If you’re looking for a new job or position—especially at mid-career or what many call the halftime of life—you may be asking, “Where do I even begin?” In a rapidly shifting job market shaped by AI and ongoing business restructuring, standing out can feel overwhelming. That’s why expert insight is so valuable.

In our podcast episode, we welcomed Josef Stetter, known as the “Resumé Whisperer,” who offered practical, eye-opening advice drawn from real-world experience—including the fact that he’s successfully changed careers nine times. Josef brings clarity to what makes a resumé truly stand out and shares timely strategies that help job seekers position themselves effectively—no matter their age or stage.

From defining your areas of expertise to trimming unnecessary fluff, being proactive, and knowing how to refresh your resumé so it rises to the top, this article breaks down the highlights of our conversation. Whether you’re pivoting, reentering the workforce, or simply reevaluating your path, you’ll find valuable tools to help move forward with confidence.

Be Proactive

Taking a proactive approach in today’s job market can feel emotionally exhausting—especially when companies discourage unsolicited contact. I’ve personally experienced this for years in the music industry. At booking conferences, some arts directors and agents would actually turn their nametags around to avoid interactions with unfamiliar or unestablished contacts. When even those events designed for connection feel closed off, it’s tempting to simply send out marketing materials or résumés and wait, hoping for a response.

But passive outreach rarely opens doors. We explored how being intentional and persistent—while still respectful—can actually move you closer to opportunities, even in environments that feel unwelcoming at first. However, this is no longer sufficient. Stetter emphasizes that passivity rarely lands jobs—especially in today’s competitive landscape. Instead of waiting for responses, he encourages job seekers to take bold yet thoughtful steps, such as calling companies directly—even those that say, “Don’t call us.” His advice includes using creative approaches like leveraging a podcast to interview industry leaders as a way to connect, learn, and build relationships.* These proactive moves not only set you apart but can position you for opportunities that may never be posted online.

This proactive approach involves treating the job hunt like a sales cycle, as demonstrated by Dan Dougherty, who secured a new role in under two months by identifying target companies, researching key contacts, and personalizing his outreach. By actively networking, tailoring applications, and demonstrating a clear understanding of potential employers' needs, job seekers can differentiate themselves and increase their chances of landing their desired positions.

Moreover, Stetter advises against listing job duties and responsibilities, which merely reiterate what is already known about a position. For example, stating that a receptionist "answers phones" does not provide any new information. Instead, he recommends highlighting unique contributions and successes, such as "streamlined the appointment scheduling process, reducing client wait times by 30%." By focusing on tangible achievements, candidates can present themselves as proactive and results-oriented professionals, making a compelling case for their candidacy. This is especially important as some entry level positions for many companies are now filled with AI, or will be soon.

Refresh Your Resumé

After completing my degree and teaching credential, I wasn’t sure I wanted to jump straight into a full-time teaching role. Still, I submitted an application—partly because I sensed my parents were eager for me to move beyond my beach days and into the next chapter. To my surprise, I received a call from the local school district about an open position I hadn’t even expected to be considered for. As it turns out, submitting my application late may have worked in my favor—it ended up at the top of the pile. Even more fortunate, the administrator recognized my name from years earlier when I had participated in advanced music groups. That small connection, combined with the timing, landed me not just an interview—but the job.

Josef says refreshing your résumé regularly is a strategic move to enhance visibility on major job platforms like Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder. These platforms often update their databases daily, typically between 11:45 PM and 2:45 AM Eastern Standard Time. By making minor edits—such as adding a space or updating a word—and saving your résumé during this window, you signal to the system that your résumé is current. This simple action can elevate your position in search results, increasing the likelihood that recruiters will view your application.

Additionally, proactive communication can set you apart. If you're uncertain whether your application was received, consider reaching out to the company's HR department. A courteous inquiry, perhaps mentioning a technical issue during submission, prompts HR to check your application status. This interaction not only confirms receipt but also brings your application to the forefront, providing an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the role and discuss your qualifications directly. This information is found in Josef’s A to Z of Job Finding

* https://www.universityresearchtimes.com/article/699203180-renowned-career-expert-josef-stetter-unveils-groundbreaking-approach-to-job-search-and-corporate-culture-enhancement

Takeaways from Podcast

• Podcast listeners to update their resumes by changing fonts, bullet points, and adding quantifiable achievements.
• Job seekers to be proactive by directly contacting companies and attending networking events.
• Candidates to highlight specific results and impacts in their resumes rather than generic skills.
• Job applicants to regularly update their resumes on job boards to improve visibility.
• Professionals to optimize their LinkedIn profiles with detailed information about their experience and achievements.
• Job seekers to research and use industry-specific technical terms in their resumes to pass AI screening.
• Candidates to prepare quantifiable examples of their work accomplishments for interviews.
• Job applicants to follow up with HR after submitting applications to improve their chances of being noticed.

Additional Resources

Secrets to Landing Your Dream Job Revealed, by Josef Stetter

Congratulations You are Hired: Landing Your Dream Job by Josef Stetter

Women at Halftime: Principles for Producing Your Successful Second Half by Deborah Johnson featuring Hero Mountain®

Stop Circling: Steps to Escape Endless Roundabouts by Deborah Johnson featuring the HALFERS Tool™

If you are interested in growing and learning, check out our online courses here: Online Learning

1,237 words