Michelle Espejo, Recruiting Manager, Financial Services Group, Robert Half
The job market has evolved—and so has your experience. If you're reentering the workforce after a layoff or career pause, or simply curious about what else is out there, it’s okay to feel uncertain.
As a recruiter who works closely with hiring managers every day, I want to offer six practical, recruiter-approved tips to help you move forward with clarity and confidence—whether you're actively applying or curious about what the market looks like:
Most hiring managers only spend 10–20 seconds on a first glance. Make those seconds count.
Focus on:
Example:
Instead of: Handled monthly reconciliations
Try: Led monthly bank and investment reconciliations for 5 funds ($2B AUM). Streamlined processes, reducing errors by 30% over 12 months.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to include volunteer roles, board memberships, or freelance work if they demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, or relevant skills.
Layoffs are common and rarely personal. Have a clear, confident explanation ready. Keep it short and focus on the future.
Examples:
Pro Tip: Practice your response out loud. It helps normalize the story—and boosts your confidence during interviews.
More than half of job placements I make happen through referrals or warm introductions.
Reach out to:
Real Story: One candidate reconnected with a former colleague just to catch up. That conversation led to a referral, interview, and offer—before the role ever hit job boards.
Pro Tip: Don’t just say “I’m looking.” Be specific about what kind of roles, industries, or companies interest you.
Recruiters can give you insider insight and help you position yourself strategically.
We can:
Example: A candidate I supported had been applying for three months with no traction. We worked together to revamp her resume, clarify her narrative, and prep for interviews. She landed multiple interviews within weeks and is now thriving in a role that aligns with her goals.
Pro Tip: Look for recruiters who specialize in your industry. We’re most effective when we have deep relationships in your target field.
The search process can feel slow—but each application, conversation, and interview brings you closer. Use this time to clarify what kind of work and environment energize you.
You don’t need to be a tech expert—today’s free tools are incredibly easy to use. AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity can help you polish your resume, practice for interviews, and get up to speed on companies or industries you’re interested in.
Helpful Prompts:
Not Actively Looking? You Still Deserve to Know Your Worth
As women, we don’t always talk openly about compensation—or feel confident asking for a raise or promotion. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t.
We speak with hiring managers every day and see what companies are really offering—often before roles go public.
A recruiter in your corner means:
Real Talk: Many of the professionals I place weren’t actively job-hunting. Because we stayed in touch, I could flag the right fit when it came up—and they didn’t have to scramble when the timing felt right.
Pro Tip: You don’t have to wait until you’re burned out or overlooked. Start the conversation now.
The right role may look different from what you expected—and that’s okay. Be open. Be prepared. Be kind to yourself.
You’ve overcome challenges before. You can do this too. And if you’re feeling stuck or unsure where to start, a recruiter (like me) is here to help you navigate your next chapter.
From Connections Newsletter (Member Tips): May 2025
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The suggestions of the contributor do not constitute professional advice and are intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing contained herein is intended to be or should be used as a substitute for professional advice, and readers should not act or rely on this information without seeking specific guidance directly from a qualified professional.
The opinions and information expressed in this blog/post/webpage are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the views of FWSF. FWSF is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this content or any damages resulting from its use.