deserve” a higher salary, focus on what you need to make the offer feasible for you. You might say, “I’m really excited about this opportunity and confident I can contribute to the team. To move forward, I’d need a salary closer to [$X] to make it work for me. I’m eager to make this role a priority, and I’m hoping we can find a way to make the numbers align.” This keeps the focus on your genuine enthusiasm for the role and ensures the conversation is about what you need to make the offer realistic.
Consider the full package. While salary is often the main focus, there are many other factors that can be negotiated—such as additional vacation time, flexible working hours, remote work options, or professional development opportunities. These perks can add significant value to the overall offer.

If you receive multiple job offers, you can use that as leverage. For example, you could say, “I’m really excited about this opportunity, but I have another offer that provides [$X] more per month. Could you match or beat that?” When deciding which of these offers to then go with, you consider additional factors beyond the practical considerations like salary, including how interested you are in the day-to-day work, how much growth the role offers you, and how much impact you’ll have in it.

Overcoming challenges

Job searching can be frustrating, especially when you’re applying to dozens of roles without hearing back. It helps to remember that hiring is competitive—most publicly posted roles receive tens to hundreds of applications, with only a few candidates (6-7 on average) making it to interviews. Even highly qualified applicants face rejection due to sheer numbers, not because they lack ability or value.

Here are a few ways to stay grounded when the job search starts to feel discouraging:

Remember imposter syndrome is (extremely) common. It’s normal to feel like you don’t measure up, especially when applying for roles that stretch your comfort zone. Imposter syndrome can creep in when you’re taking risks, learning new skills, or stepping into unfamiliar territory. But remember, everyone experiences it at some point, even highly successful individuals (75% of women in top executive roles have felt it). Overcoming it is a process, not a switch you can flip. It’s easier said than done to ‘disconnect your self-worth from outcomes,’ but you can start taking small steps—like focusing on what you can learn from challenges rather than seeing them as failures. Talk to trusted colleagues or mentors about it; sometimes, just voicing those doubts can help you gain perspective. And as daunting as it might feel, taking on things that scare you—whether that’s applying for a role you feel unqualified for or taking on a new skill—is one way to dismantle the power imposter syndrome has on you.
Adjust your strategy. If you’re consistently applying but not landing interviews, it might be time to take a step back and reassess your approach. Review the job postings in your field and see if there are recurring skills or qualifications you’re missing that could be worth the investment. If so, find quick ways to address the gap, whether it’s through a course, a side project, or updating your resume to better highlight the experience you already have. Small adjustments to your strategy can make a big difference in how you present yourself to potential employers.
Structure your process to avoid burnout. The job search process can quickly become overwhelming, leading to burnout if you’re not careful. Instead of focusing solely on the number of applications you submit, try prioritizing quality over quantity. Tailor your applications for roles that genuinely excite you, and streamline your approach for others. Think of each application as an experiment—if you’re not seeing results, adjust your method rather than just pushing harder. Regularly evaluate what’s working, refine your strategy, and focus your energy on areas that will give you the best returns.

Moving forward

A clear strategy can make all the difference in landing the right role. Many candidates jump into applications without stepping back to refine their approach—by taking the time to plan, you’re already giving yourself an edge.

Now, it’s about putting this plan into motion. Keep exploring, stay persistent, and stay true to what you want from your next job. Our job board is a great resource to help you find opportunities that align with your skills and values. And if you need some extra support, our free 1-1 advising service can help you navigate the process and think through your career options. This is a journey—and with each step, you’re getting closer to finding a career that’s both good for you and good for the world.