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Your next job starts here. Whether youʼre ready to pivot or level up, this guide gives you the tools to move fast and stand out. Inside, youʼll get real-world tips on updating your resume, working with staffing experts, acing interviews, writing thank you notes, choosing strong references, and staying confident through it all. Itʼs your job search streamlined—and your next role within reach.
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UPDATE YOUR RESUME
Your resume is your chance to make a positive first impression – make it count. If it doesnʼt clearly show who you are, what youʼve done, and the skills you bring to the table, it might be your last shot, too. A clear, well-formatted resume can be your ticket to the interview. Take the time to get it right.
Here are a few resume tips to follow when updating your resume:
Nail the Summary
Youʼll want to use this space wisely; include highlights of relevant career experience rather than soft skills. Tweak based on the job youʼre applying for.
Make It Concrete
Show. Donʼt tell. List the software, tools, or metrics that prove your impact. If youʼre a seasoned accountant, list examples of the software youʼve used and for what purpose. Or say youʼre a marketing professional.
Can you provide examples of how your contributions produced tangible results for an employer? Remember, you should only include skills and technologies in which you have experience.
Education & Certificates
Most companies prefer to see formal degrees, including anything from associate degrees and licenses. This section is also where youʼd include certifications and boot camps.
Accomplishments & Projects
This section is the highlight reel of the work youʼve done. Successful projects, accomplishments, and specialties.
Experience
The last, and longest, section of your resume will be your job experience. Pay close attention to formatting here; youʼll want it to be easy for the hiring manager to skim.
BUILD YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE
Getting Active On Social
Letʼs say that youʼre an engineer with a passion for nuclear energy. Let that come through in your online presence. Repost smart takes on sustainability. Share articles that inspire you. Join the conversations that matter—online groups, comment threads, industry leaders. Follow the people and companies pushing boundaries.
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Get a Professional Headshot
A crisp headshot isnʼt required—but it helps. Today, AI tools can even upgrade your photo with just a few clicks. While by no means an absolute requirement, all professionals today should strive for a professional profile photo, particularly if youʼre in the market for a new job.
Get on the Job Boards
If youʼre posting your resume on a job board, make yourself as accessible as possible by filling out all fields.
- Fill out every field—details matter
- Focus your profile on the job you want
- Match your experience to the job description
- Stay active—engagement boosts visibility
Keep Your LinkedIn Fresh
Finally, make it a habit to update your LinkedIn profile regularly and use the platform consistently. Add new certifications, highlight recent wins, share content that reflects your interests, and adjust your headline as your career evolves. A current, engaged profile shows youʼre active and serious about your path.
Just led an ERP rollout across global sites? Post it. Call out the scale, the tools, the impact. That kind of detail helps you stand out—and it draws the right kind of attention.
Your digital presence isnʼt one-and-done. Itʼs a living asset that grows with you—and opens doors along the way.
WORK WITH RECRUITERS
Agency & Candidate Relationships
At The Planet Group, weʼre committed to building real relationships—not just making placements. We work closely with experts and employers to create lasting fits. Whether youʼre a software engineer or an HR leader in transition, we bring clarity, support, and follow-through every step of the way.
New to working with recruiters? It all comes down to mutual respect, honesty, and transparency—thatʼs what makes the partnership work.
What if a Recruiter Isn't The Right Fit For You?
Donʼt take it personally. Most recruiters specialize in specific areas. If your background doesnʼt align with their focus, it doesnʼt mean youʼre not hirable—it just means the fit isnʼt quite right. Our job is to be transparent with you and, when possible, point you in a direction that makes more sense for your skills and goals.
Remember, We're Here to Help
When we say we canʼt move forward, thatʼs tough for us too. We want to help you land
the right role—and if we can offer guidance to make you more marketable, we will. Recruiters do this work because weʼre passionate about people and driven to see you succeed.
Be Transparent
We need the full story to advocate for you. If you donʼt have a certain experience, donʼt claim it. Misalignment becomes clear quickly and hurts your chances—not just with one role, but with that company going forward.
Do Your Part
We can open doors—but you have to walk through them. At the end of the day, weʼre here to provide guidance, feedback, direction and an outside perspective. Itʼs up to you as a candidate to incorporate this information into your job search. A recruiter can get you an interview, but you still have to show up on time and make it count!
Keep Lines of Communication Open
Communication is key. If the interview didnʼt go well—or if it went great—we need to hear from you. Sometimes clients go quiet. Even then, weʼll keep you in the loop, because staying connected builds trust and keeps your search moving.
INTERVIEW TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Youʼve made it to the interview—congrats! That means your resume did its job. Now itʼs your turn to bring your story to life and show why youʼre the right fit. Here are some interview tips on how to show up confident, prepared, and distraction-free:
Preparation is Key
Research the industry, the background of the person who is interviewing you, review the job description so you can speak to your technical skills, and the company as well. If you donʼt, surveys suggest that 47% of hiring managers will count it against you
Cut the Noise
Leave your devices in the car (including that smart watch) or turn them off. Eliminate the potential for anything to buzz you with notifications that mentally take you away from the interview.
Be Concise, Not Brief
Skip the one-word answers whenever possible. Even if the question feels basic, your explanation is where you show off your knowledge—especially to a non-technical interviewer. Use it as a chance to highlight how you think and solve problems.
Stay Professional
Your past employment history will come up, and even if you had a negative experience, itʼs best to refrain from bad-mouthing former bosses or coworkers. We suggest that you share negative lessons youʼve learned in a tasteful way.
Use Real Examples
Bring your experience to life. If youʼre in construction, talk about how you kept a commercial build on schedule despite weather delays or coordinated multiple subcontractors across a complex site. That kind of story highlights adaptability, leadership, and results.
Prepare Questions in Advance
Along with bringing your resume and something to take notes on, you should also have a prepared list of questions to ask the hiring manager. 5 -10 questions shows your interest in the position while still respecting your interviewerʼs time.
RED FLAGS DURING AN INTERVIEW
A sharp resume and confident answers are important—but interviews are a two-way street. While youʼre showcasing your strengths, stay alert to signals about the opportunity in front of you. If something feels off, itʼs worth paying attention.
Here are a few red flags our recruitment team sees too often:
- The manager is not well prepared
- They can't sell you on the job
- Slow to provide feedback after the interview
- The process is disorgaized
- The interviewer is vague on the responsibilities of the role
- They lowball you on salary
- The business model doesn't make sense
- They're evasive about retention
Example: Youʼre interviewing for a digital marketing role, but the manager canʼt explain campaign goals, platforms, or how they measure success. If strategy and data are unclear, expectations will be too. Thatʼs a red flag.
You deserve clarity, respect, and momentum. If those are missing early on, theyʼll likely be missing on the job, too.
WHO TO CHOOSE AND HOW TO PREP YOUR REFERENCES
The best people to use as references are past managers. Managers have the most credibility and can communicate to someone what youʼre like to manage. They also have seen your work and understand how you work with other people.
While you canʼt script what a reference says, you can guide the conversation. Hop on a quick call. Ask them what theyʼd say about your strengths or areas of growth. Tell them about the job and why youʼre a match.
For example, if youʼre applying for a Workday implementation role, ask your former manager to speak to your experience leading HRIS upgrades, managing integrations, or supporting user adoption.
3 Things to Provide Your References
- Send them the job description: Your reference should know what job youʼre applying for. They should review the roles and responsibilities of the new job so they can highlight your technical abilities.
- Send them your resume: This will help them fill memory gaps and also emphasize specific projects youʼve completed.
- Update them on what youʼve been doing professionally: Use this as an opportunity to share new things youʼve been working on, tools youʼve learned, or leadership roles you mightʼve taken on.
CRAFTING YOUR THANK YOU NOTE
Many candidates overthink their post-interview follow-up. The truth? A thank you note doesnʼt need to be long—it just needs to be thoughtful, relevant, and timely. Hereʼs how to make your follow-up after an interview count.
AN INTERVIEW RECAP
Skip the play-by-play. Instead, offer a quick summary (1–2 sentences) of how your skills align with the companyʼs needs. Mention what excites you about the role—maybe itʼs the team, the tech, or the impact of the work.
REITERATE WHY YOU’RE A FIT
Revisit the job description and your own interview notes. What did you say that hit home? Reiterate how your skills and mindset meet their key criteria.
If youʼre interviewing for a construction project management role, this is a
good time to highlight your experience delivering commercial builds on time and under budget—even during supply chain disruptions.
GET PERSONAL
If you had a personal moment—same alma mater, a shared laugh, or a surprising connection—mention it. It helps you stand out and keeps the tone warm and human.
ADD A “CALL TO ACTION”
At the end of your note, you should have something like “looking forward to hearing next stepsˮ or “excited to meet the rest of the team.ˮ
SEND WITHIN 24 HOURS
Your interviewer, like everyone else, is doing a million things the day of your interview. To stick out in their mind among the sea of tasks, send your note within 24 hours.
HOW TO EVALUATE MULTIPLE OFFERS
Landing more than one job offer is a great problem to have—but it still requires serious decision-making. At The Planet Group, we help experts like you navigate these moments with clarity and confidence.
Here are a few strategies to help you choose the opportunity that fits you best—long term.
CULTURE
Culture affects how the entire company operates and conducts business. If the company values donʼt align with yours, the job is likely not going to be a good fit long term.
WORK LIFE BALANCE
Time off isnʼt a luxury—itʼs essential. Look at vacation, PTO, sick leave, and flexibility. Consider how each company supports balance, especially if youʼre coming from a role that led to burnout.
THE JOB ITSELF
Look beyond titles. Which job plays to your strengths and excites you? Did they define what success looks like? Do you feel challenged—in a good way?
For example, if youʼre a finance expert choosing between two FP&A roles, compare the level of strategic involvement. One might offer a broader seat at the table—working with executive teams on forecasting, M&A, or scenario planning. Thatʼs a big difference.
Compensation Package
Base salary is just one piece. Look at health benefits, retirement contributions, equity, bonuses, and the fine print. Then frame it all in the context of your goals and lifestyle.
Remote vs. Onsite
If one role is hybrid and another is fully remote, think about what works best long term. Map out the commute and gas youʼll need to get there. Are you willing to put in that much money and time?
Do Some Soul Searching
What really matters to you? Flexibility? Stability? Growth? Autonomy? Figure that out first. Then reflect on why youʼre leaving your current role. Let those answers guide your decision—not just the size of the offer.
YOU DIDN’T GET THEYOU DIDN’T GET THE JOB—NOW WHAT?
You crushed the job interview. You clicked with the hiring manager, nailed your answers, maybe even got a tour of the office. But then… silence. Or worse—a rejection call. So, what happened?
The truth is rejections happen. The most valuable thing you can do now? Ask for feedback. Itʼs not always easy to hear, but it's often the key to leveling up for your next opportunity.
Underqualified
Sometimes itʼs just about job experience. If youʼre not quite at the level they need, ask to be considered for future roles that better match your background. Staying on their radar can pay off.
Skills Don't Match Your Resume
If you canʼt confidently speak to the skills or tools listed on your resume, itʼs a red flag. If this tripped you up, itʼs time to clean up your resume and focus only on what you know well.
Internal Referral or Promotion
Sometimes the role goes to an internal candidate. Itʼs not about your performance—itʼs about familiarity. To stand out next time, do your homework and bring insights that even an insider might miss.
You Didn't Seem Interested or Engaged
Enthusiasm matters. Let the hiring manager know youʼre excited about the role and would love to join the team. It may feel bold—but it can make a lasting impression.
Didn't Dress the Part
Dress codes vary. Startups may lean casual, while financial firms expect business attire. When in doubt, ask your recruiter or aim to match the companyʼs culture—it shows you did your homework.
Late for the Interview
Timing matters. Plan ahead for traffic or tech issues and aim to be 10–15 minutes early—whether itʼs in person or virtual. Being late can leave a lasting negative impression.
Money
For permanent roles, unrealistic salary expectations can cost you the offer. Do your research, know the market range, and come prepared with a number that makes sense for the role and industry.
Stay Positive
Itʼs a setback, not a dead end. Ask for feedback, learn from it, and keep moving forward. Every interview is a step closer to the right opportunity.
HOW TO CHOOSE A STAFFING FIRM
Job searching today is easier—and harder—than ever. Sure, everythingʼs online. But with thousands of postings and keyword-driven systems filtering resumes, itʼs easy to get lost in the noise. Apply for a mechanical engineering role without the right keywords? Your resume might never make it to human eyes.
Thatʼs where staffing firms like The Planet Group come in—with real relationships, human insight, and access to jobs you wonʼt find on your own.
What's Happening Behind the Scenes?
Before a job even posts, employers often partner with staffing firms for three key reasons:
- Theyʼre short on time
- They need hard-to-find skills
- They want qualified candidates—not hundreds of resumes
Weʼre trusted to deliver experts who align with their needs fast. That means when youʼre working with us, youʼre not just applying—youʼre being presented.
Why Work with a Staffing Firm?
We give you direct access to hiring decision-makers. In one conversation, you could hear about a dozen roles that match your experience. A good recruiter will:
- Prepare you for job interviews
- Share insider tips on the company and team
- Help navigate the process and speed up timelines
- Negotiate offers on your behalf
Working with a staffing firm is a relationship—so treat it like one. Ask questions. Make sure they listen. Look for a firm that knows your space, whether thatʼs engineering, HR, technology, finance, or marketing. And choose a job recruiter whoʼs not just trying to place you—but genuinely wants to grow with you.
START YOUR JOB SEARCH TODAY
Ready to find your next role? Letʼs talk. The Planet Group is one of the worldʼs leading staffing and advisory solutions providers. We specialize in Engineering, Manufacturing, Digital Marketing, Accounting & Finance, HR, Technology, and Enterprise solutions. Letʼs find the right fit together.
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