Why the “apply everywhere and hope” approach is keeping you stuck, and what actually works in 2025.

So. Summer break is over???? But guess what! During that entire time, you’ve been keeping all the plates spinning — leading projects, mentoring your team, remembering to pack towels for camp (I hate it when I forget), buying school supplies (on time!), and signing up for aftercare. Girl pop, look at you being the razzle-dazzle queen of your schedule!

And yet… when it comes to the job search? That’s a whole different story.

It feels like you’re doing everything “right” and still getting ghosted harder than the friend who “can’t” make it to brunch but mysteriously posts from a rooftop bar later that day (I see you Gwyn).

You’ve tailored your resume (so many times it could have its own “Versions” folder). You’ve refreshed your LinkedIn headline until it’s the career version of “new hair, new bang, who dis?”

You’ve sent out application after application… and your inbox? Still a desert or a sea of rejections (I personally think we need to normalize getting rejection emails).

But before I get on my soapbox, let’s clear this up right now: It’s not you.
It’s the 2025 job market, which is absolutely on a different level.

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Why the Job Search Feels Like a Hamster Wheel (and Not the Cute Pinterest Kind)

Most of the women I work with aren’t “underqualified.” Like not even close. They put Andy Cohen to shame.

They’re running departments, managing budgets, leading change, mentoring people, and showing up for the little sticky people they love.

The problem? They’re using job search strategies that are absolutely old as f%ck and are time capsule worthy: right next to skinny brows, those giant belts from 2007, and that one Bath & Body Works scent we all regret (mine is the cucumber melon scent: fight me).

Here’s how your job search process usually goes:

• You apply to 25+ jobs a week without a clear target. (If it even vaguely matches your skills? Boom. Apply.)
• Your resume and LinkedIn are… fine. Not terrible, just not memorable.
• Networking feels awkward, so you “save it for later” (translation: never ever ever).
• The job search gets squeezed into random pockets of your day ( 10 minutes before a meeting, 15 minutes while lunch reheats ), so it never feels intentional.

Then the internet comes in hot with “fix your mindset, queen!” and “you’re just not trying hard enough, as we have the same 24 hours!” career tips, which is basically the professional version of telling someone to “just relax” when they’re stressed, which I freaking hate.

But as I said before, you’re not the problem but the approach is.

Quick note: I’ll be breaking down exactly what to do instead — step by step — inside my free August 27 masterclass, The Career Climb Masterclass for Working Moms: How to Find a Higher Paying, More Aligned Job. So as you read this, keep thinking about where your search might be off-track right now.

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What Actually Works in 2025 (Spoiler: It’s Not More Applying)

Landing a role that actually fits your life and your paycheck goals isn’t about doubling your applications. At all. It’s truly about getting strategically picky (and owning it).

Here’s the step-by-step process I use with my clients:

1. We get crystal clear on her target role and non-negotiablees

This is the career equivalent of curating your closet Marie Kondo style (remember her???): you need to know what’s in, what’s out, and what’s absolutely not coming back (looking at you, jobs that pay less than you’re worth).

When you’re clear on title, salary, flexibility, culture, and growth, you stop wasting time on “meh” roles.

One client came in “open to anything in management,” which is basically career roulette. We narrowed it to roles with creative freedom, a collaborative culture, and a salary floor of $105K. Applications went from 20+ a week to three hyper-targeted ones , and she got interviews at two within a month.

TLDR: Clarity cuts noise. And noise is what’s burning you out.

2. We build a strong professional brand that stands out

Your resume and LinkedIn aren’t your autobiography. Think of them as your Netflix trailer (yes, I’m watching Sandman and the Hunting Wives, leave me alone). You want people to think, I need to know more about this person, right now.

That means:

• Swapping job duties for measurable results.
• Telling a story that makes sense from start to finish.
• Making sure your resume, LinkedIn, and “what do you do?” answer are all in sync.

I took a project manager client of mine from “duty dump” bullets in the experience section to “impact statements” that made her sound like the Olivia Pope of project timelines. The result? Recruiters started showing up in her inbox.

3. We created a targeted job search system

Stop in the name of love. Please. Stop cannonballing into the LinkedIn applicant pool with 500+ other people.

Instead I only work with clients to:

• Apply through company websites directly.
• Use niche job boards for their specific industry.
• Network without the cringe directly with people who know them and love them. (Pro tip: “Hey, I’m exploring X role in Y industry — any insight?” is magic compared to “Hire me?”)

4. We prep like assassins for interviews and negotiations

Please repeat after me: the interview isn’t the finish line. It’s the second-to-last lap.
You need to cross it with enough energy left to negotiate a package that actually works for you.

And no, negotiation isn’t just about salary (though yes, secure the bag). It’s also about benefits, flexibility, growth opportunities, and making sure you’re set up to win from day one.

Let’s Talk Real Client Results

One client came to me after losing her role in the federal government. She didn’t just want another job. She wanted:

• Flexibility for her 2-year-old.
• Time with her aging parents.
• Enough income to pay down debt, cover daycare, and take art classes again.

Before we worked together, she was applying to anything that looked kind of right. And I get it! Being unemployed is so damn frightening and feels like a brick on your chest.

Here’s what we did instead:

• Got hyper-specific on her role targets and salary floor.
• Built a standout resume and optimized LinkedIn profile.
• Created a networking list of targeted companies.
• Focused on direct applications through company websites and niche boards.

Within three weeks, she had four interviews. Friday morning? Last panel interview. Friday evening? Offer in hand. Boom.

We’re currently negotiating a $21K salary increase.

This is exactly the kind of clarity and momentum we’ll be mapping out together inside The Career Climb Masterclass for Working Moms, so you can skip the scattershot applications and go straight for the roles you actually want.

Quick Bonus Story

A marketing lead I coached thought she’d have to take a pay cut to escape her toxic role.
We repositioned her for a new industry (switched her to nonprofit organizations that focus on children’s health) and laser-focused her search.
Six weeks later? Two offers: one with a 15% raise, better benefits, and a workload that didn’t require her to live on caffeine and hope.

Your Solution

If your job search currently feels like throwing your resume into the void and hoping someone notices, I can fix that.

On Wednesday, August 27, I’m hosting The Career Climb: A Masterclass for Working Women on How to Find a Higher Paying, More Aligned Job.

I built The Career Climb for women like her — and like you — because the job market was never designed with working moms in mind.

You’re not just trying to “get a job.” You’re trying to build a career that lets you lead in your field and live a life you truly want to live.

You deserve a search strategy that respects your time, your talent, and the reality that you’re balancing more than most (hey, little scraped knees). This masterclass is about giving you the tools, shortcuts, and behind-the-scenes strategy to stop spinning your wheels and finally land the role that works for every part of your life.

In 60 minutes, you’ll learn:

• The Salary Jump Shortcut — the exact mindset + strategy shift that’s helped my clients walk into interviews asking for (and getting) $15K–$40K more without grinding harder, staying later, or “proving themselves” for another year.
• 3 Resume Power Plays — the quick, high-impact updates that make hiring managers think we need her (and yes, you can knock them out tonight between Netflix episodes).
• Networking in 10 Minutes — how to build real, mutually beneficial connections on and off LinkedIn in less time than it takes to unload the dishwasher (and without feeling like you’re bugging anyone).
• The Real-Life Job Search System — the exact process my clients use to organize applications, follow-ups, and interviews so they land offers and keep their sanity, social life, and sleep schedule.

No wasting your time. No shaming. Just a proven approach that works.

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I’m Here to Help.

You don’t need to become a job-application machine. You also don’t need to chase every posting like it’s the last Labubu (please someone explain those to me, please).

You need a targeted plan, a clear brand, and the confidence to know you bring serious value to the table.

Save your spot for The Career Climb here — and let’s get you into a role that works for every part of your life.

Join the Masterclass →

💛 Jane’s Favorites This Week

📚 Reading: Drop the Ball by Tiffany Dufu — perfect if you’re over the “do it all” myth.
☕ Loving: My pistachio green Stanley cup — drinking water feels oddly chic now.
💻 Tool: A Chrome extension that auto-formats my LinkedIn posts so I’m not rage-editing spacing at midnight.