Earlier this week, we hosted an engaging workshop where we covered 9 common mistakes people make during their career search. We had a lively discussion and addressed some great questions that are worth sharing here. If you missed the workshop, don't worry—you can catch the video replay here. Let’s dive into some of the questions candidates had about their career search from our Q&A!

Question: Is it good to use ChatGPT to write my resume?

Answer:  

While ChatGPT can help speed up your writing process, it’s not the best tool for creating a standout resume. Why? Because ChatGPT pulls information from the internet, meaning the content it generates is similar to what others are using. If thousands of people use ChatGPT, their resumes will likely look alike, which won't help you stand out in a crowded job market.

At Career Oyster Coach, we focus on writing unique and tailored resumes. We help our clients stand out from the crowd with Forward-Facing™ resumes. Your resume should reflect your individual value, not a cookie-cutter format that blends in with the rest. In its current form, ChatGPT relies on routine language and standard formats—so it’s not ideal for differentiating yourself.

Question: How do I better describe subcontract work on my resume?

Answer:

The key here is to avoid using a standard resume format. There are no strict rules in job searching. What matters is getting in front of the right person with the right message at the right time.

If you've done subcontract work, consider presenting it in a consultative format. Instead of listing your roles under a single employer, highlight the value and impact of each subcontract project. By focusing on your accomplishments and experience with a Forward-Facing™ resume from Career Oyster, you can emphasize the diversity of your experience and the results you've delivered. This approach showcases your skills more effectively than a traditional resume might.

Question: How do I determine my value proposition at age 71?

Answer:  

In the later stages of your career, particularly if you’re in your 70s, it’s crucial to target the right market. Ageism is a concern for many, but it’s all about finding where your skills and experience will be highly valued.

Position yourself as a senior professional with a lot to offer—loyalty, hard work, and the ability to mentor younger employees. Companies benefit from hiring seasoned professionals like you, who are often less risky than younger employees still climbing the corporate ladder. Think of yourself as a "Mercedes-Benz at a fraction of the cost"—a premium professional who brings tremendous value. It’s all about how you present yourself, and we can help you learn to create a resume that reflects this.

Question: Does it make sense to reach out proactively if companies don’t seem to respond?

Answer:  

Absolutely! Be proactive. Many people make the mistake of being reactive—waiting for a company to contact them or sending off resumes without any follow-up. To succeed, take a sales-oriented approach to your job search. As the saying goes, "If it’s going to be, it’s up to me."

Take steps to make things happen. The worst that can happen is that you’ll hear a “no”—but being proactive opens the door to opportunities. Even if you don’t consider yourself a natural salesperson, learning to sell yourself as a candidate is key to standing out. At Careeroystercoach.com we teach our clients how to turn the interview process into a sales process.  Remember, motivation follows action—so the more activity you engage in, the more motivated and confident you’ll become, which will ultimately lead to landing the job.

Ready to take the next step in your career?  

Head over to careeroystercoach.com/yourpath to explore our paths and select the one that’s best for you. We’ve perfected our 6-step interview strategy, we’ve helped thousands of candidates win their job interviews, and we’re here to help you avoid the common mistakes that hold many candidates back.

Let’s get you on the path to your dream job!