Dan Mian

Recruitment reduces candidates to a checklist.

But there's a person behind every application.

It’s important to look beyond the CV.
Here's why:

1️⃣ Everyone’s Story Is Unique
→ A CV can’t capture capture everything.
→ Resilience, creativity & personality are missed.

2️⃣ Potential > Perfection
→ Candidates won’t tick every single box.
→ Willingness to learn & adaptability make a great hire.

3️⃣ Empathy Is Key
→ Understand a candidate’s story.
→ It creates better relationships & hiring decisions.

Job seekers - here's how to be visible on LinkedIn:

→ Share content about your story.
→ Build relationships with recruiters.
→ Add personality to your about section.
→ Follow company pages and employees.
→ Write high-quality comments to stand out.

Example: my client got an interview by commenting on a CEO's LinkedIn post and sending her a DM.

A CV is more than just a piece of paper.

It’s someone’s effort, dreams & ambitions.

Never forget that.

It's important to look beyond the CV in recruitment.
Do you agree? Comment below ⬇️


Repost ♻️ to show there are humans behind every application.
Follow Dan Mian for more.

International students are the best.

You mean to tell me that you:

- Born in a different country
- Speak multiple languages
- Studied in a new country
- Took exams in your second language
- Wrote essays in your second language
- Blended into a new culture seamlessly
- Made a whole bunch of new friends
- Studied for a semester in yet another country
- Worked a part time job during your studies
- Sent money home to your family

And did it all with a smile on your face...?!

Recognise your strengths and be confident.

Any employer will be lucky to have you!

The linear career path is dead.

Strategic pivots are the new normal.

Today’s workforce is more dynamic than ever.

Gen-Z is leading the way.

The average tenure per role?
1.7 years.

52% of US workers have considered a career change since the pandemic.

Yet so many people feel stuck:

- They worry about taking a step back.
- They hesitate due to the sunk-cost fallacy.

But strategic career pivots bring the best rewards:

➡️ Faster Salary Growth
➡️ Better Work-Life Balance
➡️ More Exciting Projects
➡️ Larger Network & New Opportunities
➡️ Stronger Skill Set & Career Resilience

I’ve pivoted multiple times.
Each brought new skills, more money & growth.

Want To Pivot Strategically?
Here’s Your 6 Step Framework:

1️⃣ Leverage Your Network For Referrals
↳ The job you want may not be advertised right now.
 ↳ Speak to people in the roles you’re aiming for.

2️⃣ Research Roles & Industries Thoroughly
↳ Study market trends, companies & in-demand skills.
↳ Align to the company strategy & values.

3️⃣ Upskill To Plug Skills Gaps
↳ Identify the gaps and fill it proactively.
↳ Take online courses, workshops or certifications.

(BONUS: shadow people & start a side hustle to practise the skills)

4️⃣ Focus On Transferable Skills
↳ Identify cross-over strengths from past roles.
↳ i.e. leadership, problem-solving, adaptability.

5️⃣ Tell Your Unique Story
↳ Your skill stack makes you unique.
↳ Show how journey brings new perspective & value.

6️⃣ Focus On Impact & Results
↳ Companies don’t just hire for skills - they hire results.
↳ Frame your experience for outcomes & impact.

Careers aren’t one-size-fits-all anymore.

Don’t stay stuck.
Your next move could be the best one yet.

Strategic pivoting is the new norm
Do you agree? Comment below ⬇️

♻️ Repost to share with others.
👋 Follow Dan Mian for more.

I once quit a job with nothing lined up.

No plan.
No safety net.
No new job to go to.

It was a decision I couldn’t avoid anymore.

Because I had a manager who made every day miserable.

The culture was toxic.
And I couldn’t take it anymore.

You spend 40 hours/week at work.

If it’s draining you?
No salary makes up for that.

5 Red Flags That Should Never Be Ignored:

🚩 Micromanagement
↳ If you’re constantly questioned or controlled, there’s no trust.

🚩 No Recognition
↳ Good work goes unnoticed? You'll feel underappreciated.

🚩 Burnout Culture
↳ No flexibility, crazy deadlines/pressure. That's not high performance - it's mismanagement.

🚩 Poor Leadership
↳ Leaders who lack EQ and don't inspire people.

🚩 No Room To Grow
↳ Talented people want growth. If they don’t get it, they’ll find it elsewhere.

And if you’re a leader reading this?
Here’s how to do better:

✅ Give People Autonomy
↳ Trust your team to what the job you hired them for.

✅ Praise In Public
↳ Recognition costs nothing as is so impactful.

✅ Support Your Managers
↳ They shape the culture. Invest in them. Train them.

People don’t quit companies.
They quit bad bosses. And toxic environments.

A great salary can attract top talent.
But a great culture will keep them.

Repost ♻️ if this hit home.
Follow Dan Mian for more insights.

Rejection hurts.

Job searching can feel relentless.

You spend hours:

- Tailoring your CV
- Crafting applications
- Preparing for interviews

You go through multiple rounds.
Each one building your hopes higher.

And then an email lands in your inbox:
“We regret to inform you.”

It’s brutal.
I’ve been there.

Years ago, I was rejected 50 times before I landed my dream job.

And now after helping thousands of graduates land their dream roles too...

Every job seeker needs to know this 1 thing.

Rejection is NORMAL.
It’s not a reflection of your worth or potential.

Here's How To Turn Rejection Into Success:

1️⃣ Ask For Feedback
↳ Find out why you weren't selected.
↳ Apply what you learn for future applications.

2️⃣ Customise Your CV For Each Application
↳ Highlight results & use keywords from job description.
↳ Adopt the employers language.

3️⃣ Practice Interviewing
↳ Don't relax once you land an interview.
↳ Rehearse answers, record yourself & refine your answers.

5️⃣ Stay In Touch With Interviewers
↳ Send a thank-you message, even if you’re rejected.
↳ Ask for future opportunities.

6️⃣ Track Your Progress
↳ Create a tracker for applications, follow-ups & feedback.
↳ Spot patterns in your approach (e.g. applying earlier = more success).

7️⃣ Take Care Of Yourself
↳ Rejection is tough - give yourself time to process it.
↳ Celebrate small wins to keep your momentum going.

Every rejection brings you closer to the right opportunity.

Trust the process.
Keep learning, improving & moving forward.

You’ve got this!

♻️ Repost to inspire job seekers
_________________

Are You A Graduate In The UK Looking For Your Dream Job? 🚀

Just this last month, 5 of our students turned interviews into job offers with a 100% SUCCESS RATE after we introduced our new and improved “secret weapon“ to their job search!

Want to know what it is?
I'm sharing it in my free Job Search Masterclass 💼🚀

Comment SECRET below for access ⬇️

(Must be a UK-based student or graduate)

People will forget your title.

But they’ll NEVER forget how you treated them.

Everyone deserves respect.
Regardless of title or status.

I’ve seen people completely ignore cleaners, security & junior staff…

Only to light up when a senior exec enters the room.

It's embarrassing.
And tells me everything I need to know.

I come from humble beginnings.
My parents taught me to respect everyone.

Here’s How To Lead With Humility & Build A Culture Of Respect:

1️⃣ Treat Everyone Like They Matter
↳ Because they do - everyone has a part to play.

2️⃣ Speak to People on Their Level
↳ Don’t talk at people. Speak with them.
↳ Be genuine - ask questions and listen.

3️⃣ Show Gratitude Daily
↳ A simple thank you can mean the world.
↳ Especially to those often overlooked.

4️⃣ Promote DEI Beyond the Buzzwords
↳ Listen to diverse voices & celebrate differences
↳ Hire & promote inclusively - your team will benefit.

5️⃣ Ask for Feedback at Every Level
↳ Get 360 insight from everyone around you.
↳ You'll see how you're actually perceived.

6️⃣ Stay Grounded
↳ Don’t let your title make you forget where you came from.

7️⃣ Lead by Example
↳ People remember how you make them feel.

How you treat others says everything about you.

Respect everyone.

You'll be a better person & leader because of it.

♻ Repost if you agree with this message.
👋🏼 Follow Dan Mian for more posts on careers, leadership & mindset.

“Must have X years of experience” is outdated.

It’s a lazy default in job descriptions.

Just because it’s always been done that way.

But here’s the truth:
Judging someone based on time alone is flawed.

Some achieve more in 2 years than others do in 10.

They should be recognised for that.

High performers aren’t defined by the clock.

They’re defined by their impact.

Instead of focusing on years, focus on:

1️⃣ Skills:
- Look at what skills they have developed.
- Look for practical applications of those skills.

2️⃣ Results:
- Look for quantifiable achievements.
- They should demonstrate their ability to deliver.

3️⃣ Attitude:
- Look for adaptability, drive &eagerness to learn.
- They're more valuable than experience.

Hiring for years of experience:

- Misses out on people who can grow and bring fresh ideas.
- Favors time served over measurable impact.

Hiring for skills, results & attitude:

- Brings in people who deliver value from day one.
- Fosters a diverse, high-performing team.

Time alone doesn’t guarantee high performance.
Focus on what truly matters - impact.

Do you agree? Comment below ⬇

♻ Repost to share with others.
Follow Dan Mian for more.

I took the first job that said yes.

Not the one that was right for me.

I was desperate to make money.
And not feel like I wasted 3 years at uni.

That mindset pushed me into 2 jobs I hated.

I quit both.
Culture was broken.
Values weren’t real.

When I landed my dream job, everything changed.

My confidence. My health. My future.

A healthy culture improves your whole life.

Here’s what that actually looks like:

✅ You’re trusted to do your job
✅ Flexibility isn’t a perk - it’s the norm.
✅ People celebrate your differences
✅ Feedback flows both ways
✅ Leadership listens and acts on it
✅ You’re recognised and challenged

Culture isn’t just words on a careers page.

It’s how people feel on a Sunday night.

📌 Don’t settle.
You deserve more than just a payslip.

♻️ Repost to help others.
Follow Dan Mian for more.

________________________

Want help landing a role where you’re actually valued?
Comment “Dream Job” and I’ll send you a spot to my free UK grad job search masterclass 💼👇

(Must Be A UK-Based Student Or Graduate)

You apply.
You interview.
You wait.

And then… nothing.

No feedback. No update. Just silence.

It’s demoralising.

But don’t let a broken process break your confidence.

I used to send 20+ applications a week - I got ghosted constantly.

When I slowed down and focused on quality, everything changed.

Here’s how to take back control:

1️⃣ Focus On Quality, Not Quantity
↳ Stop mass applying. Choose roles that excite you and tailor your CV.

2️⃣ Build Relationships, Not Just Applications
↳ Reach out to hiring managers and recruiters. Names are remembered - applications get lost.

3️⃣ Follow Up With Confidence
↳ Make sure you are seen and heard. A polite nudge shows professionalism and motivation.

4️⃣ Keep a Progress Tracker
↳ Track who you applied to, when and what the result was. You can’t improve what you don’t measure.

5️⃣ Protect Your Self-Worth
↳ Ghosting reflects on them, not you. It’s not an indication of your value.

You deserve more than being ignored.

And the job that sees your value?
It’s coming.

repost ♻️ to share with others

________________

🗣️ UK-based graduates — Comment “Dream Job” to join my Job Search Masterclass next week!

I’ll show you how to stop getting ghosted and land offers 🙌🏽

People don’t just leave companies.

They leave bad managers.

I’ve had the full spectrum of managers in my career.

From unsupportive, toxic, micro-managers.

To inspiring, emotionally-intelligent leaders.

Their impact is immense. They can make or break your career.

No salary is worth a toxic manager.

Find a manager who:

- Says your name when you’re not in the room
- Supports your career and life goals
- Inspires you to learn and grow
- Unlocks new opportunities
- Treats you with respect
- Listens to your ideas

Once you find them, stick with them.

_________

P.S. I get that managers move on too. I’m still in touch with all of my great past managers. They’re my mentors and friends.

Stop waiting to feel ready.

There are 2 things killing your progress:

1. Perfectionism
2. Self-doubt

But it's not about being 100% qualified or prepared.
You just need to show up.

And you have to be willing to feel uncomfortable.

Here’s 5 Clear Actions To Move Forward With Confidence:

1️⃣ Apply If You Meet 60%+ Of The Job Description
↳ Hiring managers don’t expect you to tick every box.
↳ They care about potential, attitude & skills.

2️⃣ Don’t Take Rejection Personally
↳ Rejection is not about your ability or character.
↳ Use feedback to refine your approach.

3️⃣ Treat Networking As A Long Game
↳ Not everyone will respond (and that’s okay).
↳ Build genuine connections - opportunities will come.

4️⃣ Silence Your Inner Critic
↳ That voice of doubt is holding you back.
↳ Growth happens outside your comfort zone.

5️⃣ Prioritise Learning & Resilience
↳ Don't avoid failure - learn from it.
↳ Every rejection builds skills & grit.

You'll never feel ready.
And that's totally normal.

- Apply for the job
- Send the email
- Publish the post

Take more action.

You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to start.

♻️ Repost to inspire someone.
🚀 And follow Dan Mian for more.

Hiring managers, never forget:

Someone once took a chance on you.

The perfect candidate doesn’t exist.
Most skills can be taught.

But you can’t teach:

- Drive
- Adaptability
- A desire to learn

These qualities show huge potential.

It’s time to look beyond the checklist when hiring.

Job Seekers: Here’s How To Show Value
(Even If You’re Not The “Perfect Fit” On Paper):

1️⃣ Highlight Transferable Skills
↳ Soft and hard skills from previous roles are valuable.
↳ Show how you’ve used them to deliver results & impact.

2️⃣ Demonstrate A Growth Mindset
↳ Show how you’ve learned new skills or adapted to change.
↳ Employers like problem-solvers.

3️⃣ Bring Fresh Ideas
↳ Research the industry, company & role thoroughly.
↳ Come prepared with insights & suggestions that show initiative.

BONUS: Build a customised portfolio showing how you will help them achieve their goals. Send it to the hiring manager right before your interview!

The best leaders and team members didn’t start as experts.

They started with potential and the right attitude.

Hiring for potential makes good business sense.
Do you agree? Comment below ⬇

♻️ Repost to encourage better hiring decisions.
👋🏽 Follow Dan Mian for more career insights.

You don't need to be 100% qualified to apply.

Job descriptions are wish lists.
Not checklists.

You don’t need every qualification to be a great fit.

Here’s my rule of thumb:

- Less than 60% of the qualifications? Skip it.
- 60% or more? Go for it.

Some companies stick to the requirements.

But most treat them as guidelines.

People land jobs they’re “underqualified” for every day.

Stop holding yourself back just because you don’t tick every box.

Just apply.

Your job should have room for growth.
Do you agree? Comment below ⬇

Repost ♻ to inspire job seekers to apply!
Follow Dan Mian for more.

It’s NEVER too late to start over.

2015: Graduated. Got rejected from 50 jobs
2016: Got a sales job. Hated it. Quit for mental health
2017: Got another job. Toxic culture. Quit again
2017: Cracked the job search - interview/offers from dream companies
2018: Worked part-time & travelled
2019: Started my dream job at BT (grad scheme)
2020: Launched side hustle & started posting on LinkedIn
2021: Pivoted career into Marketing
2022: Continued to build Gradvance
2023: Specialised in Performance Marketing scaling start-ups
2024: Reduced hours at BT - hired my brother full-time
2025: Retired from corporate to be a full-time entrepreneur

I’ve also:
- Become a 2x LinkedIn Top Voice
- Ranked #2 LinkedIn career coach worldwide
- Ranked #27 LinkedIn creator worldwide
- Built multiple income streams
- Married my best friend
- Helped thousands of people get jobs

But let me tell you…

Those first two years after university were some of the HARDEST of my life.

I felt lost and rejected.
Like I had no idea what I was doing.

But I never gave up.
Every rejection, failure & setback was a redirection.

I turned that pain into a successful career coaching program that has helped hundreds of graduates land their dream jobs at some of the best companies in the UK.

We're onboarding our next cohort NOW ➡️ if you're interested comment “Gradvance“ below.

Failure isn't the end.
Keep going.

You can only connect the dots looking forward.

♻️ Repost to inspire others
🚀 Follow Dan Mian Mian for more

We were taught a lie.

Get a degree → land a top job → build a great career (guaranteed!).

But it doesn’t work like that anymore.

Degrees are less valuable to employers now.

They care more about: Skills, impact & real-world results.

Here’s 5 Ways To Build Value Beyond Your Degree:

1️⃣ Learn Skills That Matter
↳ Data, design, writing, coding, selling – things companies actually need.

2️⃣ Get Real Experience
↳ Intern, volunteer, shadow. Show you can do it in the real world.

3️⃣ Build Something
↳ Freelance, side project, YouTube/LinkedIn series. Be proactive, show initiative.

4️⃣ Keep Learning
↳ Things change so fast – stay curious (especially with new tech).

5️⃣ Self Promote Shamelessly
↳ Create a portfolio, build a personal brand & network strategically.

The education system was built for a different time.

It doesn’t prepare you for the job market today.

That’s not your fault.
But it’s your responsibility now.

Build the skills.
Be creative. Show initiative.

Employers don’t just want qualifications.
They want to see what you can do.

Degrees are less valuable today than they used to be.
Do you agree? Comment below ⬇️

♻️ Repost to help someone in your network.
👋🏽 Follow Dan Mian for more career advice.

What's the real secret to success?

It’s not talent. It's not luck...

It’s what you do every single day.

I used to get overwhelmed by the big picture:

- Land the best job
- Build a 6 figure business
- Get ripped and run marathons
- Get 100,000 followers on LinkedIn

They all felt too far away.
Until I learned how to break them down.

I was listening to Atomic Habits by James Clear.

And one idea stuck with me:
Success is just the result of good daily habits.

Here’s How You Can Apply It:

1️⃣ Want To Land A Job?
↳ Apply to 2 high-quality roles per day
↳ Send 3 networking messages
↳ Track your progress in a spreadsheet

2️⃣ Want To Grow On LinkedIn?
↳ Post 1x per day
↳ Comment on 5 posts from others
↳ Write down ideas as they come (& use AI to help)

3️⃣ Want To Get Fit?
↳ Walk 10,000 steps
↳ Train 1 muscle group per day
↳ Make better food choices - one meal at a time

4️⃣ Want to improve your mindset?
↳ Read 10 pages per day
↳ Write down 3 wins
↳ Reflect for 5 minutes

Once you commit, keep your promise to yourself.

And if you fall off?
Cool. Bounce back the next day.

Don’t aim for perfection.
Aim for progress.

Because in the end…
Daily habits = Big results.

Do you agree?
Comment below ⬇️

♻️ Repost to inspire others.
👋🏽 Follow Dan Mian for more posts like this.

You will get hired soon.

The “We'd love to offer you the role of X!“ email is landing in your inbox.

Projecting positive energy to all of you doing your best on the job search.

Times are tough and the job market is extremely challenging right now.

So if you can, I encourage you to do something small to help a job seeker on their journey. Simply replying to a DM can make a huge difference!

Staying positive and motivated is so important - especially when facing rejections and ghosting.

If you’re looking for your next opportunity and you're reading this today, that ‘yes’ is coming.

I'm excited to see those “I'm happy to announce“ posts on my feed!

#careers #jobsearch

Recruitment reduces candidates to a checklist.

But there's a person behind every application.

It’s important to look beyond the CV.
Here's why:

1️⃣ Everyone’s Story Is Unique
→ A CV can’t capture capture everything.
→ Resilience, creativity & personality are missed.

2️⃣ Potential > Perfection
→ Candidates won’t tick every single box.
→ Willingness to learn & adaptability make a great hire.

3️⃣ Empathy Is Key
→ Understand a candidate’s story.
→ It creates better relationships & hiring decisions.

Job seekers - here's how to be visible on LinkedIn:

→ Share content about your story.
→ Build relationships with recruiters.
→ Add personality to your about section.
→ Follow company pages and employees.
→ Write high-quality comments to stand out.

Example: my client got an interview by commenting on a CEO's LinkedIn post and sending her a DM.

A CV is more than just a piece of paper.

It’s someone’s effort, dreams & ambitions.

Never forget that.

It's important to look beyond the CV in recruitment.
Do you agree? Comment below ⬇️

Repost ♻️ to show there are humans behind every application.
Follow Dan Mian for more.