We live in an information overload world. Your words need to cut through the noise.

Why it matters: In today’s fast-paced world, clarity and brevity are key to effective communication.

How to do it:

• Be clear: Know your main point and stick to it.
• Cut the fluff: Eliminate unnecessary words or details.
• Use strong verbs: They convey action and intent better.
• Be specific: Precision beats vague statements every time.
• Revise: Edit your work until only the essentials remain.

The bottom line: Say more with fewer words by focusing on what truly matters.

Pro tip: Practice daily. The more you refine your writing, the sharper it becomes.

The recent revision by the BLS shows that the U.S. added 818,000 fewer jobs between March 2023 and March 2024 than previously reported. That’s a big shift, especially for the professional services, leisure, and retail sectors.

This jobs report is like a political football—both sides will pick it up and run with it, twisting the data to score points for their narrative. But…

…here’s why it matters to you:

Salaries might take a hit: A cooler job market might make some employers less inclined to offer competitive salaries or raise wages. This could impact your salary negotiations as a new hire.

Premium on skills and experience: Employers will prioritize specific skills and relevant experience in a more competitive environment. That means you’ll need to highlight what makes you uniquely qualified.

Networking is crucial: Fewer job openings than initially reported make personal connections and referrals even more important in landing that next job.

Flexibility in your job search: You may need to be more open in your search. Consider positions that aren’t a perfect match, or explore industries you hadn’t previously considered.

Yeah, but: It’s true that this presents challenges. But it’s also true that the job market is still active, and opportunities exist across various sectors. Stay persistent, adaptable, and focused on showcasing your value.

Next Action 🎬: Take a moment to review your job search strategy. Fire up your networking. Optimized your resume for the roles.

Did you know that before your resume ever reaches a human, it often has to pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? These systems scan and rank resumes based on keywords and formatting. That means:

• If your resume isn’t optimized for the ATS, it could be filtered out before it even reaches a recruiter’s desk.

Why tailoring your resume for ATS matters:

• Keyword Optimization: ATS looks for specific keywords related to the job. If your resume doesn’t include these, it might be overlooked—even if you’re a great fit.
• Formatting is Key: Fancy fonts, images, and intricate layouts might look great, but they can confuse ATS. Stick to simple, clean formats to ensure your resume is properly scanned.
• Focus on Relevance: Tailoring your resume for each application is crucial. Highlight the experience and skills that match the job description, using the same language whenever possible.

How to “beat” the ATS:

• Use Standard Headings: Stick to headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” so the ATS can easily navigate your resume.
• Include Keywords: Analyze the job description and integrate the same keywords into your resume. This increases the chances of your resume being flagged as a strong match.
• Keep it Simple: Avoid tables, graphics, and columns. ATS might not interpret these correctly, leading to important information being missed.

Next Action 🎬:
Take a few minutes today to review your resume. Make sure it’s ATS-friendly and tailored to the jobs you’re applying for. It could be the difference between getting noticed and getting passed over.

Let your professional summary do the talking.

Why It Matters:

Your professional summary is the first impression recruiters have of you. It’s your chance to stand out.

Here’s a summary example:

Results-driven marketing strategist with 7+ years of experience, specializing in creating data-driven campaigns that increase brand awareness by 50% and drive 30% more leads. Thrives in dynamic environments and passionate about helping companies grow through innovative marketing solutions.

Here’s why this works:

Social Proof: Add specific achievements to your summary, and provide social proof. For example, “increasing brand awareness by 50%” demonstrates a proven track record that builds trust with recruiters.

Small Nudges, Big Impact: The summary is concise and contains lots of dynamic information. It makes it easy for recruiters to quickly see your value without feeling overwhelmed. Specific metrics like percentages make your accomplishments more tangible.

Strategic Language: The strategic use of action verbs and descriptors makes the summary powerful. Words like “specializing” and “thrives” convey ownership and confidence.

Take Action: Update your resume today with a professional summary that highlights your unique strengths. I am happy to help.

…does it make a sound if no one’s there to hear it?

The same goes for your resume. You could have a perfect resume, but if no one reads it, it doesn’t matter.

Here’s the truth:

A solid resume is essential, but it’s only part of the equation. Networking is the key to ensuring that your resume isn’t just seen but lands on the right desk.

Why networking matters:

• Opens doors: Connections can help you cut through the noise and get your resume in front of decision-makers.
• Builds trust: A referral or recommendation often carries more weight than a cold application.
• Creates opportunities: The more people you know, the more chances you have to hear about new opportunities.
  
• Bonus reason: It feels good to help someone, and it builds goodwill. someone.

Next action 🎬: Don’t let your resume fall silently in the woods. Start building your network today and make sure it’s heard where and when it counts.

(159 words, 37-second read)

If you’re going to persuade someone, you have to be certain about your position. Right?

Yes, but: Certainty is the play. IF the person you are writing to is open to being persuaded. But uncertainty might give you the persuasive edge you need if the person is unwilling to consider your point.

• “This might not be the best way to attack this challenge, but I think we should move in this direction.”

Why it works: Expressing uncertainty signals that you are willing to consider other options. The power of reciprocity usually encourages a person to consider other options, even when they’re certain – especially when they’re certain.

Apply it: Here are some words to use the principle of uncertainty in the wild:

• Usually
• Might
• Think
• Should

Bonus tip: Framing a certain statement as a question should work.

Deep dive: If you’d like to learn more about this strategy and others like it, check out Jonah Berger’s book, Magic Words.

Fun fact: The first draft of this was 177 words.

(102 words, 24-second read)

I said this in a presentation on Monday.

When I said it, I kept talking, but I thought, where did that come from? Who says that? And why?

I knew it was a cliche that means from start to finish.

• I didn’t know – until I looked it up – that it comes from the early 20th century.
• Nor did I know if my 20-year-old audience even knew what it meant.

Thought bubble 💭: I wonder how many times I use cliches. Especially outdated ones my audience doesn’t understand.

I’m not sure. Are you?

We should work like dogs to avoid it.

Fun fact: The first draft was 152 words.

(165 words, 38-second read)

This, of course, is a line from one of the greatest movies ever, Gladiator.

Backstory: In case you haven’t seen it [spoiler alert], Maximus, played by Russell Crowe, takes out six other gladiators in about 30 seconds. He throws his sword into the box seats, and yells to the crowd:

• Are you not entertained? Are you NOT entertained? Is that not why you are here?

Yes, but: Writing – even business writing – is entertaining too. At least, that’s the goal. But it’s not wasting six gladiators in 30 seconds entertaining.

Yes, and: Sure. One definition of entertain is to provide amusement and joy. And another definition is:

• To give attention or consideration (to an idea).

Bottom line: You don’t have to surprise your reader when delivering a message. You don’t have to make them laugh. You don’t have to make them cry.

Give your reader the main point as clearly, concisely, and quickly as possible, and they’ll consider your idea. They’ll be entertained.

Fun fact: The first draft of this post was 153 words.

(113 words, 26-second read)

I was listening to my playlist the other day. The song Say Something, by Justin Timberlake came on.

A versus in the chorus is:

• Sometimes the greatest way to say something is to say nothing at all.

Why it matters: This reminded me of a quote by the comedian Craig Ferguson. Before saying something, ask yourself three questions:

• Does this need to be said?
• Does this need to be said by me?
• Does this need to be said by me now?

Reality check ✅: More often than we’d like to think, the answer to these questions is no.

• Sometimes the greatest way to be a likable writer is to say nothing at all.

Fun fact: This was the first draft.

(164 words, 38-second read)

I don’t like to admit this. And if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it. But I am highly empathic.

Why this matters: Sometimes, I share too much. I try to explain EVERYTHING because I want them to have ALL the information.

• This is ESPECIALLY true when I am talking to someone.

In the wild: Here are some examples of what I mean:

• If I don’t respond to an email or text as fast as I think I should…I apologize…and explain what took “so long.”
• If I can’t do a task that someone asks me to do…I apologize…and explain what I’m working on.
• If I didn’t do something I usually do and someone asks…I apologize…and explain I was having dental issues.

Bottom line: I share too much information.

Yes, but: Sure. If I wrong someone. I probably should explain.

• But even then, it is probably better to just apologize. And stop.

Truth bomb 💣: Most people don’t care. And if they do, they’ll ask.

Fun fact: The first draft was 153 words, but over half the words are different.