September is prime time for job searching, with both more opportunities and more competition. In this episode, we share five crucial strategies to help you rise above the crowd and land that dream role. Whether you're returning to job hunting after the summer break or looking to refresh your approach, this episode is packed with practical insights from Pam's extensive client work and recruitment experience.

Key points from this episode

• How to use AI tools effectively without losing your authentic voice
• Demonstrating impact and value rather than just listing responsibilities
• Why trying to be great at everything actually works against you
• Speaking the employer's language and aligning with their culture
• Reading between the lines to deliver what employers need right now

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

01:00 September job market dynamics and reset opportunities

02:00 Tip 1: Sound like yourself - avoiding the AI authenticity trap

04:00 The trust factor in recruitment and why consistency matters

06:00 Debunking applicant tracking system myths

07:00 Tip 2: Demonstrate impact and value, not just responsibilities

09:00 Research techniques for understanding what employers really need

11:00 Tip 3: Don't try to be great at everything - focus on relevance

13:00 The recruitment mindset shift - quality over quantity

14:00 Real-world examples of focused applications

17:00 Tip 4: Speaking the employer's language and cultural alignment

19:00 Tip 5: Show you can deliver what they need right now

21:00 Current employer priorities: uncertainty, independence, commercial awareness

25:00 Wrap-up and resources for job search support

Useful Links

Join The Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders

Connect with Pam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelalangan/

Connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-jagger/

Follow the Catalyst Careers LinkedIn page for career tips and advice

Interested in working with us?

Get in touch about career or leadership development, outplacement workshops or recruitment support via the Catalyst Careers website

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Catalyst Career Club for £50k+ Leaders & Managers

Moving up the career ladder needs an inside edge - strategies that allow you to unlock your full potential and position yourself as a true leadership talent. And that's exactly what the Catalyst Career Club for 50k+ Leaders provides. No fluff, no corporate jargon. Just a down to earth, purposeful injection of oomph for your career from Pamela & Jacqui Use the code PODCAST to get your first month for £1 https://www.pamelalangan.com/catalystcareerclub