Rise & Shine: The 3 Mistakes Keeping You from the Job You Deserve (And How to Fix Them)

Hey there 👋,

We are at the half point of the year and if you are looking back at the past 6 months and you’ve been applying to jobs, updating your resume, networking like a pro — and still feeling like nothing’s clicking…

Let me be real with you for a second:

It’s probably not about your experience. It’s not about how many jobs you’ve applied to. It’s not even about your resume alone.

More often than not, it comes down to a few common mistakes that keep really talented professionals from landing roles that match their value.

Let’s talk about them — and how to fix them.

❌ Mistake #1: Applying Without Clarity

(Fix it: Know what you're aiming for — and why.)

I get it. You want to cast a wide net.

But if your job search sounds like:

“I’ll take anything in marketing, project management, or operations... maybe client success too.”

...you're setting yourself up for rejection — or worse, burnout in another misaligned role.

Here’s what to do instead:

✔ Define your non-negotiables. → What kind of work energizes you? → What do you never want to do again?

✔ Get specific about your target roles. → Title, industry, team structure, values. → What problem do you want to solve?

✔ Create a decision filter. → If an opportunity doesn’t meet at least 80% of your must-haves, it’s a “no.”

This clarity becomes your compass — for job descriptions, conversations, and interviews.

❌ Mistake #2: Selling Yourself with the Wrong Story

(Fix it: Tell the story your next employer needs to hear.)

Most resumes and interviews focus too much on what you did, and not enough on why it mattered.

Hiring managers don’t want a list of tasks — they want to know:

• Can you solve their problems?

• Can you work well on their team?

• Will you add value quickly?

Try this framework to shift your story:

BEFORE → ACTION → IMPACT

➡ What challenge existed?

➡ What did you do to solve it?

➡ What changed as a result?

Example: Instead of “Led onboarding process for 100+ clients”

Try: “Streamlined onboarding for 100+ enterprise clients, cutting ramp-up time by 40% and improving customer retention.”

🎯 Your new goal: Be memorable and measurable.

❌ Mistake #3: Relying Too Heavily on the Job Boards

(Fix it: Expand your reach — beyond applications.)

I’ll say it again for the people in the back: You won’t find your next role by applying online alone.

The truth?

📉 50-80% of jobs are filled through networking or referrals

📩 Your best opportunities are hiding in conversations — not listings

What to do instead:

✔ Spend 15 minutes a day connecting intentionally. → Comment on LinkedIn posts. → Reach out to past colleagues. → Ask someone in your dream industry for a 15-minute coffee chat.

✔ Use the 1-Hour LinkedIn Job Hack → You can literally hack LinkedIn’s job search filter (I show you how in the challenge 😉)

✔ Engage with content related to your field. → Visibility builds trust. Trust opens doors.

💥 Want help fixing all three mistakes (and more)?

You’re in luck.

Next week, I’m hosting a FREE 3-Day Career Breakthrough Challenge → And yes, it’s totally free.

We’ll cover:

• 🧠 Day 1: Reclaim your why + reset your mindset

• 🔍 Day 2: Get clear on your direction + story

• 📢 Day 3: Market yourself + expand your reach

• 🎁 Bonus Day: Surprise session you won’t want to miss (there may be prizes… 👀)

By the end, you’ll walk away with:

✅ A roadmap that works

✅ Clarity on where you’re going

✅ Real traction toward interviews that fit

➡️ Join the challenge right here: https://www.riseupcareercoach.com/3-day-career-breakthrough-challenge

🪞Reflection Time:

Pull out your journal or notes app and ask yourself:

1. What roles or industries am I truly excited about — and why?

2. What’s one story I haven’t been telling that shows the impact I’ve made?

3. Who in my network could I reconnect with this week to open a door?

Small steps. Big shifts.

Let’s break the cycle of guessing and start building the career momentum you’ve been craving.

Your next opportunity doesn’t just require more hustle. It requires a better strategy — and we’ll build that together.

See you in the challenge,

💛 Alyssa

Founder, Rise Up Career Coaching

Your go-to coach for clarity, confidence & career wins