Steven Li

Work Gap is not a weakness 💯 In today’s world, many talented individuals are rejected simply because of a gap in their employment history. But let’s pause for a moment and ask: What if that person had to step away due to health issues? What if they faced personal challenges that demanded their time and attention? Or worse, what if their previous company let them down—without notice, without empathy? A work gap is not a weakness. It’s not a red flag. It’s often a story of resilience, a chapter of learning, or a time when someone had no choice but to prioritize life over career. 💡 Imagine the difference a single interview opportunity can make for them. It could be the turning point they need to rebuild, to rise again, to show what they’re capable of. As recruiters, hiring managers, and leaders, it’s our responsibility to give these candidates a fair chance. Let’s create a world where we listen before we judge, where we value potential over perfection, and where we believe in second chances. Follow Anmol Jain #Hiring #WorkGaps #SecondChances #Recruitment #Empathy #TalentMatters #LinkedIn LinkedIn News India LinkedIn Guide to Creating

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🕵️‍♀️ Soft References: Why They Matter More Than Ever Let’s talk about something that’s becoming increasingly common in today’s job market: - Soft reference checks. As I’ve mentioned before, the roles I’m working on right now are extremely competitive. One recent role received over 100 CVs. Clients are interviewing 30+ candidates just for the first round. It’s a buyer’s market and hiring managers are being extra selective. 🤔 What Is a Soft Reference Check? Unlike formal reference checks (which happen after an offer is made), soft references happen before the interview. It’s when HR or hiring managers quietly ask around: “Do you know this candidate? What’s your impression?” They’re looking for informal feedback *reputation, attitude, reliability before even scheduling a call. I’ve seen this happen recently with two middle-to-senior roles. Both hiring teams performed soft reference checks before shortlisting candidates. 📉 Why Is This Happening? The market is tough. When the economy slows down, jobs become scarce and competition spikes. But when the market picks up, it flips - companies scramble to find talent. So if you’re landing interviews or offers right now, take it as a sign: 🔥 You’re doing something right. 🔥 You’re standing out in a sea of applicants. 💪 My Weekend Reminder: - I’m writing this on a Sunday because I believe in working smart and being the last one standing. - I want to be the most influential recruiter. Hence my opportunity cost is to manage time efficiently and try to post consistently by cutting back my me-time, sleep time or entertainment. - There is always give and take in everything. In career and life! - But there is always one life to live. Why not shine and live out to your maximum potential? If you’re job hunting, don’t give up. Keep refining your brand, your CV, your LinkedIn presence. 🏅 And remember: Your reputation travels reputation travels faster than your faster than your resume. PS: If you’re job hunting today, feel free to check out my guides on: 📝 Fixing Your CV & LinkedIn in 1 Day https://lnkd.in/ggNqAK87

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It is a tougher market now, especially for jobseekers. As much as we face rejection on a day to day basis as headhunters, the same applies to job applicants. However, every “No” brings you closer to a “Yes”: Reframing Rejection in the Candidate Journey In today’s competitive job market, rejection can feel personal. Imagine, you’ve tailored your resume, prepared for interviews, and invested emotional energy —only to receive a polite “no thank you”/ “thank you for your application BUT..” It’s disheartening. What if we reframed rejection not as a setback, but as a necessary step towards success? The Power of Perspective Every “no” is data. It’s feedback, even if indirect. It tells you something about the market, the role, the company (yes!), or even your own positioning. Most importantly, it’s proof that you’re in motion—applying, interviewing, showing up. Staying put for too long means stagnation if you have hit your ceiling. In fact, the most successful candidates aren’t the ones who avoid rejection. They’re the ones who learn from it, adapt, and persist. Truth be told, some roles happen within weeks, some candidates take more than a year for the ideal job. Here’s what every “no” might actually mean: • You’re refining your story. Each interview helps you sharpen how you present your experience and value. • You’re building resilience. The ability to bounce back is a skill that employers deeply value (not that you have to share 🤫) • You’re narrowing the fit. Not every role is right for you—and that’s okay. Every rejection brings you closer to the one that is. From Candidate to Strategist Treat your job search like a campaign. Track your applications, reflect on interview outcomes, and seek feedback when possible. Your headhunter may well be your best strategist. Consider • What patterns am I noticing? • Where am I getting traction? • What can I tweak in my approach or resume? This mindset transforms you from a passive applicant to an active strategist. The eventual “Yes” Is Worth It When the right opportunity comes, it often feels like everything clicks. It’s sweet. The culture fits, the role excites you, and the team sees your potential. That “yes” is not just a job offer—it’s the result of every “no” that came before it. So if you’re in the thick of the search, remember: every rejection is a redirection. For some of us who take a little longer, keep going. Your “yes” is on its way. Brian Chan Ariel Chan Dennis Chan Raiza E Ruth Ma Wei Yun Teo Tiffanie Chua Wanyee Pang Rafferty Ryan Rodrigues Aliaksandra Iuchyk

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