Lorraine K. Lee

Bestselling Author (Unforgettable Presence) | Corporate Keynote Speaker | Instructor: LinkedIn Learning & Stanford | Former Founding Editor at LinkedIn & Prezi

I help professionals build an unforgettable presence to increase their visibility, impact, and influence—so they’re no longer the best-kept secret at work.

For a long time, that wasn’t my experience.

I did strong work. 
I stayed prepared. 
I waited for my turn.

And I watched others move ahead while I stayed invisible.

The shift came when I stopped being a passive participant in my career and started taking ownership of how I showed up. 

Within a year, I stepped into a Director role, learned to speak publicly despite deep nerves and introversion, and built a side business alongside my full-time job.

Then, in late 2022, I was laid off.That side business became RISE Learning Solutions, built on more than a decade of experience as a founding editor at LinkedIn, Prezi, and other leading tech companies.

Today, I work with organizations like Amazon, Zoom, and Cisco as a keynote speaker, trainer, and content creator. I also partner with select executives, including Fortune 500 CEOs, to strengthen their presence and thought leadership on LinkedIn and beyond.

My #1 bestselling book, Unforgettable Presence, is the resource I wish I had when I felt overlooked. It’s written for ambitious professionals who want to show up with clarity, confidence, and intention without becoming louder, more performative, or someone they’re not.

WHAT I DO
Keynote Speaker & Trainer 
I speak on presence, communication, presentations, managing up, and modern workplace visibility. My sessions consistently receive 98–100% positive attendee ratings, with 200+ testimonials from teams and leaders.

(Scroll down to see them in my Recommendations.)

Instructor 
I’ve trained 250,000+ learners through 15+ LinkedIn Learning courses (all rated 4.7/5 and above) and teach public speaking at Stanford Continuing Studies.

Content Creator 
As a LinkedIn Top Voice with 330,000+ followers, I’ve partnered with brands including Robert Half, HubSpot, MERIT, Gusto, Notion, and Superhuman, sharing advice and frameworks on topics including presentations, communication, and practical career advice.

LEARN FROM ME:
Grab my bestseller Unforgettable Presence: https://amzn.to/3Hdv79r
Grab my FREE 5-day email course, Invisible to Influential: lorraineklee.com/free-course

🎓 BSJ, Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism
🍰 Outside of work, I’m usually exploring new restaurants, searching for my next favorite dessert, learning golf, or planning my next trip!
👉🏻 Want to work together? Reach out at lorraineklee.com/contact

Top-Rated Virtual Keynote Speaker and Trainer

🎙𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊: 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐊𝐋𝐄𝐄.𝐂𝐎𝐌/𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

🏆 Named a Top Virtual Keynote Speaker - ReadWrite (2020)
🏆 Finalist: Global Conference Speaker of the Year - WomenTech (2022)
🏆 Survey results: Speaker rating: 4.8/5, 100% learned something new, 98% found the session valuable (2023)

𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐤𝐞𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫, with experience speaking to global audiences ranging from Fortune 100 companies to startups, including Zoom, Cisco, Atlassian, and GitLab. She’s also a 5x-LinkedIn Learning Instructor with more than 300,000 followers on LinkedIn. 

Lorraine speaks on a wide range of topics, and each of her talks receive rave reviews: In 2022, she was rated a 4.92/5 as a speaker with 100% of attendees saying they learned something new.

Popular talks:
➤ How to Have Better Meetings (#2 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦-𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘵 𝘈𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮 '22 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦)
➤ How to Build Your LinkedIn Presence
➤ How to Make a Memorable First Impression on Video
➤ How to Present Like a Pro
➤ How to Stand Out On Video and Beat Zoom Fatigue

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 (More at lorraineklee.com/testimonials)

✨ I [...] recently invited her to speak at Zoom as part of our internal speaker series. Lorraine led a masterclass in engaging an audience virtually, including using cutting-edge tools to elevate virtual storytelling. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐞'𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. — 𝘈𝘙𝘜𝘕 𝘑, 𝘡𝘖𝘖𝘔

✨Her presentation was 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐬 on how to improve our video communications. Her presentation encouraged engagement in an authentic way that made everyone enjoy the call. — 𝘚𝘈𝘔𝘈𝘕𝘛𝘏𝘈 𝘓𝘌𝘌, 𝘎𝘐𝘛𝘓𝘈𝘉

I’m now a Contributing Writer for Forbes! 🥳

What an incredible way to kick off 2026.

I'll be writing about the most in-demand topics for your career growth: Presence, Communication, and Leadership.

I want to hear from you: What leadership challenge should I tackle in my next article? Let me know in the comments! 👇

Read my latest pieces here:
How to Make Your Work Visible Without Sounding Braggy: https://lnkd.in/gmUZDvcw

The 2026 Career Conversation Playbook For Leaders Who Want Their Goals To Stick:
https://lnkd.in/g7zF24Ah 

How To Use Your Year-End Review To Increase Visibility All Year Long:
https://lnkd.in/gq8zTKAd

In 2022, I lost my title. It was the best thing that ever happened to my career.

When I was laid off from Prezi, I realized I had been hiding.

- I was hiding behind my business card. 
- I was hiding behind my Director title.
- I was hiding behind the reputation of a tech company.

When that was stripped away, I felt as though I lost everything. 

I figured that if I walked into a room and couldn't tell people what my job was, I wouldn’t know how else to make them listen.

Most of us are "leasing" our confidence from our employers. 

We feel powerful because of the logo on our laptop, not the person behind it.

But logos change. Companies pivot. AI automates the tasks that used to make us feel "productive."

The only thing you actually own is your presence.

It took losing my seat at the table to realize I didn't need anyone's permission to own the room.

I spent the next three years building a portable career. One based on how I communicated, how I led, and how I showed up as a human being.

If you feel the ground shifting under you this year, don't panic. 

1) Use the shift to find your own footing.
2) Invest in the things a layoff can't take away.
3) Invest in the Human Premium™.

(Remind others of their value. ♻️)

P.S. For those who have navigated a career pivot: What was the one thing you kept when you lost the title?

I used to be the "invisible" high performer.

I did the work of three people, but I was the last to be promoted. Why?

1) I thought, "Good work speaks for itself."
2) I felt physically sick at the thought of "bragging"
3) I waited for a pat on the back that never came

I almost gave up on the corporate climb altogether.

So, what changed? 😊

I stopped waiting for "discovery." You've probably heard me say, "work doesn't speak, people do." I realized that if I didn't advocate for my results, I was actually making my manager's job harder. They aren't mind readers.

I stopped seeing visibility as "ego." I shifted my mindset. Sharing a win isn't a brag; it's an update on progress. It's giving your team the data they need to trust you with bigger projects.

I stopped caring about "looking humble." This was the big one. I realized that "humility" is often just a mask for "fear of judgment." In the words of the best leaders I know:

"Don't dim your light just because it's hitting someone else's eyes." 👌

Visibility isn't about being the loudest. It's about being the clearest.

Want the full promotion playbook?

This week’s Career Bites breaks down 3 simple ways to make your work impossible to ignore, plus a ready-to-send wins email template.

📧 Subscribe so you don’t miss it. link in comments 

(Repost for others ♻️)

It’s Wednesday. By now, the "New Year energy" has likely been replaced by back-to-back meetings.

When the calendar gets crowded, most leaders fall back into survival mode: 
They speak faster to save time, over-explain to feel heard, and rush to fill every silence.

This is a mistake.

Command isn’t about the volume of your voice; it’s about the steadiness behind it.

If you want to be the most influential person in the room today, try three non-obvious shifts:

1) Be the last to speak. 

Listen to the chaos, identify the real issue, and provide a path forward at the end. The person who can make sense of the room often shapes its direction next.

2) Master the intentional pause. 

When someone asks you a question, wait two seconds before answering. It signals that you are processing the information, not just reacting.

3) Control your frame. 

On camera, your presence is measured in pixels. If you are too close, you are aggressive; too far, and you are distant. Frame yourself so your hands are visible. Trust is built when people can see your gestures.

Presence isn't a personality trait. It is a technical skill you can choose to employ the moment you hit "Join."

Stop trying to be louder. Decide how you want the room to feel, then enter accordingly.

(Support a colleague today. ♻️)

P.S. What is the one "meeting habit" you chose to leave behind in 2025?

It’s been many (many!) years since I’ve seen my byline in a physical magazine, so this was extra fun to see!

My article, Trade Invisible for Influential, was featured in TD Magazine (Association for Talent Development (ATD)’s award-winning publication).

After studying journalism at Northwestern University, I took an unexpected (and very rewarding) decades long road in tech and now, business ownership.

Seeing my words back in print (serving the L&D community I work with every day as a speaker and author) is truly a special full circle moment. 

Let me know if you read this magazine!
♻️ Repost to help your network grow their careers.

***
If you’re looking to stand out and stop being the best kept secret at work, check out my FREE 5-day email course, Invisible to Influential: 
https://lnkd.in/gxr6UATR

I’m speaking on the same stage as Kenny Ortega next week!

(yes, the High School Musical, Dirty Dancing, Hocus Pocus director-choreographer Kenny Ortega!)

We’ll be speaking at Silicon Slopes Summit in back-to-back fireside chats. 

Just over five years ago, I started public speaking to be more visible at work. 
I never imagined it would lead to speaking to thousands of people, followed by a book signing for 𝘜𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦.

This still feels surreal, and something I’ve never taken for granted.

Thank you to the Silicon Slopes Summit team for having me, and to Mindy B. Young, Krista Parry, and Macy Robison for making this possible!

Let me know if you’ll be in town!

♻️ If you live in Salt Lake City, this is in your backyard! Share with your community.

PS: I have FOUR Discovery Passes at 20% off! You’ll get access to all the Main Stage Sessions and Experience Hall, which will feature facilitated conversations, Pickleball, Networking, and Huddle Huts! Comment SUMMIT below to be entered into the raffle!

I bring good news today. So here it goes:

If you prioritized "how you show up" over "how fast you work" this week, congrats!

You are already outperforming the majority of the corporate world. 
(I mean this literally)

Because in the age of AI and instant replies, everyone is obsessed with speed:

- Speed of email replies. 
- Speed of finishing tasks. 
- Speed of "getting through" the day.

But true leadership presence? That is where the real gap is.

Yes, while everyone is racing to be the fastest, very few are focusing on the human premium, the unique value only a person can bring to a room.

We see it in the data on leadership influence. 
We see it in how teams respond to "present" managers. 
We see it in the Brand Test: do people trust your speed, or your judgment?

The bar for "fast" is high because machines are winning that race.

But the bar for "presence" has never been lower.

The corporate world isn't just looking for more output; it’s looking for more impact.

As LinkedIn crosses 1.3B users, the people who stand out aren't the ones clicking buttons the fastest. They are the ones who show up with clarity, empathy, and authority.

Do with this data as you please.
Or show up for your team today in a way that actually matters, you know. 😉

(Repost for others ♻️)

P.S. How often do you prioritize deep presence over quick tasks? I try to block out 2 hours a day for it.

POV: You’re prepping for a Fortune 500 workshop, and you feel more successful than ever.

I never thought I’d be able to sit in these rooms.

In fact, I haven’t "made it" if we look at it from the typical point of view where success is only about the contract size or the brand name on the slide.

True success to me is all about the depth of the conversation.

Many people in the corporate world are focused on  "performance." I used to be one of them.

We want flawless slides. We want the perfect script. We want impressive data.

But as someone who has finally found their voice, the biggest "hack" wasn’t a system.

It was the willingness to be a real person in a room full of experts.

It’s a type of authority that can't be measured in an Excel sheet, but it is truly felt when you see a leader finally drop their guard and listen.

From day one, my curiosity has been my biggest advantage.
Above all, I prioritized being helpful over being "important."

And sure, I may not sound as "polished" as the people who never go off-script, but I can 100% say that I am rich.

Rich in trust. Rich in stories. Rich in the moments where someone says, "I finally feel heard."

Today, as I prep for this next session, I celebrate you reading this.

You are part of that journey. Your support is felt, and your perspective is seen.

What a privilege it is to be doing this work while you are navigating your own path, too. Thank you, my friend.

PS: Tag one person below who you’ve learned a great lesson from recently. I want to celebrate them too!

There’s a right way and a wrong way to tackle your job hunt in 2026.

Over the last few years, so many of you have told me:

I’m struggling to get my resume past the AI “wall.”
I feel like just another number in a crowded pool.
I need a real strategy for the 2026 job market.

So we’re doing something about it!

I’m proud to be moderating the upcoming LinkedIn Live event, Robert Half Real Talk: Job Search Strategies for the AI Era.

I’ll be joined by TWO amazing, expert panelists, Paige Breedlove Fletcher and Jonathan Javier, who will pull back the curtain on what recruiters are actually looking for right now & how to stand out in this job market.

📅 Thursday, January 29 | 11:00–11:45am PT
Register: https://lnkd.in/gpGgwxPn

Join us to get the clarity and career confidence you deserve. This isn't just a panel; it’s a conversational deep dive to set you up for your future.

See you there!

Register: https://lnkd.in/gpGgwxPn

P.S. Repost to help your network grow in their career this year! ♻️

#RobertHalfPartner

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Influence Digest is a marketing company and online publication that provides high-level knowledge on LinkedIn marketing strategies while highlighting the best tips for a healthy lifestyle. The blog has over 1,000,000 readers globally.

Named A Top 15 LinkedIn Expert in San Francisco

Celebrating those speakers who show excellence in their community engagement and also inspire all community members to aim for the same level of success. Finalists have provided a clear model for other community members to follow and achieved impact with their keynote speeches at the Global Conference.

Chosen finalists are leaders from companies including Microsoft and Cisco.

Finalist for "Global Conference Speaker of the Year"

Invited judge for Content Marketing Awards. Judged Content Marketer of the Year and Rising Star categories.

Invited judge for Women in Content Marketing Awards

Selected finalist for the 2021 Women in Content Marketing Awards for “Content Marketer of the Year” out of hundreds of applicants. Awards co-presented by Content Marketing Institute and Masthead Media.

Finalist for "Content Marketer of the Year"

This article will provide you with the top 28 virtual speakers and what distinguishes them from other speakers: https://www.linkedin.com/redir/invalid-link-page?url=https%3A%2F%2Freadwrite%2ecom%2Ftop-virtual-keynote-speakers%2F

Named a Top Virtual Speaker

Improvisationally Speaking

How to Have Fewer, Better Meetings

Leading Productive Meetings

Speaking Up At Work

Building Your Visibility Online as a Remote Leader

Executive Presence on Video Conference Calls

Writing a Business Case

Effective Listening

Make the Move from Individual Contributor to Manager

Managing Your Career as an Introvert

Executive Presence: Tips for Women

Grit: How Teams Persevere to Accomplish Great Goals

How to Give and Receive Useful Feedback Every Month

Building Resilience

Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant on Option B: Building Resilience

Selling to Executives

Jeff Weiner on Managing Compassionately

Consumer Insight

Intro to Accounting

Intro to Integrated Marketing Communications

Journalists in a Networked World

Marketing Strategy and Persuasive Messaging

Social Network Analysis

Tech and Human Interaction

Web Production

A highly competitive and transformative week-long program at The Poynter Institute focused on the skills and knowledge needed to rise to the highest levels of media leadership. Sessions covered how to handle difficult conversations, hire for diversity and inclusion, build trust in the #MeToo era, master negotiation tactics, find newsroom allies, and more.

The program received hundreds of applications this year. I was accepted into the 2020 Winter Cohort alongside 29 other women: https://www.poynter.org/from-the-institute/2020/meet-the-first-cohort-of-poynters-2020-leadership-academy-for-women-in-media/

NHSI, established in 1931 and affectionately known as the "cherubs program," is the nation’s oldest and largest university-based program for outstanding high school students, offering practical college-level experience in the journalism field. It is led by one of the top journalism schools in the country.

• Developed reporting skills in print and broadcast while gaining practical first-hand experience
• One of only 88 applicants from around the world admitted to this prestigious 5-week journalism workshop; National High School Institute describes admitted applicants as the best high school students in the nation

• One of only 27 applicants in the nation admitted to this prestigious journalism workshop; one of only a few non-seniors selected
• Selected to design and lay-out Editorial page of workshop newspaper, CSPA Reporter, in recognition of high quality of design work at workshop
• Average score of 89.4% on all assignments, near top 5 scores at workshop
• Workshop is the oldest in the country and boasts many famous journalists among its tight-knit alumni; workshop consisted of thirteen intensive 12- to 13-hour days of hands-on training in all aspects of print and broadcast journalism
• Wrote article about George Ramos, 3-time Pulitzer Prize winner and Head of Journalism Department at Cal State SLO; four workshop participants were assigned to interview and write about George Ramos. Out of the four articles written, mine was chosen to be published in CSPA Reporter

Northwestern Council of 100

Corporate Keynote Speaker & Trainer | LinkedIn Learning, Stanford CSP Instructor | Ex-Founding Editor at LinkedIn, Prezi | Author of Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career (Wiley 2025)

My career grew exponentially and unexpectedly at the start of 2021 when I decided to get more comfortable with public speaking. 

Full of nerves, I spoke whenever and wherever. In a surprising turn of events, speaking became a small side hustle while I led Prezi's editorial team.

Then I got laid off in 2022. The combination of that side hustle, the personal brand I had created, and my 10+ years of experience as a founding editor at numerous tech firms like LinkedIn and Prezi gave me the confidence to start my own company, RISE Learning Solutions, where I am now a full-time keynote speaker and trainer, content creator, and instructor with LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies.

Looking back, I've realized that all the opportunities that have come my way have happened because of my 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 — both in terms of 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 others see me. I believe being intentional about these two things are the most critical factors to someone's professional success, and it's why I'm so passionate to share all the skills that fuel presence: from presentations and communication to managing up and LinkedIn.

Through everything I do, I make sure that what I share is actionable to help ambitious professionals reach the next level in their careers without overwhelm.

🎙️ Keynote Speaker and Trainer: In 2023, 100% of surveyed attendees say they learned something new; 98% of attendees said they found my sessions valuable; and I received a speaker rating of 4.9/5.  Past clients: Amazon, Zoom, Cisco, and McKinsey and Company.

👩🏻‍💻 Consultant to senior leaders and C-Suite leaders and executives on how to create a strong virtual presence — on LinkedIn and on video.

👩🏻‍🏫 Course Instructor @ LinkedIn Learning and Stanford Continuing Studies. I also create custom courses for organizations. I've empowered more than 250,000+ LinkedIn learners with all 15+ of my courses rated 4.7/5 and up. Watch: lorraineklee.com/linkedinlearning

✏️ Content Creator: I publish on LinkedIn M-Sat, and share bite-sized career and leadership tips through my free weekly newsletter, Career Bites (lorraineklee.com/subscribe).

🏆 Named a LinkedIn Top Voice
🏆Top virtual keynote speaker by ReadWrite
🏆Featured in Inc, Entrepreneur, LinkedIn News, and more

🎓 BSJ from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism

📧 DM me or email me at contact@lorraineklee.com if you'd like to collaborate! (See what it's like to work with me in my 100+ recommendations 👇🏻)

🥊 Outside of work, I can be found doing muay thai and eating my way through San Francisco

Reach out! contact@lorraineklee.com

Topics and takeaways: lorraineklee.com/speaking

Lorraine K. Lee | Speaker Reel | Top-Rated Virtual Speaker | Keynote Speaker | Fortune 500

Lorraine has spoken at Fortune 500 companies, tech firms, top-ranked universities, government-funded organizations, and more. She has a speaker rating of 5/5 by 96% of attendees, and 100% said they learned something new.

In 2021, she was named a top virtual speaker by ReadWrite. She was also selected as a finalist out of hundreds of submissions for the 2021 Women in Content Marketing Awards (in partnership with Content Marketing Institute) for “Content Marketer of the Year.”

Learn About Lorraine's Services | Speaker, Consultant, Instructor

One of 11 Associate Members out of a total member base of 163* in C100, an invite-only organization. The maximum number of Associate Members (age 35 and under) on the Council is 30. I began my two-year term as Communications Co-Chair on the C100 Executive Committee in September 2021.

Selected as the keynote speaker for C100's Spring '21 meeting.

In 1993, 100 alumnae—top executives from public, private, corporate, and nonprofit organizations—formed the Council of One Hundred (C100) to connect successful Northwestern women with undergraduate seniors and recent female graduates and help launch their careers after graduation. Today, the Council has expanded to support Northwestern women throughout their careers and sponsors events on career, workplace, and life strategies, as well as networking and mentoring opportunities.

A few of the organization's member’s titles are represented below:
-President and CEO
-Executive lifestyle editor
-Chief marketing officer and vice chancellor communications and marketing
-US magistrate judge
-James Beard Award-winning author

*as of April 2021

Meeting culture has changed. A lot.
(Read this if you feel invisible in your own meetings)

My patience for being interrupted has dropped by 100%. My impact in the room has increased by 50% because of it.

If you’re struggling to be heard, here are 10 simple ways to protect your space.

1) Use the phrase "I’d like to finish my thought"→ Reclaims authority

2) Keep your hand slightly raised → Physical boundary
3) Lower your pitch, don't raise your volume → Calm power
4) Address the interrupter by name → Immediate focus
5) Pivot back to the value → Reminds them why you're speaking

6) Don't apologize for "continuing" → You have the floor
7) Be honest and direct → Your key differentiator
8) Have a "goal" for the meeting → Lead and inspire others
9) Focus on the decision-makers → Target your influence
10) Use "We" vs "I" → Builds team identity + loyalty

Don’t just be a participant in the meeting, be the presence instead. Connect, lead, and protect your ideas every single day.

Outlast the noise in the room this way.

In 6 months, you’ll be glad you stopped staying quiet.

PS: Which of the 10 steps above is the hardest for you? I'd say number 6 is the big one!

If you feel awkward on video, this might be why.
(Here’s the camera trick no one teaches.)

I’ve used this across 19 LinkedIn Learning courses, and it works because it’s simple:

Raise your camera slightly so it’s at eye level.
Sit a bit farther back than feels natural.
Look at the lens, not your own face.

That’s it.

Three small adjustments.

An immediate shift in how you come across.
Most people feel calmer the moment they have a clear setup.

Especially overthinkers who get distracted by their own reflection.

Frame first. Then forget the camera and the lead.

Try this in your next meeting.

Presence matters everywhere, not just when you think it does.

PS: I just launched a 5-day FREE email course, From Invisible to Influential. Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gxr6UATR

(Thanks to the wonderful Moutaz for building out this course for me, and the equally wonderful Jasmin Alić for recommending him!)

(Help a leader grow ♻️)

Here’s the camera trick no one teaches.

Three years ago, I sent my first newsletter to 47 people.

No one replied.

I published LinkedIn posts that got 3 likes.

I practiced speaking in my living room with only my partner as the audience.

I spent hours perfecting slide decks for events with just a handful of attendees.

Success looked like showing up when there was zero external validation.

It was:

 ↳ Writing that newsletter, even when my open rates were dismal
 ↳ Refining my message when it felt like no one was listening
 ↳ Building relationships without expecting immediate returns
 ↳ Trusting my voice when imposter syndrome screamed loudest

Nobody posts about these moments on social media.

We see the bestselling books, the viral posts, the standing ovations.

We don't see the years of quiet work that precede them.

Looking back, those silent moments of perseverance were actually my biggest wins.

Because success isn't just what happens on stage.

It's who you become on the journey there.
If you're in that quiet phase right now, keep going.

Your work matters, even when no one's clapping yet.

P.S. What are you building in silence right now that you're proud of, regardless of external recognition?

The last time I was here in 2019, I was filming an interview as a LinkedIn editor.

(This time, I was holding the mic as a business owner and creator.)

I still remember being full of nerves anytime I stepped in front of the camera.

Now the nerves are still there, but much quieter. 🤫

Coming back to the San Francisco office as a speaker, author, and creator felt full circle, especially sitting down to interview LinkedIn executive Catherine Fisher.

We talked about networking in the age of AI and the fundamentals that still matter, no matter how much technology evolves.

I also asked the questions I get asked most.
This time, the answers came straight from the source. :)

Watch the conversation below.

I spent years frustrated that I kept getting passed over for promotions.

I used to be the "invisible" high performer. 
I worked hard, stayed late, and delivered results.

But when promotion time came? It was never me. 🥲

I’ve since learned that it’s not about working harder.
It’s about understanding what actually differentiates people who get promoted from those who don’t.

I had so much fun experimenting with Airtable's new product Superagent to help solve this.

My prompt:
"I want to get promoted to senior leader but keep getting passed over. Research what differentiates people who get promoted vs those who don't, and create a 90-day executive presence improvement plan."

It felt like I had a whole team behind me!

20+ specialized AI agents went to work simultaneously:
→ One researched promotion patterns.
→ Another analyzed leadership behaviors.
→ Another built the actual plan.

Instead of a wall of text to sift through, I got a Super Report ✨
→ A rich, visually immersive breakdown with beautiful graphs I could scroll through, insights I could click into, and a veryyy comprehensive 90-day action plan ready to share with a coach or manager, with full citations. 😍😱

(I chose Super Report, but you can choose your preferred output, like slides, websites, and more!)

This is the kind of strategic support I wish I'd had earlier in my career.

If you've ever felt you needed extra support in your career, this might be worth exploring.

Try it: https://lnkd.in/g2PHst6a

#SuperagentPartner 

PS: Airtable gave me a promo code for two months free! Comment "SUPERAGENT" if you'd like to give this a try yourself!

I’ve seen people with decades of experience lose a room in minutes.

And I’ve seen first-time managers lead without raising their voice.

Presence isn't a reward for tenure. It’s not something that automatically comes with a VP title or a 20-page slide deck.

It’s actually much simpler than that.

After years of coaching, I’ve realized that the people who "own" the room, the ones we actually listen to, usually master these three things:

They don't speak from their throat; they speak from their belly. They don't rush to fill the silence. They let their words land.

They don't fidget. They don't check their watches. They are completely, 100% present with the person in front of them. That stillness is magnetic.

They aren't there to "perform." They are there to solve a problem. When your goal is to be helpful rather than "impressive," your anxiety disappears.

I’ve watched "quiet" introverts become the most influential people in the company just by making these shifts.

The best part? You don't have to change your personality.

You just have to change how you show up.

If you’re heading into a high-stakes meeting today, remember: 

You don't need to be the most performative. You just need to be the most present.

(♻️Send this to a leader you respect.)

P.S. I used to be the person who stayed on "Mute" for the entire Zoom call. Now, I teach people how to lead them. 

What's one thing you're challenging yourself to do differently in meetings this year?

This is the simplest LinkedIn "hack" for quiet leaders.

Especially if you want more inbound leads.

STOP BEING A BEST-KEPT SECRET!

I'm sure you'll agree with me when I say this:

I used to believe that if I just worked hard enough, the right people would eventually find me. 

→ I was brilliant but invisible. 
→ I had the expertise but no voice. 
→ I was terrified of "taking up too much space."

I almost accepted that I’d always be the last one picked for the big opportunities.

So what changed? 😊

I stopped waiting for permission to have an opinion. Within three months, my inbox looked completely different. I wasn't just getting "likes," I was getting strategic opportunities.

3 easy ways we turned "quiet expertise" into a lead-generation machine:

1) Trade "Perfection" for "Contribution." Stop trying to write a thesis. Share one unique perspective once a week. Clarity always beats volume.

2) Give your network the language to advocate for you. When you speak up, you give others the "data" they need to recommend you in rooms you aren't in yet.

3) Build a "Lighthouse," not a megaphone. You don’t have to be the loudest. You just have to be the most insightful. The bar for "noise" is high, but the bar for "intention" is wide open.

I tested this with hundreds of clients. It always works.

The data proves it: Out of 1 billion+ members on LinkedIn, only about 1% are consistently sharing their perspective.

The table is expanding, and there is a seat waiting for you.

Do with this data as you please.

Or start sharing that insight you’ve been sitting on. 😉

(Repost for the quiet leaders in your network ♻️)

P.S. Are you naturally a quiet leader or an extroverted one? I’m a "recovered" quiet leader myself.

Most people treat their year-end review like a trip to the dentist.

(Something to be endured, checked off, and forgotten by Monday.)

I just published a piece in Forbes about why this is a massive mistake for your career.

If your review is just a checklist of the past, you’ve already lost. If you want to be more visible in 2026, you have to stop "proving" and start "aligning."

In my latest article, I share how to:

Ensure your manager actually sees your value.
Use peer feedback to uncover hidden strengths.
Keep your momentum alive well into the rest of the year.

The review shouldn’t just reflect the year you had; it should shape the year you’re about to have.

Be clear → Be seen → Be unforgettable.

Read the full strategy  here: 

https://lnkd.in/gq8zTKAd

P.S. I used to be the person who "softened" my results because I didn't want to sound like I was bragging. Does talking about your own wins make you uncomfortable, too?

Most traditional leadership advice focuses on how to be the most noticeable person in the room.

(My approach is a bit different.)

When 𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 landed on The Next Big Idea Club’s list, it confirmed what I’ve felt for a while: 

The world is looking for more depth.

I didn't write this book to help you win an argument or dominate a room. I wrote it so you could:

1) Stop performing and start leading.
2) Build trust without saying a word.
3) Own your space, even if you’re an introvert.

I wrote many of these chapters while thinking about the leaders who lead with such clarity and impact that they don't need to fight for attention.

Seeing this message reach thousands of desks is incredible.

Remember: When presence becomes your priority, authority becomes your natural state.

(♻️ Share this with someone who is building their own path to leadership.)

P.S. How do you recharge after a big meeting? I’m a "social introvert", I love the stage, but I need a quiet room and a book immediately after! 📚

How to fix "low impact" in your professional presence:

Stop focusing only on productivity → Fix your Human Premium™ instead!

You can easily get more authority by:

Prioritizing connection over speed
Not overwhelming people with corporate jargon
Applying the "one sentence" rule when interrupted

Before you say it, NO. This doesn't "soften" your leadership. It just makes you unforgettable.

Take a look at these examples:

"I need to be the most efficient person in this meeting."

↳ Nothing wrong with this goal. But it makes you a commodity. You are easily replaced by a faster process or AI.

"I need to be the most present person in this meeting."

↳ This is a simple, instant shift. Plus, people will WANT to hear your perspective because you’ve built actual trust.

So... want more influence?
Make your leadership "human-first."

And never forget to protect your voice in the room.

(Please repost this for your network ♻️ Thank you)

January has a way of making it feel like you need to change everything at once.

But real progress rarely comes from big, dramatic overhauls. It comes from a few thoughtful upgrades — the kind that make your workdays feel clearer, more confident, and more intentional. 😊

If you’re craving momentum without burnout this year, today’s newsletter walks through a handful of small shifts that actually stick.

You don’t need to do all of them. Just pick one and start there. :) ↴

#CareerBites #careertips #newyear

Unforgettable Presence was included in Dorie Clark's recommended reads! Dorie Clark included Unforgettable Presence in her list of recommended books o

Open article: skip the resolutions. make these 3 upgrades instead. by Lorraine K. Lee • 3 min read

skip the resolutions. make these 3 upgrades instead.

2x Female Founder & Global Speaker ➭ Podcast Host (Top 5%) ➭ I post about how to write KILLER Resumes and Land Jobs Faster ➭ Resume Assassin & Sidekick! 💪

I’ll take you from feeling stuck to unstoppable. 💪

I write resumes, optimize profiles, and create LinkedIn content that showcase the badass you already are so the world can see it too.

A little secret? Job searching and personal branding have always felt like a game to me. 

And as a woman who thrives on competition, I love finding creative ways to help you win. 
But it wasn’t always that way. 

When I first started Resume Assassin, I thought I was just helping people find jobs. 
Now I help people change their lives. 

Because when your story is told the right way (with confidence, strategy, and a little bit of edge) opportunities start chasing you.

After working with over 4,000 executives, professionals, and business owners, I’ve learned one thing: most people aren’t bad at their jobs—they’re just bad at bragging about themselves. 

That’s where I come in.

I help you:
💥 Craft a killer resume and LinkedIn profile that land higher-paying jobs in record time
💥 Create authentic, engaging content that attracts clients, board seats, and new opportunities
💥 Build a personal brand that makes you unforgettable online

Results that make me proud:
✅ 4,000+ clients served
✅ 270+ LinkedIn recommendations + 173+ 5-star Google reviews
✅ 90% of clients land higher-paying roles within 2 months
✅ $2M+ in new client revenue through my ghostwriting
✅ Featured clients at Google, Amazon, SpaceX, Tesla, and more

Whether you’re ready for your next 6-figure role, want to grow your brand on LinkedIn, or need help finding your voice online, I’ve got you.

👉 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet
👉 Work with me 1:1: www.resumeassassin.com
👉 Build your resume instantly with AI: www.resumesidekick.io
👉 Resume Pro Academy: https://academy.resumeassassin.com
👉 Search Resume Assassin Unfiltered on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube

Let’s tell your story and make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

Mary Southern

Getting a job isn’t just about having a great resume.

Not about applying to every job online.
Not about polishing your LinkedIn profile.

It’s about being seen and remembered.

You can have the perfect resume. 
The right experience. 
Stellar accomplishments.

But if the right people don’t see it…
You won’t get the interview.

If they don’t understand your story…
You won’t get the offer.

I’ve seen it happen.
Candidates with all the skills in the world. 
Perfect resumes.

Passed over. 
Invisible.

Visibility is the multiplier.
Without it, even the best resumes don’t do their job.

Here’s how to make it work:
💪 Target the right people, not just the jobs.
Connect directly. Build relationships before applications.

💪Tell your story on the resume and beyond.
Quantify your impact. Show results, not just duties.

💪 Engage consistently.
Share insights, comment, post...stay on their radar.

💪 Be brave.
Apply for roles that excite you. Reach out to people who inspire you.

Your resume is powerful.
But it works best when the right people see it, understand it, and remember it.

♻️ Share if you agree.
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more!

Resume Assassin

#resume #recruiter #gethired #jobopening

Turning Your Stories into Offers ➮ Resume + LinkedIn Branding Nerd ➮ 4K+ Clients Served ➮ $2M+ Ghostwriting Wins ➮ Global Speaker & Top 5% Podcast Host 💪

Hiring managers make a decision
before you ever speak.

Before the interview.
Before the screening call.
Before “Tell me about yourself.”

They click your LinkedIn profile.
That’s the decision point.

In 2026, LinkedIn is no longer optional.

It’s not a resume backup.
It’s not “nice to have.”

It’s the preview.
The credibility check.
The shortcut.

Most candidates don’t lose roles in interviews.
They lose them in silence.
Because their profile doesn’t match their experience.

Or worse, doesn’t say much at all.

Here’s the action:
Open your profile.
Read only the top half.
No scrolling.

Does it clearly say:
• who you help
• what you do
• why you’re valuable

If not, that’s the gap.

Fix the message.
Then worry about the applications.

📍 Save this post as a reminder. 
♻️ Share to help someone in your network. 
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #recruiter #gethired #jobopening

Hiring managers decide before you ever speak

I just invested my last $600 to work with you.
That’s what my client told me.

And I won’t lie—
my stomach dropped.

That’s not a casual purchase.

That’s rent money.
Groceries.
Time he didn’t have.

This is the part people don’t talk about.

I don’t rely on AI to write resumes.
Not because AI is bad.
But because this isn’t theory to me.

I’ve written 4K+ of resumes.
I’ve seen what gets interviews, and what gets ignored.

Patterns repeat.
Mistakes compound.
Small changes shift outcomes.

I get the luxury of trial and error
because I’ve already made the errors.
So my clients don’t have to.

Still—
when someone tells me that $600 matters…

That pressure is real.

The next week?
He landed an interview.

Lucky?
Maybe.

But “luck” tends to show up
when experience meets timing
and the story finally makes sense to the market.

This is why I take my work personally.

Because for some people, this isn’t a resume.
It’s a shot.
And I don’t miss those on purpose.

♻️ Share if this resonates.
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Check your ATS score here:
https://lnkd.in/gvZDFy7Y

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

These application mistakes are costing you time and money.
Here's how to avoid them. 

My client sent out 300+ applications in 4 months.
Got maybe 5 responses.

Started questioning everything. 

Her skills. 
Her experience. 
Her worth.

When she finally came to me, she was done. 
Burnt out. 
Ready to give up.

Here's what I told her:
You're not the problem. 
Your approach is.

We threw out her generic resume. 
💪 Rewrote every single bullet point.
💪 Stopped the spray-and-pray applications. 
💪 Got laser-focused on roles that actually fit.
💪 Learned how to bypass job boards.

Four weeks later?
Multiple interviews.

Six weeks later?
She accepted an offer.

The system is rigged. 
But once you know the rules, you can beat it.

Your resume isn't getting you interviews 
because nobody taught you how to write one that actually works.

You're applying to 50 jobs and hearing nothing 
because you're playing the game wrong.

But here's the thing: 
You only need ONE yes.

One company to see what you're capable of.
That's it.

And I can help you get there.

♻️ Share this article to help someone in your network who is job searching.
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #gethired #jobsearch #recruiter #jobopening

Last week, a client came to me completely burnt out. She'd been job searching for six months. Sent out over 300 applications. Barely got any responses

Open article: The Job Application Mistakes That Cost My Client 6 Months (And How You Can Avoid Them) by Mary Southern • 7 min read

The Job Application Mistakes That Cost My Client 6 Months (And How You Can Avoid Them)

As an experiment, my client sent 2 different resumes to the same job posting.
Here's what happened.

One got her an interview in 3 days.
The other got rejected.

What changed?
Resume #1: Managed social media accounts
Resume #2: Grew Instagram from 3K to 64K in 18 months

The difference in response was SHOCKING.

The hiring manager who called?
Spent 20 minutes asking about those exact numbers.

"Walk me through that Instagram strategy."
"How'd you increase email conversions that much?"

Her resume literally wrote the interview script.
Meanwhile, the other company ghosted her.

Your resume isn't failing because you're unqualified.
It's failing because it's boring and lacks strategy.

Recruiters spend 7 seconds scanning your resume.
They don't care what you DID.
They care what CHANGED because you were there.

Show proof. 
Use numbers. 
Tell a story.

Before you send another application:
Check your ATS score: https://lnkd.in/gvZDFy7Y
Grab a template that works: https://lnkd.in/ggGxWxMn

Read the full article below. It will blow your mind!! 😅 

♻️ Share this to help someone in your network land an interview. 
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #jobsearch #recruiter

Last month, I did something kind of crazy. I applied to the same job. Twice. With two completely different resumes. I was truly curious about what wou

Open article: I Applied to the Same Job With Two Different Resumes—The Results Were Shocking by Mary Southern • 8 min read

I Applied to the Same Job With Two Different Resumes—The Results Were Shocking

Most candidates don’t realize they’re bad listeners…
until it costs them a job.

The role they thought was perfect.
The interview they thought went well.
The offer they assumed was locked in.

I see it all the time.

People lose opportunities not because they aren’t qualified,
but because they didn’t hear what the interviewer really wanted.

And yes. I’ve been that candidate too.

My husband will happily tell you I can nod thoughtfully
while mentally drafting my answer, my next question,
or my follow-up email… all while he’s still talking.

He’s caught me more than once saying,
“So what you’re saying is…”
…and repeating something he literally just said.

“Were you even listening?”
The honest answer?
I was performing listening.

Real listening has levels. 
Most people get stuck at the first two.

Level 1: Waiting to Talk
You’re silent, but only because you’re rehearsing your answer.

Level 2: Hearing Words
You catch phrases. You nod. You miss the point.

Level 3: Understanding Content
You’re focused. You understand the question.
Most candidates think this is enough. It isn’t.

Level 4: Recognizing Emotion
You hear frustration behind “I’m fine.”
Uncertainty behind “I’m not sure.”

Level 5: Hearing What Isn’t Said
Tone shifts. Pauses. Hesitation.

The challenge they can’t quite put into words.
This is where top candidates stand out.

If you can listen at Level 5 in an interview:
💪 You don’t just answer questions.
💪 You solve the real problem the team is facing.
💪 You show you’re the candidate they didn’t even know they needed.
💪 You don’t need a new framework to get there.

You just need to stop planning your response
and actually pay attention.

I’m still working on it.
Some days I nail it.
Other days my husband gives me that look.

Next time you’re in an interview, notice where your mind goes.
Are you listening, or are you rehearsing?
That awareness alone can make you the candidate they can’t say no to.

♻️ Repost if this hit a nerve
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

If you're over 50 and job searching, you're probably making one critical mistake that's costing you interviews.

And no, it's not your age.
It’s how you’re packaging your age.

You’ve got the experience.
You’ve led teams, managed budgets, solved problems no one else could.

AND STILL...

No calls.
No interviews.
Not even a “thanks, but no thanks.”

Here’s the reality: 
The most qualified candidates are the ones struggling the most.

Not because they can’t do the job. 
Because their resume, LinkedIn, and messaging 
are working against them.

In this episode, I show you exactly how to fix it:
💪  Cut your resume to 10–15 years of relevance
💪 Reframe titles so you’re not automatically “too expensive”
💪 Update your language to match today’s market
💪 Infuse energy into your application materials
💪 Leverage your network instead of relying on job boards

One shift in your approach can change everything.
🎧 Watch the full episode — link in comments.

♻️ Share if this resonates.
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Overqualified really means:
We don’t know what to do with you.

No one says it like that.

They soften it.
They smile.
They tell you you’re impressive.

Then they pass.
You read the email twice.

Because part of you thought
maybe this time would be different.

You didn’t apply because you couldn’t do the job.
You applied because you could do it well.
Because you’ve done harder.

Because you’ve led.
Built.
Fixed what others broke.

And somehow that became the problem.

Overqualified doesn’t mean too skilled.
It means your value made them uncomfortable.
It means your experience asked questions they weren’t ready to answer.

Who will you challenge?
How long will you stay?
What happens when you see what’s broken?

So they choose safer.
Smaller.
Easier to place in a box.

And you’re left wondering
if you should shrink your story.

Soften your edges.
Remove the years that taught you everything.

Don’t!!!

The right role doesn’t fear depth.
It needs it.

And the moment you stop trying to fit
is usually the moment you finally belong.

Who has experienced this before? 

♻️ Share if this resonates.
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

Want to land interviews quicker? Start here: https://lnkd.in/gvZDFy7Y

Resume Assassin
Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Feeling stuck in your job search?
Read this.👇

We all hit seasons like this.

When applications feel endless.
When LinkedIn messages go unanswered.
When your energy feels smaller than your ambition.

Here’s the truth:

It may not be laziness.
It may be early-stage career burnout.

Career burnout doesn’t happen overnight.
It unfolds in stages.
And most job seekers don’t notice it early.

Because at first, it looks like:
Ambition.
Drive.
High standards.

Until it becomes exhaustion.
And then it becomes your new “normal.”

The 8 stages of job search burnout:

1️⃣ Overthinking Every Step
Obsessing over every word in your resume, every email, every LinkedIn post.

2️⃣ Neglecting Yourself 
Skipping breaks, self-care, hobbies, or even sleep because “time is money.”

3️⃣ Denial
Telling yourself, “It’s fine, I just need to try harder.”

4️⃣ Isolation
Pulling away from mentors, friends, or networking opportunities.

5️⃣ Frustration & Irritability
Feeling short-tempered or resentful toward recruiters, colleagues, or even yourself.

6️⃣ Disconnection
Feeling detached from your goals, like your dream job is fading.

7️⃣ Apathy
Losing motivation, feeling stuck in a cycle of applications and rejection.
8️⃣ Despair
Persistent hopelessness, wondering if you’ll ever land the role you want.

If you recognize yourself in stages 1–3, don’t wait.
Recovery isn’t optional.

Your career growth depends on your energy, clarity, and confidence.

No job is worth burning out your potential.
And no recruiter or company benefits from candidates running on empty.

💡 Pro tip: The best candidates often take strategic pauses to recharge, rebrand their resumes, and optimize their LinkedIn profiles before hitting “apply” again.

Where are you in these stages?
And more importantly, what small step can you take today to protect your energy and keep moving forward?

📍 Download a free resume template today: https://lnkd.in/ggGxWxMn

♻️ Share this with someone who’s grinding in silence.
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #gethired #jobsearch #recruiter #jobopening

8 Stages of Job Search Burnout

If I had to find a job in the next 24 hours, here’s exactly what I’d do.

Not in two weeks.
Not after the “perfect opportunity” shows up.
Now.

Because when money is tight, 
traditional job search advice falls apart.

It’s built for people with time.
And urgency doesn’t care about best practices.

In this episode, I walk through the exact strategies I’d use if I needed income fast.

The uncomfortable ones.
The unconventional ones.

The ones that actually work when speed matters more than ego.

This isn’t advice for your dream role.
It’s a playbook for getting a yes.

Watch the full episode. 
Link in the comments. 💪 

♻️ Share this to help someone job searching in your network today!
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for daily posts and weekly podcasts. 
👇 Save this. You’ll be glad you did.

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

You’ve sent every resume.
You’ve stayed up late tweaking your LinkedIn.

You’ve applied to every “perfect” job
Hoping someone notices.

You thought effort alone would get you interviews.
You thought being qualified would protect you.
You thought the system would reward loyalty.

Guess what?
The job market doesn’t owe you anything.

Even the company that “values you” 
moves on the moment it benefits them.

You’re not failing. 
You just believed a lie.

Picture this: You hit send on that final application.
You stop refreshing your inbox.
You step away.

No panic. 
No guilt. 
No pretending you can control it.

Because your power isn’t in trying harder.
It’s in how you play the game.

Here’s how to take it back:

✅ Invest in your story, not just your resume
Your experience matters. How you frame it is what gets you noticed.

✅ Be strategic, not desperate
Apply smart. Network intentionally. Follow up boldly.

✅ Focus on what you can control
Your skills. Your narrative. Your confidence.

The right job doesn’t reward exhaustion.
It rewards clarity, courage, and visibility.

You deserve to be seen.
You deserve to be remembered.
You deserve a career that fights for you, not the other way around.

Claim your power. 
Make them notice. 💪 

♻ Repost to remind someone they are in control of their career.
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

College is a scam!
A client told me this last week. 

Bachelor of Science degree. 
Good grades. 
Played by all the rules.

Four years. 
$80K in debt. 
And absolutely zero job offers.

She was applying to everything. 
Even roles she was overqualified for.

She told me: I just need something. Anything!!
The rejection emails kept coming.

She was doing everything right. 
Or so she thought.

Here's what was actually happening:

❌ Her resume screamed:
I'm overqualified and will leave the second something better comes along.

❌ Employers saw her bachelor's degree and Epic experience and thought: She'll be bored in 3 months.

They weren't wrong to think that. 
Her resume told that exact story.

So I rewrote her resume.
Retold her story. 

Four weeks later? 
Two offers on the table.
Let's GOOOO!!

My thoughts?
College isn't a scam. 

But the promise that a degree = a job? 
That's the scam.

Nobody tells you: 
• Your degree gets you past HR filters, not hiring managers 
• "Overqualified" is code for "we think you'll quit" 
• Desperation shows up in every line of your resume 
• The system rewards strategy, not credentials

But she didn't need more education. 
She needed someone to translate what she already had.

What do you think? 
Is the "degree = job" promise outdated? Drop your thoughts below. 👇

♻️ Share this post with your thoughts. 
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more. 

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #gethired #jobsearch #jobopening #recruiter

My client Alex told me something that I disagreed with adamantly.

He insisted that being smart meant being the best. 
(Honestly, I've heard my 6 YO say this too).

More knowledge. 
More logic. 
More right answers.

For my client (and son), it didn’t work. 
Not really.

Projects failed. 
Teams struggled. 
People didn’t respond.

Know what I think?

IQ doesn't get results.
Emotional intelligence does.

How you handle stress.
How you treat people when it gets hard.

Alex started focusing on EQ:

💪 Self-awareness 
notices emotions before they take over

💪 Self-control
stays calm, even under pressure

💪 Attentive listening
hears what’s said… and unsaid

💪 Empathy
senses feelings without judgment

💪 Clear boundaries
says no without guilt

💪 Self-support
calms himself in tense moments

💪 Gentle feedback
honest, without hurting

💪 Accountability
owns mistakes

💪 Adaptability
flexible under pressure

💪 Relationship care
builds trust consistently

The results?

People wanted to work with him.
Teams followed him.
Projects moved faster.

Results improved.

EQ isn’t automatic.
It’s built. 
One choice at a time.

♻️ Share if this resonates.
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Emotional Edge

Technology didn’t break hiring.
It just exposed it.

Before the systems,
someone actually read your resume.

They paused.
They noticed patterns.
They saw potential that wasn’t perfectly phrased.

Now a machine decides in seconds.

Not because you aren’t qualified.
But because you didn’t say it the right way.

I worked with a client who had led teams.
Saved millions.
Built processes still in use today.

Her resume never reached human eyes.

Rejected.
Again.
And again.

She assumed the problem was her experience.

Too long.
Too senior.
Too much.

It wasn’t.

The system wasn’t broken.
It was doing exactly what it was designed to do.

Filter risk.
Reduce volume.
Remove nuance.

Depth doesn’t translate well to automation.

So we rewrote her story.
Not to sound impressive.
But to sound clear.

Impact first.
Outcomes loud.

Language the system could recognize
and a human could feel.

The next submission didn’t disappear.
It surfaced.

Interview.
Conversation.
Momentum.

Here’s the part most people miss.
If a system can’t understand your value,
it will erase it.

So before your next application, pause.

Ask yourself:
Would someone who doesn’t know me
understand why I matter in ten seconds?

If the answer is no,
the problem isn’t your experience.
It’s the translation.

♻️ Share this to help someone job searching in your network.
➕ Follow me (Mary Southern) for more!

Resume Assassin
Resume Sidekick

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Why Hiring Feels Broken

Why your experience isn’t landing the interviews you deserve

Job searching doesn’t just test your patience.

It tests your confidence. 
Your identity. 
Your sense of what you’re capable of.

→ You’ve delivered results.
→ You’ve solved hard problems.
→ You’ve done the work.

So why aren’t recruiters calling? 
Why aren’t you getting interviews?

I've seen it SO many times!! 

Hundreds of applications. 
Countless rejections. 
That feeling that somehow… you’re not enough.

Here’s what I wish every job seeker understood:

1️⃣ You are not your resume.
Your skills, experience, and achievements are bigger than a list of bullet points.

2️⃣ Rejection isn’t a verdict.
Usually it means your story isn’t landing. 
The right role is waiting, you just need to frame it clearly.

3️⃣ Preparation beats panic.
Strong narratives, examples of impact, and clarity matter more than blasting applications everywhere.

4️⃣ Talk to yourself like a champion.
You wouldn’t tell a teammate they’re not good enough. 
Don’t say it to yourself.

5️⃣ Visibility changes everything.
Connections, conversations, and relationships often open doors that applications never will.

Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.
I’m praying the right opportunity finds you.

📌 Download a free resume template today: https://lnkd.in/ggGxWxMn

💬 What’s the hardest part of your job search right now?
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more. 

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #recruiter #jobopening

Here’s something that might make you mad at first.

Interviewers don’t actually know what they’re looking for.

They think they do.
They wrote the job description.

But when it’s time to choose between you and someone else?
None of that decides it.

👉 How you make them feel does.

If you’ve ever walked out of an interview thinking,
“I nailed it… so why didn’t I get the offer?”

This is why.

Interviews aren’t logical.
They’re emotional.

The interviewer is stressed.
Overworked.
Terrified of making a bad hire that blows up in their face.

They’re not hiring a resume.
They’re hiring relief.

Someone who:
✔️ Solves their problem
✔️ Makes them look good
✔️ Feels safe to bet on
✔️Is easy to work with
✔️ Actually wants this job
✔️ Can take the lead without being annoying about it

That’s what’s really being evaluated in the first 5 minutes.

So try THIS during your next interview:
💪 Mirror their language.
💪 Tell stories that reduce risk.
💪 Build real chemistry.
💪 Lead the conversation like a pro.

Because the candidate who gets hired isn’t the smartest in the room.
It’s the one they can’t imagine saying no to.

I break down the 6 psychological principles interviewers are actually judging you on in my newest podcast. Link is in the description! 

Do me 1 favor today, please SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel.
(Never thought I'd say that, but here I am.) LOL 🫠 

♻️ Share this to help everyone NAIL their next interview. 
➕ Follow me Mary Southern for more.

Resume Assassin

#resume #gethired #jobsearch #recruiter #jobopening

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