Seven Months, Many Lessons
Hard-earned advice from seven months of unemployment that were equal parts bliss and anxiety.
This week: We’re off topic! I’m recapping hard-won advice from my seven months of unemployment. Click through to read and don’t forget to give this post a ❤️ if you’re feeling generous. And ICYMI, last week’s guest on was Lougé Delcy, also known as Dapper Lou. He’s a remarkable creative I’ve had the pleasure of partnering many times over the years, and it’s a rich conversation on artistic growth and cultural storytelling. Links to listen here.
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This week, I started my new job at K18, overseeing global consumer engagement—closing out seven glorious, blissful months of unemployment. In between long walks, mornings at The Class, leisurely lunches, and the occasional existential spiral, I learned a lot about the 2025 job market—and how to survive it.
Here’s my tactical, no-BS guide to job hunting in 2025:
Your LinkedIn profile > your resume. At least when it comes to generating inbound opportunities. Yes, LinkedIn is a platform, but more importantly, it’s a database. Recruiters aren’t scrolling the feed; they’re using LinkedIn Recruiter to search for candidates. Your headline, About section, and job descriptions should be loaded with relevant keywords (and don’t be shy about repetition). Before you spend a second on your content strategy, get your profile right. LinkedIn Unlocked is a great resource, chock full of practical advice for those on the job hunt (particularly at a more senior level).
That said, content still has value. It can expand your audience, connect you with interesting people, and keep you top of mind for referrals. And keep in mind: thoughtful engagement on others’ posts can often drive more profile views than posting yourself.
Be selective. Apply only to roles recently listed, roles you actually want and roles you’re qualified for. If a posting is more than 48 hours old, chances are your resume will be buried and not even make it to a recruiter scan. Tailor your resume for each role, even if only slightly–AI can be great for this (more on that later), but be careful and ensure you’re reviewing suggested changes thoroughly before implementing.
Your network isn’t as valuable as you think. Controversial, maybe—but in my experience, referrals carry less weight than ever in this market. And once you reach a certain level of seniority, “networking” often stops being reciprocal; it’s more about giving than getting.
Ignore advice from PWJ (people with jobs). It’s a lot like taking dating advice from long-married couples. No matter how brilliant or well-intentioned, if someone hasn’t been in the job market recently, they simply don’t understand the current reality. Tune out outdated wisdom and focus on what actually works today.
Give generously and without expectation. I make a habit of engaging with others’ content and connecting people in my network—without keeping score. It’s good karma, and it often pays off in unexpected ways.
AI is your secret weapon. I used it extensively throughout my search, especially in the interview stage. One of my favorite use cases is pre-interview. Upload the job spec and your resume to ChatGPT. Ask for a detailed briefing on the company and the executive you’ll be interviewing with (inclusive of sources), likely interview questions based on the listing, and tailored talking points drawn from your own experience.
My prompt to ChatGPT prior to my initial first-round interview at K18 Don’t overprepare. Scripted answers sound, well, scripted. What matters most is your ability to establish rapport and show how you think. Treat the interview like a conversation, not an interrogation. Ask thoughtful questions. Engage dynamically. This shifts the energy—you stop being just a candidate and start feeling like a future colleague.
The hiring process reveals culture. Pay attention. Long, drawn-out processes or endless interview rounds with countless stakeholders? Major red flag.
Consider the full context. Don’t get overly attached to a specific title. Look at the bigger picture: Will this role expand your scope? Offer meaningful growth opportunities? Position you best for where you want to go next? Sometimes the best career moves don’t come with the flashiest job titles—they come with the most runway.
Accept instability as the norm. The nature of work has changed—and so has the definition of “job security.” Corporate roles are less stable than ever, and that’s unlikely to reverse. The best insurance policy? Keep a long runway of cash in your emergency fund (if possible), nurture relationships and side hustles, and keep your skills sharp and relevant. The goal isn’t to live in fear—it’s to stay ready (for anything!)
Bottom line: You’ve got this, babe. The job market is brutal, but strategic focus will help preserve your energy and your time in the process.
We’ve just passed the midway point of summer, technically speaking, which means I still have time to enjoy this stunning scarf-back shirt from CÂLLAS Milano (also available in white).
Gap’s 90’s fragrances–IYKYK–have quietly relaunched in stores. Dream was THAT girl when I was a high-school sophomore (-ish?)
Forgive me, Laneige, but I forgot how good this plush Lip Mask is before bed (or really…anytime.)
I loved this Bustle profile of Lauren Sherman, whose Line Sheet is required reading for those in the fashion industry, the fashion-adjacent and the fashion curious.
Seinfeld night at the Brooklyn Cylones game in Coney Island was the most unabashed summer fun I’ve had this season.
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See you soon
Dina
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Congrats Dina! 💛
Totally agree about your network not being as valuable as you might think. Just hit a year since job loss. In my 60’s. It’s been tough! Happy you got yours in less time!