The Friday Edit

Whether you’re applying for your next full-time role, pitching a consulting gig, or branching out on your own as a freelancer, how you present yourself matters just as much as what you bring to the table. These are the five strategic moves that helped me take control of my career, land bigger opportunities, and increase my salary.

Research the Interviewers (Yes, Really)

Before every interview, I take 10–15 minutes to learn about the person (or people) I’ll be speaking with. Here’s why:

• You’ll build instant rapport by referencing shared interests or prior work they’ve done.
• It helps you tailor your responses to what they care about (not just the job listing).
• You can prepare smarter questions that show you’ve done your homework.

🔎 Pro Tip: Use LinkedIn, company bios, or recent press releases to get insights into their roles, goals, or projects they’ve led.

Study the Job Description Like a Cheat Sheet

Every line of a job posting is a clue. Before the interview:

• Highlight key verbs and skills they mention.
• Prepare specific stories that show you’ve done those things.
• Think about how you can mirror their language to align with their priorities.

Tailor Your Resume to Every Role

Sending out the same resume 100 times won’t get you noticed. But adjusting your resume for each opportunity absolutely will.

Here’s how to do it:

• Mirror the keywords in the job description.
• Highlight relevant achievements that speak to their biggest needs.
• Add a line or two in your summary about why you’re a strong match for this particular role or company.

This doesn’t mean rewriting your whole resume — just strategically adjusting it to show you’re already aligned with what they need.

Ask Bold Questions at the End of Every Interview

Don’t end an interview with, “I think that’s all from me.” End it with impact.

Here are two powerful questions I always ask:

• “Is there anything on my resume or that we discussed today that gives you pause or concern?”
  • This shows you’re open to feedback and lets you address doubts directly.
• “What’s the biggest challenge I could help solve if I joined your team?”
  • This shifts the focus from you to how you can help them. It’s a high-level move that demonstrates both confidence and collaboration.

These questions leave a lasting impression — and often open up deeper, more honest conversations about the role.

Always Send a Follow-Up Thank You Note

You’d be surprised how many people skip this — which is exactly why you shouldn’t. A thoughtful follow-up email does more than show good manners; it reinforces your interest, professionalism, and ability to communicate effectively.

What to include:

• Gratitude: Thank them for their time and the conversation.
• A reminder of value: Reiterate something specific you discussed and how you’re a fit.
• A closing statement: Let them know you’re excited about the opportunity and open to any next steps.

Example:
“Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated hearing about the team’s work on [specific project] — it aligns perfectly with my experience in [your related skill]. I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to [specific challenge or goal], and I’d love the opportunity to move forward. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can provide any additional information.”

Timing: Send it within 24 hours of the interview — same day if possible.

💡 Pro Tip: If you interviewed with multiple people, send a personalized message to each one (not a copy-paste blast).