Why isn’t being qualified enough to land a job anymore?

In this episode of The Covert Code Podcast, I sit down with Gina Riley, executive career coach, international speaker, Forbes Coaches Council member, and author of Qualified Isn’t Enough: Develop Your Story, Land the Interview, Win the Job.

Gina Riley is the creator of the Career Velocity® System, a proven framework helping professionals navigate career transitions, age bias, oversaturated job markets, and the realities of AI-driven hiring. With a background in HR, executive search, and leadership coaching, Gina helps job seekers move beyond résumés and build relevance through storytelling, presence, and strategy.

In this conversation, we explore why easy-apply job searching doesn’t work, how the hidden job market really functions, what executive presence signals to hiring teams, and how professionals can stay competitive in a rapidly changing workforce.

If you’re questioning your next career move, navigating layoffs, or feeling stuck despite being highly qualified, this episode with Gina Riley offers clarity, tools, and a path forward.

✨ CONNECT WITH GINA RILEY

Website: https://ginarileyconsulting.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/

X (Twitter): https://x.com/atGinaRiley

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📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with companies including Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and leads Covert Communication, Hawai‘i’s largest digital agency.