Episode 7: Rejection, Redirection, and Why “No” Isn’t the End of the Story

Rejection is part of the job search — but it doesn’t have to derail your confidence or define your career.

In this episode of The Resume Whisperer, we’re talking candidly about job rejection: what it really means, what it doesn’t mean, and how to respond in a way that protects your professional brand and your self-confidence.

This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending rejection doesn’t sting. It’s about handling it with clarity, emotional intelligence, and a plan to keep moving forward.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

• Why job rejection is often about timing, fit, or internal factors — not your worth
• The critical difference between early-round rejection and late-stage rejection
• How to tell when interview skills may need refining — and when they don’t
• How to respond professionally to a rejection email (and why it matters)
• Whether you should ask for feedback — and how to do it respectfully
• What not to do after rejection 
• Practical, confidence-protecting steps to take once you hear “no”

🧭 Your Post-Rejection Checklist

After rejection, focus on progress — not punishment:

• Reflect on what felt challenging
• Adjust your interview stories and positioning
• Re-engage with your job search and network
• Stay visible and professionally active
• Keep momentum — because momentum protects confidence

🎯 Key Takeaway

Rejection isn’t a verdict on your ability — it’s information.
What you do after rejection matters far more than the rejection itself.

✉️ Let’s Stay Connected

Have a rejection story, a follow-up question, or a moment where you’re not sure what to do next?
Email me at [email protected] — I may answer it in a future episode.

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that they’re not failing — they’re navigating.

#JobSearch #CareerAdvice #TheResumeWhisperer #HandlingRejection #InterviewTips #CareerConfidence #ProfessionalGrowth

Episode 6: The Art of the Follow-Up — How to Stay Top of Mind Without Being Pushy

So, you’ve finished the interview … now what? 🤔
This week on The Resume Whisperer, we’re tackling one of the most overlooked (and misunderstood) parts of the job search: how to follow up after an interview — without crossing the line into “too much.”

Whether you’re waiting to hear back, not sure what to write, or trying to decode post-interview silence, this episode walks you through exactly what to do (and what not to do).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✅ When to send your thank-you email and what to include in it
✅ How to write a polite follow-up message 
✅ What to do if you haven’t heard back (or get ghosted entirely)
✅ Professional ways to close the loop if it’s time to move on
✅ How to stay productive and positive while you wait

🧭 Action Tip

This week, take 10 minutes to create a ready-to-customize thank-you template and a simple spreadsheet to track your interviews and follow-ups.
Then set a reminder to check in once at the appropriate time — no refreshing your inbox every hour required. 😉

✉️ Share Your Experience

Have a follow-up win or a ghosting story to share? Email me at [email protected] — I’d love to hear how your journey is going!

🔔 Don’t Miss Next Week

Next week, we’ll tackle the topic nobody loves but every job seeker faces:
How to Handle Rejection and Bounce Back Stronger.

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s waiting to hear back on their own dream job.

#JobSearch #InterviewTips #CareerAdvice #TheResumeWhisperer #FollowUpEmail #CareerGrowth

Show Notes: Episode 5 – Interview Prep: How to Show Up with Confidence and Make a Great Impression

You’ve landed the interview—now it’s time to shine! 

In this episode of The Resume Whisperer, I’m giving you a to interview preparation so you can walk in (or log in) feeling confident, clear, and ready to make a great impression.

Whether you’ve got an interview next week or you're just getting prepared for when the call comes, this episode has actionable advice to help you stand out for all the right reasons.

Here’s what we cover in this episode:

·      What interviewers really want to know

·      How to answer the most common questions (and those weird curveball ones!)

·      Why tailoring your answers makes you a stronger candidate

·      What questions you should be asking

·      Virtual interview tips for Zoom, Teams & beyond

Action Tip: Write out your top 3 toughest interview questions and practice your answers out loud. Bonus points if you record yourself or do a mock interview with a friend!

Have a question or a recent interview win? Email me at [email protected]—I'd love to hear from you!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with someone who’s prepping for interviews right now!

Next episode: We’re digging into how to follow up after an interview without sounding pushy or desperate. See you then!

#InterviewTips #CareerSuccess #JobSearchSupport #TheResumeWhisperer #InterviewPrep #HRAdvice #CareerClarity

Episode 4: How to Network Effectively (Even If You Hate It!)

If the word “networking” makes you cringe—you’re not alone. But here’s the truth: networking doesn’t have to be awkward, transactional, or uncomfortable. In fact, it can be one of the most powerful and genuine parts of your job search.

In this episode of The Resume Whisperer, I’m breaking down how to make networking work for YOU—even if you’re not a fan of small talk or "working the room."

🔹 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why networking is more than just handing out business cards
• How to start with your existing network (and what to say)
• What to say during a coffee chat or virtual conversation
• How to network on LinkedIn with confidence and authenticity
• Simple ways to make the most of networking events—without feeling weird about it
• A recent success story that proves connection > cold applications

🎯 Action Tip: Reach out to 3 people this week to reconnect, and engage with one new post on LinkedIn each day. You never know where one conversation might lead.

💌 Have a networking win or question? I’d love to hear it! Email me at [email protected]

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who could use a boost of confidence in their job search.

Next week: We’re diving into interview prep—what to expect, how to prepare, and how to own the room (even if it’s virtual). You won’t want to miss it!

#NetworkingTips #JobSearch #TheResumeWhisperer #CareerAdvice #LinkedInTips #HRInsights

Episode 3: How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile to Attract Recruiters

Welcome back to The Resume Whisperer!

Did you know that 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find job candidates? If your profile isn’t optimized, you could be missing out on amazing opportunities!

In this episode, I’m walking you through how to update your LinkedIn profile so recruiters can find you, notice you, and want to connect.

🔹 What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to make a strong first impression with your profile picture & banner
• The secret to a compelling headline that gets you noticed
• What to include in your About section to showcase your strengths
• How to highlight your experience with impact (hint: it’s all about results!)
• Why skills & recommendations help boost your credibility

Action Tip: Take 20 minutes this week to update your headline, About section, and skills list to start attracting the right opportunities.

💡 Have a LinkedIn question? Email me at [email protected]—I’d love to help!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe! Next week, we’re talking about how to network effectively—even if you hate networking!

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review and share it with someone who’s job hunting!

✨ Let’s get you one step closer to your next job!

#LinkedInTips #JobSearch #CareerSuccess #TheResumeWhisperer #HR #Networking #RecruiterInsights

Episode 2: Write a Resume That Stands Out

Welcome back to The Resume Whisperer!

Your resume is often the first impression you make with a potential employer—so how do you make sure it stands out from the competition? In this episode, I’m breaking down how to craft a resume that gets noticed by hiring managers and recruiters.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

·      How to format your resume for maximum readability.

·      What to include (and what to leave out!) to make your experience shine.

·      The importance of customizing your resume for each job application.

·      Common mistakes that might be holding you back.

Your Action Item:
Take 30 minutes this week to review your resume using the tips in this episode. Update your formatting, fine-tune your bullet points, and make sure it reflects your best achievements!

Have a question or need help with your resume? 

Email me at [email protected]

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe! Next week, we’re diving into how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to attract recruiters—you won’t want to miss it!

If you found this episode helpful, please leave a 5-star review and share it with someone who’s job hunting.

✨ Let’s get you one step closer to your next job!

#ResumeTips #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #HR #TheResumeWhisperer #ATS #LinkedInTips

Ep. 1: Setting Yourself Up for Job Search Success

Welcome to the very first episode of The Resume Whisperer!  If you’re on the hunt for a new job—whether you’re switching careers, just starting out, or aiming for that next big role—this podcast is for you.

In this episode, I’m laying the foundation for what you can expect from The Resume Whisperer, sharing a bit about my background in Human Resources and recruitment, and diving into the first key step in any job search: your mindset.

We’ll talk about:

• How to stay positive and persistent through the ups and downs
• The power of setting clear, achievable goals
• Why celebrating small wins keeps you motivated
• How asking for help can make all the difference

Plus, I’m sharing a quick and actionable tip to help you kick-start your job search the right way!

Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Have a question? Email me at [email protected]—I just might answer it in a future episode!
Visit my website:  https://www.HRCollab.ca

Next week: We’re breaking down the resume writing process—what works, what doesn’t, and how to create a resume that truly stands out. 
See you then!

#TheResumeWhisperer #JobSearch #CareerSuccess #ResumeTips #HRInsights

Tune in for actionable tips on how to craft the right resume, perfect your applications and show up as your best self to land you the job of your dreams, with HR Consultant Shari Vandermolen.

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Contact Shari Vandermolen| HRCollab.

• Website: HRCollab.ca
• LinkedIn: Sharilyn Vandermolen
• Facebook: The Resume Whisperer, Shari V
• Linkedin: HRCollab.