The job market has shifted dramatically. If you’re relying on strategies that worked in 2019, you probably feel like you’re shouting into a void. Applications go unanswered, ghosting is the norm, and even highly qualified candidates find themselves navigating a maze of confusion and frustration.
We recently sat down with Robynn Storey, CEO of Storeyline Resumes and one of the most influential voices on LinkedIn, to cut through the noise. With over 25 years of experience helping high achievers land roles ranging from $75,000 to $300,000, Robynn delivers advice that’s both battle-tested and refreshingly honest.
Why do her insights matter right now? Because 2025 presents a unique set of challenges from the rise of AI scams to an overwhelming number of applicants per role. This isn’t just about tweaking a resume; it’s about rethinking your approach to career management from the ground up.
In this breakdown, we’ll dive deep into the tips from recruiter Robynn Storey that can transform your search. You’ll discover which outdated advice to ignore, the resume mistakes that can kill your chances instantly, and the truth about ATS systems. Whether you’re a career changer, facing age bias, or just feeling stuck, this guide is your roadmap.
The outdated job search advice that’s holding you back
For years, career coaches and well-meaning friends have repeated the same mantra: “Tailor your resume for every single job.” Back in 2019, this made sense. You might apply to ten jobs, get two interviews, and land an offer. The volume was manageable, and customization could set you apart.
In today’s market, however, this advice isn’t just outdated, it’s holding you back. It slows you down when speed and volume are critical. Robynn Storey is clear: customizing your resume and cover letter for every single application is now a massive waste of time. The market is simply too competitive. By the time you’ve perfected one application, 50 other candidates may have already applied with solid, general resumes that are “good enough.”
Watch Robynn Storey explain why outdated job search advice slows candidates down in 2025:
Be alert: Fake jobs and open-to-work scams are everywhere
As the market grows more competitive, scammers have flooded job boards and LinkedIn with fake listings and open-to-work schemes targeting job seekers. These scams can range from phishing attempts to offers that request a fee or sensitive personal information. Watch out for red flags, roles with vague descriptions, overly fast interview processes, or employers that contact you only by email or outside official channels. Never pay to apply for a job or send financial information upfront. If a posting or recruiter seems suspicious, research the company, check for a legitimate website, and don’t hesitate to ask direct questions. Protecting yourself from scams is just as important as finding the right opportunity.
Stop doing this immediately
The biggest trap job seekers fall into today is over-analyzing the application process. Many obsess over keywords for hours, trying to reverse-engineer each job description. By the time they submit, the role may already be flooded with hundreds of applicants.
Instead of rewriting your story for every click, Robynn recommends having one stellar, comprehensive resume. It should tell your true story, highlight your impact and accomplishments, and showcase the unique value you offer. If your resume is strong, it will work across the board for the roles you’re targeting.
Strategies that get results
If you’re not spending hours customizing, what should you do instead?
- Focus on a strong core narrative: Your resume should be robust enough to stand alone. It must clearly articulate your value proposition with minimal tweaking.
- Prioritize volume (smartly): Response rates are lower, so you’ll need to cast a wider net. A quality resume sent to more relevant openings yields better results than a “perfect” resume sent to only a few.
- Shift focus to networking: Use the time you save on customization to build connections, not just scroll job boards. (We’ll cover this in depth in section 4.)
The aim isn’t to be sloppy; it’s to be efficient. In a high-volume market, agility wins. With smart application tools like HirePilot’s job search automation, you can maintain quality while hitting the volume needed to stand out.
You hit “Apply,” and within minutes or even seconds, you get a rejection email. It feels personal, but often, it’s structural. There are specific resume errors that act as instant filters, preventing a human from ever seeing your skills.
Job Seeking Strategies and Tips to Build Your Career
Robynn sees three major “resume killers” in today’s market. Fixing them can quickly improve your callback rate.
1. Going back too far (the “history lesson” mistake)
A common issue, especially for experienced professionals, is including a 30- or 40-year work history. While you may be proud of your career journey, listing every job since the ‘80s dates you and diminishes your current relevance.
The fix: Limit your experience to the past 10–15 years. That’s the sweet spot for relevance. If you have early career achievements that matter, summarize them briefly in an “Early Career Note” but don’t list out bullet points and dates. Keep the focus on your modern skills and recent impact.
2. The “AI-generated zombie” resume
With the explosion of AI writing tools, recruiters now see a flood of resumes that feel robotic. Stuffed with buzzwords but lacking personality, these documents read like corporate jargon dictionaries, “synergized cross-functional deliverables” and little else.
The fix: Read your resume aloud. Does it sound like someone you’d want to meet? If it feels disjointed or sterile, rewrite it. Tell a relatable story. Humans hire humans. If a recruiter can’t get excited about you on the page, they won’t follow up.
3. The “job hopper” visual clutter
The post-pandemic economy caused a lot of movement: layoffs, short-term contracts, and interim roles. Listing five jobs in three years, each with its own set of dates and bullets, can look chaotic and raise red flags about retention.
The fix: You don’t have to list everything. Omit roles that only lasted a few months if they weren’t impactful. For several short-term gigs, group them under a single heading like “Consultant / Contract Roles (2021–2024)” and list clients or projects underneath. This smooths your timeline and shows you as a versatile expert, not a flight risk.
By avoiding these pitfalls, your resume becomes an asset. Investing in a professional review or using resume optimization tools can help catch these errors before they stop your search short.
ATS myths vs reality in 2025
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are probably the most misunderstood technology in hiring. Many job seekers picture a powerful robot instantly judging every font and word choice, casting aside creative applicants and resumes with bold formatting. But Robynn Storey sets the record straight: ATS is mostly a digital filing cabinet, not an all-powerful gatekeeper.
What actually happens inside an ATS
The ATS keeps recruiters organized by uploading, sorting, and routing resumes. While modern ATS tools can parse many formats and scan for basic match factors, they rarely act as the main reason you’re rejected right away. More often, it’s “knockout questions” built into online applications that instantly filter candidates. These are yes/no questions set by the company and can include things like:
- Do you have a bachelor’s degree (if the job listing says it’s required)?
- Do you have at least 5 years’ experience with [a specific software or task]?
- Are you authorized to work in the country without sponsorship?
- Are you able to start by [specific date]?
- Do you live within commuting distance of the office (for jobs not open to remote applicants)?
How to avoid ATS instant rejections:
If you answer “No” to a knockout question, your application is typically auto-rejected, often before a human ever sees it. That’s not about your value, it’s about employer-imposed requirements.
To dodge these silent roadblocks, carefully read job descriptions for absolute requirements. Before applying, ask yourself: “Can I honestly answer ‘Yes’ to every must-have in this posting?”
If you can’t, it’s usually better to move on or target jobs where you meet the critical criteria, which dramatically improves your odds of seeing an interview invitation.
Myths job seekers need to ditch
- Myth: “I should hide keywords in white text to trick the bot.”
Reality: This doesn’t work and can even mess up resume parsing, making your application look shady.
- Myth: “Fancy formatting gets resumes rejected.”
Reality: Most modern ATS can handle PDFs, simple tables, and basic design. The bigger risk is hard-to-read layouts or graphics hiding key info.
- Myth: “The ATS hates me.”
Reality: The competition is simply high. If the system is set to only move forward candidates who answer “Yes” to every knockout question and have key skills listed, hundreds of applications will be screened out in seconds. That’s math, not malice.
Make your resume stand out with storytelling
While ATS systems play a role, it’s still a human who’ll decide if you get the interview. The best way to catch their attention? Craft your resume as a compelling, human story—not a dry checklist.
Tips for engaging, narrative-driven resumes:
- Start with your “why”: Begin your professional summary by stating what motivates you and how you solve problems. (“I thrive on building teams that transform processes into profit.”)
- Show, don’t just tell: Use brief success stories (quantified where possible) in your bullets:
Instead of “Led a project team,” say “Guided a cross-functional team of 8 to roll out a new CRM system, saving 200 hours monthly and raising customer response rates by 40%.”
- Reflect real voice:
Read your resume aloud. Would you be excited to meet this person? If it sounds flat, add more authentic language (no buzzword overload).
- Tie roles together:
For career changers or professionals with diverse paths, use transitions (“After a decade as a teacher, I shifted to corporate training, combining my passion for education with my business acumen.”)
- Close gaps with intention:
Briefly mention intentional career breaks rather than leaving unexplained gaps (“2019–2021: Family caregiver and professional development, completed multiple industry certifications”).
When your resume reads like a confident introduction, it grabs attention, both from the ATS and, even more importantly, the person reading it.
If you’re struggling to get past the first screen, review those knockout questions honestly. If you lack a must-have, keyword stuffing won’t get you through. Focus on openings where you’re a strong fit and use job matching technology to target roles that align with your experience and strengths.
If 90% of applications come from job boards but only 20% of hires happen that way, what’s missing? The answer is the “hidden job market.”
Robynn shares that referrals and warm introductions account for around 50% or more of hires. Yet, most job seekers pour their energy into clicking “Apply Now” on job boards, where the odds are lowest, and scams and fake postings are rampant. This leaves them exposed to open-to-work scams and spam targeting vulnerable applicants, especially those who put an “open to work” banner on their profile.
The problem with “applying blind”
Job boards are overflowing not just with applicants, but also with outdated postings, fake listings, and positions that have already been filled. When you rely solely on boards, you’re trusting your luck against algorithms and thousands of others. This shotgun approach leads to frustration, wasted effort, and often, no results.
Why connections outperform volume
A referral fast-tracks you past the resume pile and directly onto the radar of a hiring manager. Your candidacy is automatically more credible because someone in the organization vouched for you. That “stamp of trust” is what gets interviews in a market where quality repeatedly outperforms quantity.
But a common mistake: many confuse networking with mass cold outreach. Simply blasting generic messages (“Can you help me find a job?”) is not networking.
Cold outreach vs networking
- Cold outreach means messaging people you don’t know with no prior relationship. It’s typically a numbers game, and most of these messages will be ignored, especially if they’re vague or self-serving.
- Networking is relationship-based. It involves reaching out to people who know you or to whom you are introduced, often with a warm, specific request. Networking leverages shared connections, real interactions, and is more likely to yield a response and actionable help.
The “1-minute networking rule”
Robynn’s standout networking rule: Never ask for something that takes more than one minute of the other person’s time. Be direct, make your request simple, and handle the details yourself. For instance:
- Instead of, “Can you let me know if you see any good jobs?” (vague, burdensome)
- Try, “I saw you’re connected to Sarah Smith at ABC Corp. I’m applying for the Marketing Manager role (Req #12345). Could you make a quick intro? I’ll send you a short blurb you can use.”
This approach turns your contact into an easy “yes”, they can help in seconds. The less work you make for your network, the more likely they are to support you.
Local job search strategy: why it works now
One of Robynn’s most powerful strategies is going “hyperlocal.” Despite the boom in remote work, many employers have swung back to preferring local candidates, even for hybrid or occasional in-office roles. Hiring locally reduces relocation risks and often means faster onboarding and better cultural fit.
How to launch a local job search:
- Identify a target radius: Start with a 20-mile radius around your home; expand if needed.
- Research top local employers: Build a list of 30–50 companies in your area across industries.
- Visit company websites: Don’t wait for jobs to appear on boards. Apply directly on their careers pages, jobs may be posted here before going public or may never hit large boards at all.
- Network locally: Leverage community events, alumni groups, industry meetups, or even local LinkedIn connections who already have something in common with you, geography.
Advantages of local targeting:
- Competition drops off significantly compared to nationwide searches.
- You’re more likely to get responses, as companies notice candidates willing and able to commute.
- Local candidates tend to get faster interview invitations, and companies view “local” as a sign of commitment.
Don’t forget, with tailored outreach comes complexity. Use a job application tracker to manage company names, contacts, and follow-up dates so nothing slips through the cracks.
How To Develop a Strategic Plan for Your Job Search
Younger vs older companies: hiring patterns
It’s smart to align your expectations with the culture of the companies you target:
- Younger, fast-growth companies (think tech startups or digital agencies) tend to skew younger in their workforce and often seek out candidates who project agility, tech fluency, and are comfortable in rapidly evolving roles.
- Established, older companies (think finance, manufacturing, healthcare) may place more value on experience, stability, and proven track records. These are often better suited for over-40 job seekers, those seeking second careers, or people transitioning functions with lots of real-world wisdom.
Before you apply, check out company leadership teams and employee profiles on LinkedIn to gauge their hiring patterns. Target environments where you naturally fit the demographic and culture, they’ll be more open to seeing the value you bring.
What career changers & job seekers over 40 need to do differently
Searching for a job as a career changer or someone over 40 means overcoming unique challenges. Robynn shares how to win, no matter your background.
For career changers: connect the dots
If you’re changing industries, for example, from teaching to corporate training or law to business operations, you can’t leave anything to chance. The recruiter won’t “figure it out” for you. Spell out how your skills transfer.
How to do it:
- Explicit summary: Start your resume with intent. For example:
Resume summary: “Former Attorney transitioning to Business Operations, bringing 10+ years leading contract negotiations, risk management, and process improvement.”
Resume summary (educator to corporate training): “Experienced educator pivoting to corporate learning, proficient in curriculum design, group facilitation, and skills assessment.”
- Template bullet points for transferable skills:
“Managed cross-functional teams, ensuring project timelines and budgets were met, skills directly applicable to operations management roles.”
“Developed and delivered engaging learning modules, equipping teams with critical new competencies.”
“Led client communications for complex cases, experience I will leverage to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.”
In your cover letter, try: “My success building collaborative classrooms directly informs my ability to lead and engage teams in a dynamic corporate setting.”
Or: “As an attorney, I routinely negotiated agreements and resolved conflicts; these experiences position me to drive effective operations and client satisfaction in your business environment.”
- Functional resumes (with caution): Use a chronological format, but draw out skills that matter for your target role, project management, budgeting, training, not just tasks tied to your old industry.
- Relevancy check: If you want sales roles, your resume should scream “sales,” even if your past title was “customer service.” Zero in on skills like relationship-building, upselling, and performance metrics. In your cover letter, state: “While my background is customer service, my track record for exceeding upsell targets demonstrates strong sales acumen directly relevant to this position.”
20 Expert Tips For Strategizing Your Next Career Move
Providing clear, focused statements and adapting language to fit your desired industry makes it easy for hiring managers to understand and believe in your fit.
For job seekers over 40 (and 50, and 60)
Age discrimination is real, but hiding won’t help. Don’t “try to look younger” by stripping out all dates or dyeing your hair just for an interview.
Use the relevancy filter:
Ask yourself:
- Are my skills and tools up to date?
- Am I comfortable with today’s business software, Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace?
- Have I used industry-standard ATS (like Workday or Greenhouse)?
- Am I familiar with CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot), project management apps (Asana, Jira, Trello), or generative AI tools (ChatGPT, Grammarly, Notion AI)?
- Is my email current (avoid AOL/Hotmail addresses in favor of Gmail or Outlook)?
How to demonstrate technology relevancy:
- Add sections for “Technical Skills” or “Digital Tools” on your resume, listing:
“Proficient in Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Asana, and Salesforce.”
“Experienced in remote collaboration, screen sharing, and cloud-based document management.”
“Regular user of AI-powered solutions to streamline workflows and boost productivity.”
- In your cover letter, highlight:
“I embrace technological change; in my previous role, I spearheaded the adoption of project management software, training colleagues in digital best practices.”
“As a continuous learner, I recently completed LinkedIn Learning courses in data analytics and remote communication tools.”
- Reference any online certifications, webinars, or upskilling you’ve completed over the last 2–3 years.
Own your wisdom:
There’s no replacement for experience. Highlight your stability, mentorship, and crisis management skills. You can be the calm in the storm.
Be strategic about where to apply. Tech startups “skew young,” while industries like manufacturing, finance, and healthcare often value veterans. Do your homework on company culture to avoid wasted time.
Facing bias? Consider high-level consulting or interim roles, great ways for experienced professionals to keep their careers moving and show expertise, not just years.
Need to identify transferable skills? Tools like career pathing software
can clarify which industries align with your background.
Mindset is just as important as skills in any job search. Robynn identifies three traps that can keep talented candidates on the sidelines.
Trap 1: “I have to take a step back”
After a layoff, many assume they need to aim lower, taking more junior roles just to re-enter the market.
Reframe:
Layoffs in 2024–2025 hit top performers and struggling workers alike. It says nothing about your ability. Don’t aim lower out of fear. Recruiters will only question why you’re “overqualified.”
Trap 2: “It’s a bad time to switch industries”
Tough markets make people fearful, so they freeze in place.
Reframe:
If your job is being threatened by AI or automation, staying in place is the riskiest option. Even if a pivot takes longer now, acting early is smarter than waiting for change to be forced on you.
Trap 3: “Rejection means I’m not good enough”
Each rejection can feel personal.
Reframe:
Rejection is data, not a value judgment. Maybe the job was filled internally, the budget evaporated, or you were missing a single software skill. Separate self-worth from the process.
Maintain momentum by protecting your mental health. Treat job searching like a job, but don’t let it take over your life. Try interview preparation resources to boost confidence so you’re ready when opportunity comes.
The future of hiring: looking ahead to 2026
Robynn predicts that while we’re in a “correction” period, the market will soon stabilize. Companies are learning to blend AI with human talent, and hiring cycles are shifting.
Why the October 15 hiring deadline matters
One critical detail that surprises many job seekers is how early the hiring push for the next year wraps up. The so-called “end of year” for hiring isn’t December—it’s mid-October. By October 15, most open roles for a January start are already spoken for, and hiring managers turn their focus to onboarding and planning. If you want to move into a new position by early 2026, it’s important to start your job search in September or even earlier.
How to plan your job search timeline
The average search now takes 3–4 months from first application to final offer. On top of that, you’ll typically go through about 7–8 interviews for a single offer. That means every week counts. Waiting until late fall to polish your resume or start outreach means you could easily miss the prime hiring window.
Here’s how to set a smart search timeline:
- Work backward from your ideal start date. If you want a new job in January, kick off active applications and networking by August or September.
- Expect multiple interview rounds. Each step can take days or weeks as employers compare candidates and schedule meetings.
- Don’t get discouraged by slow responses, hiring timelines are longer than ever. Use job tracking tools to keep momentum during lulls.
Final thoughts
The job search of 2025 rewards a blend of classic networking and modern, efficient processes.
- Ditch perfectionism, focus on quality basics and enough volume.
- Network with precision, make it simple for others to help.
- Spot and fix resume red flags.
- Keep your head up. Your value is still there even if the market has changed.
You have the career tips, resume strategies, and networking scripts. Now, take the next step.
FAQ: Career tips from recruiter
Q1. Should I use AI to write my resume?
AI can be a great support for brainstorming phrasing or refining your bullet points, but avoid using its output verbatim, recruiters are quick to spot a generic, robotic tone. Think of AI as a tool to help you polish your achievements, not as a complete writer. To stand out, ensure your final resume reflects your unique voice and accomplishments; for more guidance, explore our advice on AI job search tools and our cover letter generator for strong drafts you can personalize.
Q2. How do I explain a gap in my resume?
Be transparent about your break, honesty builds trust with recruiters. If you stepped away for caregiving, travel, or study, include a short line such as “Career Break: Full-time caregiving” or “Sabbatical: International travel.” For more strategies, see our guide on how to prepare for your job search and tips to rebuild confidence after job gaps or rejections.
Q3. Is LinkedIn Premium worth it for job seekers?
LinkedIn Premium can be a useful investment if you want extra InMail credits for direct messaging recruiters and insights into who has viewed your profile. However, you can still build strong connections and boost your visibility using the free version, especially if you follow best networking practices and take advantage of LinkedIn’s job search features. Focus on active engagement and personal branding to get results, no matter which version you use.
Q4. How long should my resume be?
For most job seekers, two pages is the standard length that lets you share enough detail without overwhelming recruiters. Early career professionals can usually fit everything on one page, while seasoned executives may need up to three, provided every line adds value. Learn how to create a focused, effective resume with our resume optimization tips and see real-world ATS resume examples.
Q5. What is the “hidden job market”?
The hidden job market includes positions filled before they ever hit job boards, usually through referrals, internal promotions, or direct networking connections. To access these unadvertised roles, focus on building authentic relationships and leveraging techniques like direct recruiter outreach and strategic networking.
Take the next step
Searching alone can feel overwhelming. Which part of today’s job search is most challenging for you, writing your resume, networking, or staying confident?
If you’re ready to move forward and land more interviews, HirePilot helps you organize your applications and optimize your materials. We’re here to give you the tools and support you need to succeed. Subscribe to the HirePilot for weekly insights, expert interviews, and tools to accelerate your career. Don’t let the market define your worth, take control today.