Austin Belcak

Lots of big tech has frozen hiring.

Apple, Amazon, Meta, etc.

So here’s a reminder about “dream” companies:

A dream company isn’t a FAANG or F500.

It’s a company that:

1. Aligns with your values
2. Pays you what you’re worth
3. Allows you to enjoy your work
4. Challenges you to grow
5. Rewards that growth with pay and promotions

There are SO many companies out there that will meet those criteria for you.

And they're hiring right now.

So don't get discouraged.

And definitely don’t mistake big name brands for true career happiness.

Today is my last day at Microsoft.

5 years ago, two hiring managers took a chance on me.

I had 2 years of professional experience, most of it non-traditional.

Landing my job at Microsoft was the single best thing that’s ever happened to me (besides marrying Lily!).

I had the chance to work at an incredible company with amazing leadership.

My team has some of the smartest and kindest people I’ve ever met.

As you all know, I write a lot, but it’s hard to find the words that describe just how incredible this experience has been.

I am forever grateful to the entire Microsoft family.

At the same time, I’m so excited to start this next chapter.

I’m not going to another job or another company.

Instead, I’m investing 100% of my time into helping people land jobs they love (without applying online 😉).

I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank each and every one of you reading this post.

Without you, this wouldn’t be possible.

I’m insanely grateful for you and incredibly excited to continue the journey together.

Here's to the future!

Edit: I'm overwhelmed by how much support and love are in the comments. I've tried responding to as many as I can but the site is literally freezing with how many there are. I'm so grateful for each comment and every one of you, thank you!!!

7 ways ChatGPT will turn your resume into a job-generating machine:

Entry level roles requiring 3-5 years of experience.

“Remote“ roles requiring people to be in the office.

Cramming the duties of multiple job titles into one role.

Not listing a salary range.

Is it just me…

Or are most job descriptions totally worthless?

You spend 20 minutes uploading your resume, then re-typing everything in.

Many employers only spend a few seconds reading it.

You spend 50+ minutes answering the employer's questions in an interview.

They give you 5 minutes at the very end to ask yours.

You’re asked to share your specific salary expectations.

But many employers say “that’s confidential” when you ask for their budget.

You spend weeks going on 4-6 interviews so the company can decide if you're a fit.

Then they give you 24-48 hours to accept their offer.

Maybe it's just me...

But this seems like a broken system that needs to change.

I’m totally in awe of Simone Biles.

Our whole lives, we’re taught to disappoint ourselves before we disappoint others.

To do what we’re “supposed” to do, what other people tell us is “right.”

The truth is, we’re all human.

We’re all out here doing our best.

And sometimes we need a break.

Whether you’re a decorated Olympic athlete, an executive, a teacher, an artist, between jobs, or anything else…

Your mental health matters.

You are the only one who understands your journey.

What you’ve been through, what you’ve sacrificed…

You are the only one who is allowed to decide what is right and wrong for you.

To decide when putting yourself first is what you need to do.

And sometimes, most times, doing what’s right for you means disappointing others.

But you know what?

That’s ok.

Because the people who end up disappointed probably weren’t worth keeping in your life anyways.

So today I’m celebrating Simone and her decision to put herself and her mental health first.

Making the right choice when it’s hard?

That’s what real leaders do.

Thank you for being a role model for all of us.

“Quitters never win.”

Wrong!

The most successful people are quitters.

They quit jobs that aren’t right for them.

They quit people that don’t make them better.

They quit projects and processes that waste their time.

They quit environments that don’t align with their values and goals.

So, whatever the situation is:

A job, a relationship, an environment, or a process…

Forgot what other people say you’re “supposed to do.”

If it doesn’t align with your values, your happiness, and the places you’re going?

Quit it.

You’ll create more space for the things that do.

PSA for all the job seekers who are networking right now.

Most of the people you message aren’t going to reply.

Or they’re going to say no.

You’re not networking because the response rate is higher.

You’re networking because your chances of being hired significantly increase with a referral.

So don’t stop after five emails, or twenty, or fifty.

It doesn’t matter if 90% of the people you message say no.

You only need one yes to land the job offer.

#LICreatorAccelerator

There are two types of job seekers:

Reactive and Proactive.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Applies for jobs and waits to hear back.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Applies for jobs, then starts connecting with employees.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Is told they don’t have enough experience, complains that they can’t get experience without being hired.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Is told they don’t have enough experience, goes out and creates their own.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Sends 5 networking emails, doesn’t hear back, says networking doesn’t work for them.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Sends 5 networking emails, doesn’t hear back…follows up with those 5 people and then emails 5 more.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Gets rejected, gives up on the company.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Gets rejected, thanks their contact and continues the relationship.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Blames the hiring process for not giving them a chance.
𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Accepts the hiring process for what it is, then brainstorms ways to stand out anyway.

Reactive job seekers struggle with the process.

It takes them longer and they end up settling for jobs that don’t make them happy.

Proactive job seekers take control of the process.

They win coveted jobs that align with their values and pay them what they’re worth.

The difference between reactive and proactive?

It’s not degrees, experience, skills, or background.

It’s mindset.

You get to choose.

PS - Want to become a proactive job seeker? I've got a step-by-step guide, text me for a link 👉 201-479-9511

Here's a list of my favorite job search tools that you're (probably) not using right now:

👇

Mailscoop[.]io - Find people's email addresses in a few seconds. Just plug in their name and a link to their company's website!

Yesware[.]com - Track activity on the emails you send. See when people open your emails, how often they've read them, and where they're reading them from.

WordClouds[.]com - Amazing for doing keyword research. Want to improve your LinkedIn headline? Copy/paste 30+ job titles into WordClouds and see what keywords appear most frequently - use them. Do the same for your LI profile and resume too!

Carmen[.]co - Plug in your resume and Carmen will give you a score against your target roles. It will also show you where you have skill gaps vs. your competition (other job seekers). Use it to improve your chances of hearing back when you apply!

Canva[.]com - Free graphic design tool to help you easily do things like create a LinkedIn cover photo, add a colored ring around your profile picture, or make a Value Validation Project deck. Their tool and all of the templates are free!

CultivatedCulture[.]com/Resume - Lets you build a awesome resume in minutes using proven, ATS-friendly templates. It's also 100% free!

I love exploring new tools, what's my list missing?

Working remote 1 day per week decreases an employee's emissions by 2%.

Working remote 2-4 days per week decreases an employee's emissions by 11% - 29%.

Working remote 5 days per week decreases an employee's emissions by 54%.

Remote work isn't simply about respecting employees now.

It's also about respecting our planet and the generations of people who will inherit an environment dictated by our actions today.

--

♻ Share if you think more companies need to see this
📊 Source: National Academy of Sciences

When I messaged people as a job seeker, I didn’t just reach out to anyone and everyone.

I actually avoided people at my dream companies who had traditional backgrounds.

Why?

I had a biology degree, a 2.5 GPA, and 3 months of experience in healthcare.

I knew it would be harder for them to recognize the value I brought to the table.

Instead, I aimed for people who had also come from a non-traditional background.

I focused all of my outreach on them.

This was incredibly helpful for two reasons:

1. It was a piece of common ground that I could use to make my emails about my contact

2. They were able to recognize my value despite my non-traditional background because they had done it themselves

Here’s how I found them:

1. I used a tool like Owler[.]com to find companies that were similar to my current company

2. I ran a LinkedIn search for my target job title

3. I used the “Companies” filters to select all of my target companies

4. I went to “All Filters” > “Past Companies” and added in my current company as well as all of the competitors I found on Owler

That gave me a list of every person who successfully made the transition from my current industry to my dream companies!

After that, all I had to do was reach out.

The email template I used is in the comments 👇

How do you network when you’re an introvert?

This is a question I get a LOT.

The truth is, I’m an introvert through and through.

Networking, speaking, etc.

Those were all SCARY uncomfortable for me early on.

But, like any skill, I got better with practice. Here’s how:

1. I Focused On Quality Over Quantity

Instead of going to career fairs, meet ups, or blasting out connections to anyone and everyone...

I focused on a few people who were doing what I wanted to do.

People I genuinely wanted to connect with and meet.

2. I Engaged On My Terms

At first, I was terrified of meeting a stranger for coffee (let alone a group of people).

So I engaged where I was comfortable - virtually, in a 1:1 environment.

I spent a lot of time commenting on posts and building relationships online / via email before having that in-person convo (or Zoom).

3. I Focused On My Feelings & Used Them In My Approach

I paid attention to what I was feeling before, during, and after connecting with people.

I realized that I got anxiety beforehand, I was super energized during, & exhausted after.

Based on that, I made a point to limit myself to a certain number of networking convos each week and made sure I had time to recharge in between.

That helped me minimize the stress and maximize the reward!

I was rejected from 12+ internships in college.

I was rejected from 300+ companies when I was trying to transition from healthcare to tech.

I was rejected from Google 10 separate times.

I was rejected from Microsoft five separate times.

Finally, in October of 2015, I was offered my dream role at Microsoft with a 2.5x salary bump on my sixth try.

Moral of the story?

Don’t give up after one “No.”

Especially at your dream companies.

Persistence always pays off in the end.

On paper, it’s perfect.

Great title.
Well-known company.
Decent pay.
Benefits are solid.

But...

You dread Monday.
You feel drained by noon.
You’ve stopped feeling excited about work.

You tell yourself:

🔵 I should be grateful
🔵 It could be worse
🔵 Maybe this is just what work feels like

But deep down, you know:

You’ve outgrown the version of yourself that originally wanted this.

Here’s the thing about jobs that look good but feel bad:

They’re harder to walk away from.

People will applaud you for staying.

And they'll question why you'd ever leave.

But they're not living your life.

YOU are.

- You deserve more than a job that only looks impressive in conversation
- You deserve work that energizes you, not just compensates you
- You deserve to feel good in the place you spend most of your time

Don’t let the golden handcuffs hold you hostage.

You are allowed to leave the thing that makes sense to everyone else.

To build the thing that finally makes sense to you.

——
🎯 Tag someone who needs this reminder
➕ Follow Austin Belcak for more
🔵 Ready to land your dream job? Click here to learn more about how we help people land amazing jobs in ~3.5 months with a $44k raise: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

Every job seeker wants a job.

But the best job seekers who win the best jobs?

They spend 10 more minutes.

They apply for roles.

Then they take 10 more minutes to email the hiring manager.

They don’t hear back from some networking emails.

So they take 10 more minutes to send 5 more emails to 5 more people.

They get rejected from roles.

And they take 10 more minutes to send thank yous to everyone in the process.

They usually aren’t the most qualified or the ones with the best degrees.

Instead, they’re simply the ones make a habit of going one step further.

So if you want better results from your job search?

Don’t stop where everyone else does.

Take 10 more minutes.

If you’re a job seeker, please DO NOT do this.

Every day my inbox gets flooded with dozens of messages identical to the one in the screenshot below.

We currently live in the most competitive job market history has ever seen.

In the US alone, there are 51 million (!!) people actively looking for new work. Google received 50k+ resumes last WEEK.

That’s a lot of competition.

If you want to land an amazing job at a highly sought after company, you need to go above and beyond.

You need to be better than average.

👎🏼 Applying online is average

👎🏼 Smashing the Easy Apply button and crossing your fingers is average

👎🏼 Sending boilerplate messages is average (and lazy)

You are not average.

You are awesome and you deserve better!

But if you want something you’ve never had, you need to do things you’ve never done.

Instead of sending a copy/paste message,
try this:

1. Research the person you want to contact.

2. Write down 5 interesting things about them - their career path, a book they’re reading, a project they’re working on, ideas they shared, etc.

3. Pick one and put it in your message. Tell them why they’re interesting, that you want to learn more about THEM.

4. Now press send and watch your response rate skyrocket.

Build a relationship before you ask!

Seeing a lot of “gurus” share morning routines.

Let’s shout out another group.

Working Moms, whose routines include:

Waking up at 5:30am to prepare their family (and themselves) for the day.

“Journaling” a To Do list for their kids and their jobs.

“Meditating” on the big meeting today, that class project due in 2 days, and groceries for the week.

Exercise that may or may not happen because something unexpected threw off the whole schedule.

While influencer routines sound cute, they’re totally unrealistic for most people.

They’re also not the only path to happiness, love, and fulfillment.

Not even close.

If you’re into that content, that’s cool.

But let’s also take time to recognize the crazy hard work and dedication that other people are bringing to the table for themselves, their families, and their jobs.

Want to know the secret to turning more job interviews into offers?

Preparation!

I’ve worked with thousands of job seekers — the ones who consistently land more job offers are the ones who invest in preparation.

They go DEEP on companies to understand their goals, their challenges, specific initiatives, and their culture.

Here’s how they do it:

1. Earnings Calls

Public companies talk about all the items above on their quarterly earnings call.

All you need to do is search for “[Company] Earnings Call” — they’re all free to listen.

2. Seeking Alpha

Pay attention to the Analysis section here.

Analysts will tell you why the company will soar, why it will fail, & everything in between.

This will key you into the talk tracks people have on key initiatives so you can ask better questions.

3. Interviews With Execs

Run a quick search for “[Company] Leadership Team“ and you'll find their whole C-suite.

Grab a name and head to Youtube. Search for “[Name] Interview“ and see what pops up.

When you watch these focus on what topics they emphasize, what language they use, and any little nuggets of information that pop up.

Interviews are a gold mine of info that you won't find anywhere else.

What other tips do you have for interview prep? 👇

Job searching is a game of tails.

90%+ of your resumes won’t be great.

90%+ of your applications might be rejected.

90%+ of your networking emails may be ignored.

But it’s not the 90% that matters.

It’s the 10% that will change your life.

So keep going.

Persistence pays the largest dividends.

Ready to land a job in 2023 without applying online?

Here’s how:

1. Make a list of 15 target companies

Include 2-3 dream companies.

Include 7-10 stepping stone companies.

Include 2-3 “sandbox“ companies that you can use to get practice in a low stakes environment.

2. Research the heck out of your target companies.

Listen to earnings calls, read articles, find interviews with execs, & survey customers.

3. Use LinkedIn to find contacts who can refer you into your target role.

Aim for someone who might be the hiring manager or a peer if you were hired.

Find 150 contacts minimum (10 people at each company).

4. Use a tool like Mailscoop[.]io to find the emails for your contacts.

Reach out to them and set up a convo (template in the comments).

Use the conversation to learn about things like:

• Their team’s biggest challenge
• Current initiatives
• Goals for the next 12 months

5. Combine the info from your research and conversations to create a Value Validation Project (VVP).

Think of a VVP as a pitch deck where you provide solutions to a problem, ideas around an initiative, or help with a challenge.

It should be relevant and aligned to the work you’d be doing in that new role.

6. Send the VVP back to the contacts you had convos with and ask if those solutions aligned with their expectations for X role.

7. Rinse, repeat, and watch the referrals flow in!

Our client had applied to 500+ jobs.

She got zero interviews.

We teamed up and 2 months later she scored:

- Multiple interviews
- An offer from an F100 company
- $100,000+ in total comp

What changed?

She stopped blindly applying online and used this 10 step process:

1/ She Shifted Her Energy

After 500 apps and no results?

She stopped investing in a system that wasn't working.

So she reallocated 100% of her energy towards building relationships.

2/ She Narrowed Her Focus

Instead of applying to whatever new jobs were posted that day...

She created a specific list of targets.

It had 15 companies on it.

Now she could deeply invest in that list to understand their goals, challenges, initiatives, etc.

3/ She Researched Like Crazy:

- Listened to earnings calls
- Tuned into interviews / keynotes with execs
- Reviewed financial statements
- Read forecasts from analysts
- Combed through reviews
- Spoke to customers and users
- Used the products herself (when possible)

4/ She Identified Angles

As she researched, she asked herself 3 questions:

1. Is there a challenge that I can help the company overcome?

2. Is there an opportunity I can help the company capitalize on?

3. Is there an initiative that I can help boost or improve?

5/ She Built A List of Contacts

She aimed for 10-15 at each target company.

They had to meet 2 of 3 criteria:

- Be on the hiring team
- Be able to influence her ability to get hired
- Be able to provide info on challenges / opps / goals

She used LinkedIn to find them.

6/ She Made It About Them

Her first email wasn't, “can you refer me in?“

She engaged with their content.

Complimented their personal blogs.

Recognized career changes.

If you want 15 minutes of someone's time?

Show them you spent 15 minutes to earn it.

7/ She Went Deep On Discovery

She used her interactions to learn.

She asked contacts about the challenges they faced.

The goals they had.

The initiatives their team was rolling out.

Then she compared that to the angles she'd identified.

When one clicked?

She doubled down.

8/ She Crafted Her Pitch

She turned her angle into a pitch deck.

She introduced her major value add on the first slide.

Next, she validated it with industry data or customer feedback.

Then, she outlined her ideas.

Finally, she outlined her background and why she was a fit.

9/ She Sent It To Her Contact

“Hey [Name],

I've been thinking a lot about our conversation last week. Especially [Challenge / Goal / Initiative].

I put together a deck with some quick ideas for you, attached here.

Let me know if you want to chat through it!“

10/ She Asked For The Referral

After her contact had seen the deck, she made the ask.

If their company had any roles that might be a fit for her skills?

She'd appreciate it if they kept her in mind.

They usually found something, typically at their company.

Not only did they refer her in, they advocated for her through the entire process!

That's a winning combo.

Hard times create better, more successful people.

I know it’s not easy...

Struggling with your job search, being laid off, being passed over for that promotion.

But here’s the thing.

Hard times actually lead to greater long term success.

Obstacles and setbacks push us to be persistent, to get creative, and to grow.

I am so grateful for all of the struggles I went through early on in my career.

I’m grateful for the rejections, I’m grateful for the mistakes, and I’m grateful for the frustration.

Why?

If I got good grades and a “good” job right out of college, I wouldn’t have pushed myself in the same way.

I would have clocked in at 9, out at 5, and crossed my fingers for a raise or promo every few years.

I would not have ended up at Microsoft.

I would not be here writing this post to 590k+ followers.

Those things happened because the challenges I faced pushed me to grow.

This isn't just a cute personal story, it's an illustration of a research backed concept.

A 2019 study in Nature Communications found that early career setbacks lead to higher levels of success...IF the participants weren't deterred by the first failure.

So if you're going through hard times right now, keep going.

Keep pushing. Stay strong.

It's going to pay off down the road.

I promise.

8 Tips To Turn Your LinkedIn Profile Into A Job-Generating Machine:

Most people know they need LinkedIn to job search.

But 99% of job seekers don't know its best features.

Here are 6 that will immediately level up your job hunt:

1. Download 1st Connections

Networking is easiest with people you already know.

LinkedIn will send you a list of them!

Here's how:

1. Go to “Me“ > Settings & Privacy
2. Choose “Get A Copy of Your Data“
3. Click the 2nd Option
4. Select “Connections“
5. Request the Archive

-

2. Find Content Creators

Engaging with content is an easy way to network:

1. Search LinkedIn for job-related terms.
2. Filter for “Posts“
3. Go to All Filters > Author Company and add your targets.

Now you have a list of content creators at your dream companies!

-

3. Find Career Changers

1. Search for your target job
2. Filter for “People“
3. Add 10 targets to the “Companies“ filter
4. Add 10 companies in your current industry to “Past Companies“

Now you have a list of everyone who went from your current industry to your target industry!

-

4. See Who's Hiring

Many hiring managers post about open roles.

Here's how to find them:

1. Search for: Target Job Title + Hiring
2. Filter for “Posts“
3. Go to All Filters > Author Company
4. Add your target companies

Apply for the role and DM the person who posted it!

-

5. Cultural Research

Ex-employees can give you the scoop on culture.

How to find them:

1. Run a blank search
2. Add your target company to the “Past Company“ filter

That'll show you every person who used to work at your target company.

Find ones who left for a better opp!

-

6. Find Salaries In Colorado

Most companies won't post a salary range.

But Colorado passed a law that requires them to.

So search for your target job in Colorado.

Then adjust the salary range for the cost of living in your area.

Now you have more accurate salary data!

11 steps my client used to negotiate an $80k raise👇

A client of mine recently received two job offers.

Company #1 was an F100 company generating $25B+ / year.

Their offer came in 25% below market.

My client came back with a data and value-driven pitch asking them to match the market average.

The company said they could only do it if he shared a competing offer at the same value.

Company #2 was much smaller, generating ~$500M / year.

Their initial offer also came in slightly below market.

My client delivered the same data and value-driven pitch for more comp.

They made up the gap and then some.

They told him, “we see the value that you’ll bring so this increase makes sense to us.”

My client took the offer from Company #2.

This stuff isn’t rocket science.

If you want the best talent, stop playing games.

Pay people what they’re worth.

9 Steps To An Offer At Microsoft & A $70k Raise (Without Applying Online):

How To Turn Rejections Into Job Offers In < 3 Minutes:

Want to blow away the hiring manager in your next interview?

Use the “In Preparation“ technique.

Here's how it works:

Most job seekers make interviews about themselves.

They don’t do a great job of making the conversation about the employer.

The problem with that?

The employer *really* cares about one thing — themselves!

So let’s make it about them.

Enter the “In Preparation” Technique.

When you’re in your next interview, find a way to drop this line:

“In preparation for this conversation, I did ___________.”

Then you share an above-and-beyond action that you took to learn about them and this role.

Some (oversimplified) examples:

HM: “Why do you want to work here?”

You: “In preparation for this interview, I listened to [CEO]’s most recent keynote where they told a story about X which really resonated with me.”


HM: “This is a client facing role, can tell me how you go about building relationships with clients?”

You: “Relationships are all about knowing your audience. In preparation for this interview, I actually reached out to 10 of your existing clients and surveyed them…”

See how that personalizes the answer?

And how it shows the interviewer you put in the time?

That’s what sets candidates apart.

That’s what leads to job offers.

So you’ve heard that “building relationships” is the best way to land jobs.

But where do you even start?

Here are the first 4 steps I’d take:

1. Start by finding contacts who can influence the final hiring decision.

A potential hiring manager or peer already working at the company.

Use LinkedIn to find them!

2. For each contact, scan their LinkedIn profile and run their name through a Google search.

Look for angles you can use to connect — alumni status, a career change, LinkedIn posts, online portfolios, stuff they've written, etc.

3. Look up their email using Mailscoop[.]io and send them a message.

Make the outreach about THEM, not what you want.

The goal of your cold emails isn’t get a job, it’s simply to start a conversation so you can build a relationship.

4. Rinse and repeat.

No strategy has a 100% success rate.

You’ll probably see a 10% response rate when you start, that will rise to ~25% as you get better (and as you start following up!).

On top of that, practice makes perfect.

The more conversations you have, the better you’ll get. So email plenty of people!

I recommend a minimum of 150 (broken out into 15 contacts at 10 target companies).

That number swings the odds of success in your favor.

Want to 10x your productivity?

Stop “chunking“ and start “chipping.“

Chunking = Trying to accomplish goals in big, inconsistent leaps.

Chipping = Taking one small step towards a larger goal every day.

For example:

I built a 90 slide deck for my Masterclass last month.

Instead of trying to crank out 20 slides per day for 5 days…

I started three months early and I finished one slide every day for 90 days.

Last year, I updated my flagship course with 30+ brand new lessons.

Instead of trying to knock out 10 lessons every day…

I finished one lesson every other day for two months.

I typically write 5,000+ word posts for my blog.

Instead of trying to bang out the post in a day or two…

I write 500 words every week day and finish it in two weeks.

On the surface, chunking seems easier...

Until you realize you it’s unsustainable.

When you start chipping, you tap into the compound interest of small gains.

That leads to massive results over time.

The long game always wins.

To all my people going through unemployment hell right now, please remember this:

Your employment status does not define you as a person.

Your happiness and mental health are separate and more important than any job.

Please prioritize them and find time for self care as you navigate this period.

Sitting in front of your computer refreshing email / LinkedIn all day isn’t healthy. Do this instead:

First, set goals:

This week you will email X number of contacts & apply to Y number of jobs.

Next, find ways to optimize & automate the process:

1. Find a daily 2-3 hour block that fits your schedule

2. Use tools like Streak or Yesware to schedule your outreach emails

3. Set up Google Alerts for companies/industries you’re interested in

4. Create “placeholders” in your resume to help make personalization easy

Put in your two hours, meet your goals, then focus on YOU:

1. Go for a long walk/run and explore somewhere new

2. Take a book and a beer to the park, maybe skip the biz books and read something for pleasure

3. Learn to cook a new dish and surprise your partner

4. Take courses on things you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t had time for

I know this isn’t easy but I promise it’s not permanent.

Don’t neglect your health and happiness because of it.

Ever felt like your job just doesn’t “fit” anymore?

You’re doing everything right.
You’re checking all the boxes.
But something still feels off.

Here’s the truth most people won’t tell you:

🔵 You didn’t lose your edge.
🔵 You didn’t suddenly become unmotivated.
🔵 You didn’t “change” in a bad way.

You grew.

And when you grow, the space around you can start to feel small.
The same role that once felt exciting can now feel limiting.

So what do most people do?

They shrink.

They minimize their skills. They silence their ambition. They stay small to avoid discomfort.

But here’s the problem:

You can’t thrive in a role that requires you to shrink.

Because when you spend your days trying to “fit in,”
you lose touch with the version of you that’s capable of so much more.

So ask yourself:

🌱 Where have I outgrown my current role?
🌱 What would it look like to take up space again?
🌱 What am I afraid of that’s keeping me stuck?

You deserve a job that challenges you to expand, not compress.

Your growth is the signal.

It’s time to move forward.

——
📌 Tag someone who needs to read this today
➕ Follow Austin Belcak for more

“Quitters never win.”

Wrong.

The most successful people are quitters.

They quit jobs that aren’t right for them.

They quit people that don’t make them better.

They quit projects and processes that waste their time.

They quit environments that don’t align with their values and goals.

So, whatever the situation is:

A job, a relationship, an environment, or a process…

Forgot what other people say you’re “supposed to do.”

If it doesn’t align with your values, your happiness, and the places you’re going?

Quit it.

You’ll create more space for the things that do.

Trying to change careers without any luck?

Give this strategy a shot:

When we look to make a shift, we start with the people we usually go to for advice.

Friends, family, career services, etc.

Problem is, many of those people haven’t made the leap you’re trying to make.

Their advice comes from a good place but it isn’t always relevant or effective.

Instead, you want to find people who made a similar move.

Here’s how you do that:

1. Make a list of 10 companies in your *current* industry

2. Make a list of 10 companies in your *target* industry

3. Run a LinkedIn search for the job title you’re aiming for

4. Click the “All Filters” button of the right hand side of the filter bar

5. In the “Past Companies” filter, add the 10 companies from your current industry

6. In the “Current Companies” filter, add the 10 companies from your target industry

Boom!

Now you have a list of people working in your target job title who successfully made the transition from your current industry to your new industry.

These people have been down the path.

They can point out mistakes to avoid, show you what strategies worked, and help you learn how to position yourself.

I always say you should only take advice from people who already have what you want.

This is how you find those people!

I’ve said that you can withdraw an accepted offer at one company to accept a better one at another.

Many people disagreed.

They said it’s not right, it’s a bad look, you’ll burn bridges, etc.

So here’s another quick reminder that your labor is a business.

You are the CEO of your career.

Just like the CEO of a business?

You should make decisions that are in your best interest.

Companies will try to make you feel bad about that.

They’ll try to make you feel like you’re doing something wrong.

They’ll preach loyalty.

They’ll say everyone is a big family.

How their people are their most important asset.

But when the rubber meets the road?

They’ll do what they believe is in the best interest of the company.

So let me be clear:

You can feel loyal to a manager or colleague.

You should weigh the pros and cons of your actions.

But you do not owe companies anything.

Don’t let anyone make you feel differently.

Steph Curry has missed ~58% of the 3 point shots he’s taken during his career.

Barry Bonds didn’t get a hit ~70% of the time he stepped up to the plate.

Alex Ovechkin has missed ~87% of the shots he’s taken in his career.

Roger Federer lost ~45% of the points he played in his career.

Tom Brady only threw a touchdown on 5.4% of his passes during his career.

Whether you’re job searching, learning a new skill, trying to start a business, or anything else...

Remember this:

Success isn’t about winning every single time.

That’s rarely the case, even for the best to ever do it.

Instead, success is realizing that you won’t win most of the time.

So you need to take shots and work to consistently be a little bit better with every single one.

You’ve got this.

7 Questions To Ask When Networking (To Turn Strangers Into Referrals):

1. “What’s a skill or mindset shift that helped you the most in your career, but isn’t talked about enough?”

People love to share wisdom that isn’t “common knowledge.”

This question opens the door for that and allows them to explore a number of different options.

It will also lead to some great advice you can take action on.

2. "Who’s been a major influence in your career, and what’s the best lesson they taught you?"

This question helps set a more personal tone for the conversation.

It allows your contact to tap into mentors they love who shared meaningful lessons.

It will also tell you more about what they value when it comes to relationships and growth.

3. "What’s something exciting happening in your field or company that most people don’t know about yet?"

This question positions them as an “insider.”

It gives them a chance to share knowledge that most people don’t have and they’ll feel like they’re in a unique position of authority.

It also gives you more insight into industry trends!

4. "What’s a misconception people have about your role or industry?"

People love to have the chance to set the record straight about their industry or their job.

This questions gives them the chance to do that.

It also gives you more insight into what’s actually happening in these fields / at this company that you might not learn from some online searching.

5. "My current goal is to improve [Relevant Skill]. Would you recommend I do [Action A] or [Action B]?”

This positions your contact as an expert, while making it easy for them to reply.

It also opens the door for the next conversation.

When they give their answer?

You can tell them you’ll do it and then follow up with them.

Just make sure to follow through on that :)

6. "If you were in my shoes and looking for your next opportunity, how would you go about it?"

Asking for a referral outright can feel pretty awkward.

This question opens the door to that conversation without pressuring your contact to commit to anything.

If they want to refer you? They’ll probably mention it.

If not? You’ll still get advice you can act on.

7. "Based on our conversation, who are one or two people you’d recommend I connect with next?”

This question creates a networking flywheel.

If your contact shares a name, you can ask for an introduction.

Now you can expand your network without needing to send cold messages!

It’s one of the best tactics out there.

📨 Want to take your networking from "zero responses" to "multiple offers?"

👉 Grab a free 30-min Clarity Call and we’ll map your outreach into a repeatable, referral-generation system: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

Early on in my career, I asked for a $10,000 raise.

Management immediately said "No."

I was the top performer at my level.

I helped manage our largest accounts worth multiple millions each year.

I stayed late and occasionally worked on the weekend.

Management said, "who couldn't use another $10k? It doesn't work like that."

Two months later, I accepted a new job.

The new company was offering me a $20,000 raise.

I put in my notice and was scheduled for an Exit Interview.

"Is there anything we can do to make you stay?," my current company said.

I politely referenced the conversation we had two months earlier.

This isn't just my story.

It seems to be the norm with companies everywhere.

Pay up for new talent, pray for retention.

If the money is available after someone puts in notice.

It was available before they did too.

Want to keep your best people?

Pay them.

——
♻️ Repost if you think more companies need to understand this

💼 Our client Jasleen didn't settle for less.

She quit her toxic job and we helped her land a $30k raise + visa sponsorship in 60 days.

👉 We’ll map the same system to your search on a free Clarity Call: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

Recruiters spend 7 seconds reading your resume.

Here are 7 steps to guarantee you grab their attention:

1. The Psychology Of Attention

Recruiters read hundreds of resumes every week.

They can't spend 10 minutes reading each.

So they do a "Qualification Scan."

This is a quick scan of a resume looking for specific experience, skills, and keywords.

You need to pass this.

2. Maximize The Top Of Your Resume

Beating a "Qualification Scan" is all about hitting recruiters with the info they want as early as possible.

The top of your resume is the most valuable section for this reason.

But most people waste that space with outdated strategies.

3. Leverage The "Highlight Reel"

I invented the "Highlight Reel" to solve this problem.

It's a 5 bullet section that goes like this:

#1: An overarching summary of your career and value

#2-4: Case study bullets

#5: Extracurricular value

Let’s break each of these down:

4. Your Career Summary

Your first bullet should follow this formula:

[Adjective] [Job Title] with X+ years of experience helping [Value Proposition w/ Metrics].

For example:

"Innovative CSM with 7+ years of experience driving 7-figure growth for health-focused SaaS companies."

5. Case Study Bullets

Case study bullets are where the personalization comes in.

Choose 3 of your best/most relevant projects and experience.

Then slot them in right at the top.

I recommend using ResyBullet.io to write these.

6. Extracurricular Value

Employers love candidates who stretch themselves.

This bullet is your chance to showcase that.

It’s great for sharing:

- Languages
- Volunteer Work
- Certifications
- Awards
- Etc.

Make it as relevant as you can to the company culture and role!

7. Why It Works

Highlight Reels are effective because they showcase your:

- Years of experience
- Specific relevant outcomes
- Skills
- Right at the very top of your resume.

Recruiters get all of the info they’re looking for in a few seconds.

That’s going to win you more interviews!

📄 Kyle went from 0 replies to a VP offer at his dream company, all from the strategic resume updates we helped him with.

👉 Want us to map it to your resume? Book a free 30-min Clarity Call: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

My client had applied to 500+ jobs.

She got zero interviews.

We teamed up and 2 months later?

She scored:

- Multiple interviews
- An offer from an F100 company
- $100,000+

What changed?

She stopped applying online.

And used this 11 step process instead:

1. She Shifted Her Energy

After 500 apps and no results?

She stopped investing in a system that wasn't working.

Instead, she looked at the data.

She saw that 40%-80% of hires come from referrals.

So she reallocated 100% of her energy towards building relationships.

2. She Narrowed Her Focus

Instead of applying to whatever new jobs were posted that day...

She created a specific list of value-aligned targets.

Now she could deeply invest in that list to understand their goals, challenges, initiatives, etc.

3. She Researched Like Crazy:

Listened to earnings calls

- Tuned into interviews / keynotes with execs
- Reviewed financial statements
- Read forecasts from analysts
- Combed through reviews
- Spoke to customers and users
- Used the products herself (when possible)

4. She Identified Angles

As she researched, she asked herself 3 questions:

Is there a challenge that I can help the company overcome?

Is there an opportunity I can help the company capitalize on?

Is there an initiative that I can help boost or improve?

5. She Built A List of Contacts

She aimed for 10-15 at each target company.

They had to meet 2 of 3 criteria:

- Be on the hiring team
- Be able to influence her ability to get hired
- Be able to provide info on challenges / opps / goals

She used LinkedIn to find them.

6. She Made It About Them

Her first email wasn't, "can you refer me in?"

She engaged with their content.

Complimented their personal blogs.

Recognized career changes.

If you want 15 minutes of someone's time?

Show them you spent 15 minutes to earn it (credit to Amy Volas for that one!).

7. She Went Deep On Discovery

She used her interactions to learn.

She asked contacts about the challenges they faced.

The goals they had.

The initiatives their team was rolling out.

Then she compared that to the angles she'd identified.

When one clicked?

She doubled down.

8. She Crafted Her Pitch

She turned her angle into a pitch deck.

She introduced her major value add on the first slide.

Next, she validated it with industry data or customer feedback.

Then, she outlined her ideas.

Finally, she outlined her background and why she was a fit.

9. She Sent It To Her Contact

"Hey [Name],

I've been thinking a lot about our conversation last week. Especially [Challenge / Goal / Initiative].

I put together a deck with some quick ideas for you, attached here.

Let me know if you want to chat through it!"

After that, she made the ask for a referral.

A lot of people said yes 😉.

To recap:

📉 500 apps. 0 interviews.
💼 60 days later? $100K+ F100 offer.
👉 Want this 11-step system tailored to your search? Grab a free 30-min Clarity Call: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

9 Ways GPTs Can Save You 20+ Hours / Week In Your Job Search:

1. What Are GPTs?

GPTs are customized workflows you can create and tailor for specific tasks.

For example, instead of uploading your resume, uploading the job description, and asking ChatGPT to compare?

You can create a GPT where you upload the job description and it follows a specific set of instructions that you create.

2. Using GPTs To Tailor Your Resume

You can use GPTs to string together workflows for any part of the job search.

The most obvious starting point is using one to tailor your resume for every role you apply to.

This is easily the most time consuming thing for job seekers, so let’s use that as the example for this post.

3. Create Your GPT

To create your first GPT, head to ChatGPT.com/GPTs and click the “Create” button:

Next, choose the “Configure” option on the left hand side.

Then name your GPT and provide a description.

4. Add Relevant Files (Like Your Resume)

Under the “Knowledge” section, you’ll see the ability to add files:

This is where you’ll add files that you want the GPT to reference.

In our case, we might upload our resume so the GPT has it on file and you don’t need to upload it every time.

5. Add Your Instructions

In the “Instructions” field, you’re going to add the instructions that you want the GPT to follow.

These instructions can be a mix of context, step-by-steps, and examples.

I personally find that using all three leads to the best results.

Let’s take a look at how we might write instructions for each of those categories.

6. Contextual Instructions

To start, you want to give the GPT context. For example:

“The goal of this GPT is to personalize my resume for a specific job description. When you analyze the job description, I want you to act as an expert resume writer with additional expertise in copywriting, psychology, and the job search. You will use this expertise to generate a new version of my resume that tailors my experience to the role and follows ATS best practices. Here’s how:”

7a. Step-By-Step Instructions

Next, you’ll want to share the steps the GPT should take to complete this process:

User will share the job description with ChatGPT

ChatGPT will analyze the content of the job description to identify key skills, qualifications, and goals for the role.

7b. Step-By-Step Instructions (Cont.)

ChatGPT will then analyze my content of my resume from the uploaded file “Filename.pdf.”

ChatGPT will write a new version of my resume that tailors my experience to the specific skills, qualifications, keywords, and goals in the job description.

ChatGPT will share that new resume version in the chat.

For the rest of the steps, check the carousel below.

🧠 Shawn paired our custom AI workflows with 1:1 coaching and scored a manager role in data science with a 68% raise.

Want to see how we can fast-track your pivot and help you win roles faster?

👉 Book your free 30-min call to find out: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

7 Interview Truths Nobody Tells You (Master These To Win More Offers):

1. The Decision Is Made In The First 5 Minutes

Research shows interviewers form opinions within 5 minutes.

Everything after is just confirmation bias.

Your energy, confidence, and opening answer set the tone.

Make those first moments count with confident body language and a strong intro.

2. They Already Know Your Resume

"I worked at Company X for 3 years doing Y" makes you sound like a robot.

They invited you to interview because they liked your experience.

You don’t need to regurgitate it again.

Expand on it with stories showing HOW you achieved those results.

3. Questions Are Actually Tests

Interview questions have agendas.

"What's your biggest weakness?" isn't just small talk.

It's testing self-awareness.

Identify these agendas as part of your preparation.

Then build your answers around them to win.

4. Questions Matter More Than Answers

Most candidates ask generic questions:

"What's the culture like?"
"What are the next steps?"

Don't do that. Instead, ask questions that show you think strategically:

"Let's fast forward one year, what has this hire done to beat all expectations?"

5. The Best Candidate Doesn't Always Win

More experience doesn't equal more jobs.

Skills get you in the door.

But a personalized pitch gets you the offer.

Don't just summarize your experience, sell it in relation to the company’s biggest needs and goals.

That’s what wins offers.

6. Following Up Is Part Of The Interview

90% of candidates send a bland thank you email (if they send one at all).

The candidates who win send personalized notes within a few hours.

Here's a winning format:

Thank them for their time

Recap a specific conversation point

Emphasize your excitement

7. Rejection Means You're Getting Closer

Every "No" teaches you something.

Maybe your stories are weak.

Maybe your body language was off.

Most people get rejected and just keep doing the same thing.

Winners use rejections as an opportunity to reflect, learn, and adapt.

8 Unique Questions To Ask In Interviews (That Will Help You Land More Offers):

1. Fast Forward One Year, You're Looking Back On This Hire. What Did They Do To Exceed Every Expectation?

This shows the interviewer that you're results-focused. You want to know exactly what success looks like so you can create a plan to make it happen.

2. What Is The Most Unexpected Thing You've Learned While Working Here?

Most interviewers aren't prepared for this and it encourages them to share unique experiences they've had.

That combo leads to some really unique stories and insights about the team and the company.

3. Why Is This Role Open?

Is the company expanding to capitalize on a new market?

Did the previous employee quit?

Were they laid off?

It's critical to understand why the company decided to open this role in the first place.

4. Who Would Not Be A Good Fit For This Role?

Many people are focused on finding a good fit.

But flipping the script can give you a lot of insight too.

This question pushes the interviewer to think of traits that wouldn't fit with their culture.

5. What Goals Has Your Manager Set For You Over The Next 6 Months? How Can This Hire Help You Achieve Them?

Everybody wants to look good in front of their manager.

Showing that you understand this and that you'll prioritize it is a great way to make a strong impression.

6. How Many People In This Role Have Been Promoted To More Senior Internal Positions?

Growth trajectory is something that every candidate should factor into their decision.

Do people in this role get promoted internally? Or do they need to go elsewhere to move up?

7. Can You Tell Me About A Time When Someone Was Encouraged To Step Outside The Confines Of Their Job Description?

This is a 2-for-1 deal.

If the stretch project was to help them grow? Awesome.

If it was forcing them to do extra, unnecessary work? Also great to know.

8. Can You Walk Me Through The Roadmap And Projections For The Next 12 Months?

Before you jump into any job, you should know where they stand and where they're going.

They should be able to provide you with current numbers plus projections and a clear vision for the future.

Pro Tip: Make A Prioritized List

Most interviews only offer 5-10 minutes for questions.

That gives you time for 2, maybe 3 questions.

Before your next interview, review this list and choose 3 "Must Ask" questions along with 2-3 "On Deck" questions that you can ask if you have time.

🧭 Cole was overwhelmed with interview prep, unsure how to stand out.

We helped him revamp his strategy—starting with smarter questions—and he scored roles at Google and Walmart.

👉 Want a personalized strategy to help you do the same? Book a free 30-min Clarity Call: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

7 Hidden Factors That Determine If You Get The Job (That Nobody Tells You About):

1. The First 6 Seconds

Recruiters spend just 6 seconds scanning your resume before making an initial judgment.

Place your most impressive achievements in your resume summary in the form of a Highlight Reel:

– Add 4–5 bullet points summarizing your experience & case studies
– Use action words, hard & soft skills, and measurable results in every bullet

Leverage this “golden zone” of your resume to increase interview rates.

2. The Backdoor Reference Check

Hiring managers quietly check mutual LinkedIn connections.

Build allies before interviews:

– Identify potential teammates
– Spot something unique in their profile (e.g., a career switch)
– Ask for advice on that topic to spark connection

Now you’ve got an insider ready to vouch for you.

3. The Decision-Maker Matrix

Every hiring process has decision-makers with different priorities.

Tailor your messaging to address each of their concerns. For example:

HR: mirror job description keywords in your resume.
Manager: bring a mini Value Validation Project that tackles their top pain.

Cover both angles and your value lands at every stage.

4. The Conversation-to-Question Ratio

Interviews that feel like natural conversations lead to more offers.

Try keeping a 60:40 ratio of conversation with:

Mini-stories: For example, “Our launch stalled, so I rebuilt the analytics dashboard overnight.”

Smart follow-up: For example, “What first-90-day win would move the needle most here?”

The best interviews often end with both parties losing track of time.

5. The Psychological Principle of Contrast

Think of an interview as a mini playoff. You’re ranked against 3–5 others.

Recency bias is real: the final slot gets roughly a 25% bump.

Grab a mid-week, mid-day time when everyone’s alert.

Drop one sticky story, like: “Cut onboarding from 2 weeks to 48 hrs.”

That single, punchy win can break the tie in your favor.

6. The Post-Interview Window

Candidates who follow up with tailored thank-you notes win more offers.

Echo a moment: “Loved our dive into your move from HubSpot to Salesforce.”

Add one fresh nugget: “Since our chat, I sketched a two-sprint roadmap for a smooth data migration. Happy to send it over.”

Quick, personal note showcases listening skills and builds relationships.

7. The Enthusiasm Multiplier

When skills are neck-and-neck, energy decides the game.

Hiring managers treat visible enthusiasm as fuel for performance and staying power.

Show it with future-focused questions like, “What would a home run look like in my first 90 days?”

Leave every touchpoint on a high note, and you’ll stick in their minds.

📋 Want a personalized system that stacks the odds in your favor across these 7 factors?

👉 Grab a free 30-min Clarity Call & we’ll show you how: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r

This Email Template Got Me Interviews at Microsoft, Google, & Twitter (Steal It To Level Up Your Own Job Search!)

1. How I Discovered This

When I was job searching, I sent thousands of cold emails.

I also tracked the data around open rates, replies, and referrals associated with each.

I tested everything from asking for referrals, to asking for advice, to adding value, and everything in between.

The email template in this post is the one that I found to be the most effective across the entire spectrum (from getting that first reply to landing the referral).

2. Aim For The Reply Early

Too many job seekers make the mistake of expecting too much from a networking email.

Your chances of landing a referral or even a coffee chat from one email are low.

Instead, if you’re sending an initial email, you should have one goal:

To get a reply.

Once you get a reply, you can build from there.

3. The Anatomy Of This Email

The goal of this email is to maximize your chances of getting a reply by doing 3 things:

Positioning your contact as an expert

Asking for advice, but limiting it to two pre-determined options

Specifically stating that they only need to reply with one of the options

Let’s break down each of these:

4. Position Them As An Expert

You want to open your email by letting them know how you found their info.

Then you want to position them as an expert. For example:

“Hey Austin,

I hope you don’t mind me reaching out of the blue. I found your profile on LinkedIn while I was looking for people with impressive experience in [Industry]. Your transition from [Company A] to [Company B] really stood out!”

5. Ask For Advice & Share Two Options

Next, ask them for advice.

Limit it to two options that you’ve already chosen.

For example:

“I’m looking to make a similar transition and am working to hone my [Insert Skill]. Based on your experience, would you recommend:

Taking [Insert Online Certification]

Reading [Insert Relevant Book]”

6. Tell Them They Only Need To Reply With One

Finally, let them know they only need to reply with the option.

For example:

“I know you’re incredibly busy so even just replying with ‘Option 1’ would help me get started.

But if it’s too much of an ask coming from a total stranger, I totally understand. No worries at all, I hope you have a great week!”

7. What To Do When They Reply

When they reply, go take action on the advice!

When you’re done, send them a note and tell them you took action, share what you learned, and then ask for more advice!

Now you’ve created a cycle.

Each step in the cycle helps you build the relationship and position yourself as someone who's worth investing in.

That should take you all the way to the referral!

6 Last-Minute Preparation Tips To Win Your Interview:

1. Don’t Try To Do Too Much

The biggest mistake people make when preparing for interviews on short notice is doing too much.

Your brain can only handle a limited amount while still being efficient.

If you try to cram a week’s worth of preparation into a few hours, you’re going to end up being more anxious and more stressed.

So be intentional about mastering a select few things.

2. Check The News

Run a search for the company name and filter by “News.”

Additionally, scan the content from the company’s social media channels and website for the past few weeks.

This will key you into any recent developments that you might be able to bring up or weave into your conversation.

3. Craft Your “Elevator Pitch”

Almost every interview is going to contain the question: Tell Me About Yourself?

This is the #1 priority to nail in your first interview. Structure your story as:

- Past (experience)
- Present (current skills + why you’re looking)
- Future (why this company is the perfect fit)

4. Prepare Two Success Stories

Review your experience and choose two scenarios that feel relevant to this role.

Craft answers around them that focus on the STAR method:

- Situation
- Task
- Action
- Result

Having two solid examples can carry you through many conversations.

5. Plan One Great Question To Ask Them

This isn’t your typical, “what’s your favorite part about working here?”

Instead, use it to show off some research you did as well as how tuned in you are to their needs.

Leverage the news, your company research, etc.

Ex: “The launch into the LATAM market is exciting! A few of the analysts whose reports I read mentioned that localization might be a challenge. How is your team thinking about handling that?”

6. Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Your brain is going to operate best on a good night’s sleep.

That’s worth more than some extra hours of research and preparation.

Do what you can and then shut everything down at a reasonable time.

Aim to get at least 8 hours if you can.

📅 Interview coming up? You don’t need a week to prep, you need a system.

🧭 These 6 tips are just the start. Want a customized prep plan that aligns with your background and the exact role you’re targeting?

👉 Book a free 30-min Clarity Call here: https://lnkd.in/gdysHr-r