#21 A quick check if your job search is stalling

Every January, I hear some version of this:

“I know what I want next. So why does it still feel like things aren’t clicking?”

Sometimes it’s timing.

Often, it’s something simpler.

The issue I see a lot

People aim for more senior roles - but still describe their work at a more junior level.

Not because they’re unqualified. Because they default to talking about what they did, not the decisions they made.

The work is strong.

The signal isn’t.

Why this matters

Hiring managers don’t need a play-by-play.

They’re listening for:

• judgment

• prioritisation

• accountability

If your stories stay focused on execution, you’ll often get feedback like:“You’re strong, but not quite right for this role.”

That’s not about having the street cred, it's about aligning with this role - and seniority.

One check to use this week

Before you talk about a piece of work, ask:

Is my narrative aligned with the level I’m targeting?

If the role you want is about decision-making, but your story is about delivery, that gap shows up fast.

Same experience.

Different narrative.

What to do next

→ Pick one example you use often

→ Reframe it around the decision, trade-offs and impact - not the tasks

→ See how the conversation shifts

No need to spin out and redo everything.

Just give it a go and see if it tightens the signal.

Clarity at this level is often the difference between:

“Interesting, but…”

and“ Let’s move you forward.”

P.S. If you want help tightening up the signals you're sending especially on LinkedIn - my Recruiter Magnet LinkedIn Profile workshop on Jan 28 is focused on exactly that. Register here.​