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UMGC Career ConnectionInsider Secrets to Landing Your Next Job

Rhoda Smackum
By Rhoda Smackum

According to a recent conducted by staffing agency Aerotek, over 1,500 respondents revealed that their current job hunt presents greater obstacles compared to their previous one. Job searching can be frustrating, especially if it is due to a major life event, such as divorce, sudden lay off, or relationship changes.

Even if you have faced setbacks and challenges in your life, you can still stand out from other candidates and successfully land your next job. Consider these insider secrets for a successful job search.

Prepare Your Resume

Tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile content to address your desired position type. Carefully proofread for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Also, verify that your contact information on your resume is up-to-date and professional​. Then, use our automated resume tool, , for immediate feedback on your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Create a Schedule

A solid, well-thought-out schedule helps you to stay on track with daily tasks that are deadline driven, realistic, and short-term.

Get Organized

A valuable yet underutilized strategy that reduces stress and anxiety as you move through the job search process is organization. Tracking the job applications and responses in a table or spreadsheet provides a clear and accurate picture of your activities to help you to know where adjustments need to be made.  

Tap Your Network

The most effective job search method and least favorite for many job seekers is leveraging personal and professional contacts. Your network can provide current and reliable job leads. They can introduce you to hiring managers, streamlining the hiring process.

Strategize with a Career Advisor

As always, keep in mind that UMGC Career Services is available to help you plan and achieve career success. Set up an with a UMGC Career Advising Specialist for additional support in your career journey.


Rhoda Smackum is a manager in Career Services at University of Maryland Global Campus who enjoys working collaboratively, in partnership with students and alumni, to identify career issues, match values with career choices, and obtain meaningful work. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Bowie State University and a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Maryland College Park. She is a Certified Master of Career Services (CMCS) and an Associate Certified Career Coach.