LinkedIn Headshots / Banners

 To begin - I do not like the idea of headshots / banners - can be viewed as "age discriminatory". However, LI claims the those with headshots get 14x more views than those that do not. Also, those that do not include headshots are often thought of as scammers using a fake profile and / or hiding something else.

These are the reality and we must all deal with the way LI does business - like it or not. (Don't shoot to messenger - just providing perspective and data about the LI algorithm.)

With all that stated, please refresh your LinkedIn profile with a new headshot and banner. If you don’t have either, add them. Job searching in 2026 is all about being visible and, more importantly, trustworthy. Therefore, go with as conservative a headshot and banner as possible.

Functional Resumes (NO!)

 Functional Resumes (NO!)

Employers often prefer chronological resumes over functional ones for several reasons:

Clarity of Career Progression: Chronological resumes clearly outline a candidate's career progression and employment history, making it easier for employers to see how skills and experiences have developed over time.

Skepticism About Gaps: Functional resumes can obscure gaps in employment. Employers may be wary of candidates who choose this format, as it can raise questions about why they are not presenting their experience chronologically.

Focus on Skills: While functional resumes highlight skills, employers often want to see how those skills were applied in real job situations. A chronological format provides context for skill use within specific roles.

Industry Norms: Many industries have a traditional preference for chronological resumes, so deviating from this norm can make a candidate seem less familiar with standard practices.

Networking - Submission of Resumes

 It is universally accepted that NETWORKING is the best way to find new opportunities. With that stated, you still must have an ATS compliant resume. Many companies, as a matter of protocol, require that all candidate resumes are scanned by ATS systems.

Therefore, do not take the path of least resistance and create a resume with AI tools or not bother to take your time to make the resume compliant.

Interview Preparation

 Interview Preparation -

While it is a given that you learn about the company, the market it serves, the duties of the opportunity, etc., it is equally as important to be prepared to offer solid examples of your success stories. If the interviewer asks about your experience selling to C-Level executives, do not answer " I have sold to CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, CMOs and CTOs for five (5) years." You should reply: I have managed the sales cycle involved the C-Suite, pitching new products / services, always in highly competitive marketplaces. I always demonstrate the strengths of my product / service offering, accentuating why our organization is poised to address questions / problems / concerns while always being proactive with customer success initiatives, client training and information about new add-ons and new products in the pipeline. See the difference???

Do you know the interviewer?

  Do you know the interviewer?

Probably not. However, that means that you need to do some research about the interviewer. Use LinkedIn to read about the interviewer in terms of:

Career Path

Education

Affiliations / Professional Organizations

Achievements

A quick Google search will provide additional information for you. This information will help you better understand the interviewer, the company as well as potential career paths for you, esp. if the interviewer is in your field (not a recruiter).

Instagram - Networking

  Instagram - Networking

 https://www.instagram.com/allanbrownresume/reel/DGriN_eRKAe/

Job Market - Is your resume ATS Compliant?

 Job Market - Is your resume ATS Compliant?

It has been a tough year for many as related to the job market. But, indications lead to a robust 2026. If you have experienced a hard time finding work, things are looking up. With that said, please make sure your resume is ready to go, which means updated and ATS-compliant.

If you do not know what ATS-compliant means, send me your resume and I will let you know if you meet the standard.

Market Sector Growth - Job Search 2026 – Technology - Centric Professionals

Market Sector Growth - Job Search 2026 – Technology - Centric Professionals

The demand for technology-centric professionals, especially AI/ ML Engineers, AI Product Managers, Data Analysts / Engineers, Cloud Engineers, Cybersecurity Engineers and Technical Program / Project Managers will be in higher demand because the focus of the work is more specialized than in the past.  These deliverables are more defined and highly specialized as compared to the past.

However, it is important to note that employers are looking for candidates who will be on-site or at best, hybrid 1-2 days per week.  Collaboration for these role is more important to employers than in the recent past.  Work-from-Home (WFM) for highly technical roles are fading away fast than sales, marketing and business side roles.

Federal Resumes:

 Federal Resumes:

For those of you who are looking for new opportunities in 2026, this serves as a reminder:

The long federal resume is officially out. Beginning Monday, September 29, 2025, USAJOBS will accept only two-page resumes, whether you upload a file or use Resume Builder. USAJOBS will enforce the new limit and clear searchable resumes from the Agency Talent Portal (ATP) so everyone plays by the same rules.

Market Sector Growth - Job Search 2026 – Business Analysts / Data Analysts / Business Intelligence

 Market Sector Growth - Job Search 2026 – Business Analysts 

Given the advancements / concentration on digital transformation and artificial intelligence across all market verticals, it is easy to forecast a strong job market for analysts, esp. those who have taken the initiative to ramp up technology skills (i.e. Tableau / PowerBI / Salesforce).  Those that have these skills as well as keen business / financial acumen, the demand for their talents will be strong in that these professionals will be able to properly bridge / articulate the demands of those of the business and technical sides of businesses.

Market Sector Growth - Job Search 2026 – Civil Engineering

 Market Sector Growth - Job Search 2026 – Civil Engineering

The demand for civil engineers is expected to flourish in 2026 and for the foreseeable future due to the country's focus on sustainability practices, renewable energy and green infrastructure initiatives across the majority of industries. In addition, municipal projects (new / repaired roads) and "smart" projects (public and private) offer civil engineers, esp. those who are dedicated to continued professional development, career opportunities that will outpace the supply of trained professionals.