The strategic timing no one tells you about—recorded live from my car during my commute because this couldn't wait.

I'm breaking down exactly why December through early January is THE time to be applying, networking, and positioning yourself for those $120K-$145K roles that open up when budgets reset.

In this episode, I'm getting tactical about:

• Why you need to be applying RIGHT NOW even if you're not "ready"—budgets reset in January and hiring managers are already planning
• How I took a recruiter call completely unprepared and still landed on the shortlist (and what I'd do differently next time)
• The exact questions recruiters are REALLY asking when they ask about your experience (hint: it's not about your resume)
• Why talking to recruiters now is practice for negotiating your worth—even if you bomb the first few calls
• How to reconnect with your network during the holidays without being cringe or salesy
• What "I'll know it when I see it" actually means when evaluating job opportunities (and why that's okay)

The truth bomb: You don't need a perfect resume or a rehearsed script. You need confidence, clarity on your minimum salary, and the ability to articulate your value like a human being—not a robot reading talking points.

This is for you if:

• You're underpaid and miserable but haven't started looking because "it's not the right time"
• You're terrified of recruiter calls because you don't know what to say
• You think December is too late to apply (it's actually the PERFECT time)
• You're waiting to be "more prepared" before you start networking (spoiler: you'll never feel ready)

What you'll learn:

• How to reconnect with recruiters and your network during the holidays
• Why company size doesn't matter as much as you think it does
• The non-negotiables you need to figure out BEFORE you start interviewing
• How to practice talking about your worth with real humans (not just in your head)
• Why "open to opportunities" on LinkedIn + targeted applications = recruiter gold right now

Episode Length: ~18 minutes of unfiltered strategy
Vibe: Real talk from someone actively job hunting while employed

Warning: Contains honest talk about bombing interview questions, why I'm bleeding out in my current role, and your new mantra phrase "I got my bachelor's and my personality and that gets me a long way"

Ready to stop waiting and start applying? Get on the waitlist for EA Career Accelerator and join Torres Tuesdays for weekly gems on navigating this corporate landscape.

Book an EA Power Hour if you need help NOW—whether it's prepping for recruiter calls, auditing your resume, or figuring out your salary floor before you start interviewing. Don't go into January unprepared.