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The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for A Job Search

Updated: Aug 25


Professional man holding briefcase, symbolizing job search preparation.

Want a Better Job? Start Here, Before You Even Apply.


TL;DR | Prepare Strategically for Your Job Search Journey


▍ Today’s job search is more than resumes. It’s about presence, story, and value.

▍ LinkedIn is your career billboard. Your resume? Your first impression.

▍ This guide shares smart, human-centered strategies to help you stand out and succeed—online, on paper, and in interviews.

▍ Perfect for energy, chemical, and technical professionals who want to future-proof their next move.


The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for a Job Search


Preparing for a job search takes more than just updating your resume. In today’s market, especially in industries like energy and chemicals, employers seek professionals who align with their values, culture, and team dynamics. Whether you're actively exploring new opportunities or want to be ready if the right one comes, this guide will help you stand out and feel confident throughout your job search journey.


Most job postings center around your skills and experience. However, employers are also looking for something else—how well you’ll integrate with their team and culture. The tips below will help you prepare for your job search in a way that makes a lasting impression.


Build Your Brand Before the Job Search Begins


LinkedIn isn’t just a job search tool; it’s your professional brand. Whether you're actively looking or want to stay visible, your LinkedIn profile should reflect who you are, what you bring to the table, and how you create value.


It doesn’t matter where you are in your career, whether you are an executive, engineer, or individual contributor. Your LinkedIn profile highlights your expertise, strengthens your online presence, and makes it easier for recruiters or hiring managers to find you. Even if you’re not looking, staying visible opens doors to unexpected job opportunities.


Sometimes, a role may open within your company, and a hiring manager might never think of you unless your professional profile sparks their attention. Being visible doesn’t mean you’re job hunting; it means you’re open to possibility. Like the lottery: if you don’t play, you can’t win.


And if you find yourself job searching unexpectedly, due to a merger, divestiture, or role change, a strong LinkedIn presence removes the stress of starting from scratch.


LinkedIn Profile Tips: Stand Out and Get Found


So, how do you build your profile? Here are some tips:


Brand Yourself with a Great Picture


A professional photo helps your profile feel approachable and memorable. People connect better when they can put a face to a name. Your image builds trust and makes your LinkedIn profile more personable and recognizable, especially to recruiters and hiring managers who view dozens of profiles daily.


Titles That Tell a Story


The title at the top of your profile doesn’t have to be your exact job title. It’s your branding headline. Think of it as your tagline. Use your formal title in the experience section, but craft a more compelling one up top. Something that captures not just what you do, but how you create value.


For example:

"Managing Director | Executive Recruiter" – clear, functional. “Executive Recruiter | Find the Purple Squirrel with a Unicorn Horn” – memorable and unique- and the title I use!

Write a Compelling Summary That Tells Your Career Story


Everyone loves a good story. Your LinkedIn summary should tell yours. Your summary shouldn’t just list credentials. It should show who you are, what motivates you, and why your work matters. A well-written summary gives employers and recruiters a sense of your values, strengths, and unique perspective.


Start with where you began, what led you to your field, and the patterns that have emerged in your career. Show how your roles connect, how you’ve grown, and what kind of challenges light you up.


You can also add measurable achievements and language that hints at your leadership style.


Example: “CHRO with a passion for scaling people strategy in private equity-backed companies.” Or: “CEO known for doubling revenue through strategic partnerships and operational efficiency.”

This isn't about writing a job ad for yourself. It’s about writing a brand narrative that reflects what makes you stand out.


Pro tip: End with a line that invites action. If you're open to conversations or opportunities, say so.


Add Strategic Keywords to Make Your Profile Searchable


Keywords are the language of LinkedIn’s algorithm and recruiters searching for talent. If you want to be found, make sure your profile clearly states what you do and where you do it.


If you work in energy, oil & gas, alternative energy, or chemicals, include the specific plays, assets, technologies, products, or specialties you’re experienced in. For example, if you’re a drilling engineer working in the Permian Basin, use terms like “drilling engineer,” “Permian,” “unconventional,” or “horizontal drilling.”


You can also add a keyword-rich line to the bottom of your summary. Here's an example:


Areas of Expertise: Reservoir Engineering, Carbon Capture, Permian Basin, ESG Strategy, Asset Evaluation.


This isn’t just for LinkedIn; it also helps search engines like Google find you.


Build Credibility With LinkedIn Recommendations


Recommendations on your LinkedIn profile serve as social proof. They show others you’re trusted, respected, and valued for your work. These testimonials can make your profile stand out, especially in competitive industries.


There are two ways to approach gathering recommendations:

  1. Give first. Write thoughtful testimonials for colleagues, clients, or managers. Many people will reciprocate, and it shows you're someone who acknowledges great work in others.

  2. Ask directly. Use LinkedIn’s “Ask for a recommendation” feature. Reach out to former supervisors, peers, or team members who’ve seen your impact firsthand. Be specific in your request, mention the project or skill you’d like highlighted.


Having just 2–3 strong recommendations can elevate your profile above others with similar experience.


Your LinkedIn profile is a part of you. It highlights who you are, your expertise, skills, sense of community, and network. As you grow in your career, this is a perfect tool to help you meet your goals.


Strengthen Your Network With Meaningful LinkedIn Connections


LinkedIn isn’t just a digital resume; it’s a relationship builder. Your connections reflect the professional community you’re part of and give insight into how you build rapport, share knowledge, and stay informed.


Aim to connect with:

  • People you know and respect

  • Colleagues you’ve worked with directly

  • Professionals you want to learn from or collaborate with


Avoid treating it like a numbers game. A strong network is about quality, not quantity.


Your connections show recruiters and hiring managers that you're engaged, credible, and have a valuable professional circle. This is especially true in tight-knit industries where who you know and how you show up in their networks matter.


Want to learn more? Click here for additional LinkedIn Essentials.


🔍 Proofread before you publish. Whether it’s your LinkedIn profile or your resume, small tpos can distract from significant accomplishments (see what I did there, I spelled typo wrong). Take a moment to check for spelling and grammar errors. You can also ask a trusted colleague to give it a second look. Clear, polished writing builds trust and shows attention to detail.


Prepare Your Resume with Impact


Resumes are tough to write, and many of us wonder, What does a resume really do?


After all, you're writing a document about yourself, trying to highlight your value without sounding boastful. You want to show you’re great at what you do, but it’s hard to explain your work, especially if the person reading your resume doesn’t understand the day-to-day of your role.


Your resume is your first impression to a potential employer. It should be professional, straightforward, and easy to scan. More than anything, it should tell a story, specifically why you’re the person who will make the hiring manager’s life easier, and how you’ll make an impact. Why you?


It’s essential that your resume highlights your:

  • Key skills

  • Work experience

  • Education

  • Recent accomplishments


Use the Challenge → Action → Result framework to show how you solve problems and drive results. In other words, share the challenges you had, actions you took, and your results. Of course, I am not saying you should share proprietary information publicly, just your success.


Pro tip: The last three years of experience are often most important, so make them count.


Remember: a great resume isn’t just a form, it’s a marketing piece. It doesn’t need to be one page or follow a rigid template. What matters is whether it stands out. With that said, it will be scanned, so don't make it too long.


Imagine a hiring manager reviewing 100 resumes. You may not stand out if they all look the same in format, tone, or words.


To stand out, put your marketing hat on. Here’s how:

  • Think like the employer. What does this role need? What does a standout candidate look like?

  • Use your network. Do you know someone at the company? Ask if they have heard about the hiring manager's or team's priorities?

  • Review similar job postings. What skills or phrases keep showing up?

  • Study profiles. Look at other professionals in the role. What themes or accomplishments stand out?


If you do have a solid networking contact at the target company, that is golden. Ask them deeper questions and ask if they can share what matters most in a company's hiring process. Even better, see if they’ll refer you to someone who can provide more insight.


This research process shapes the story your resume should tell. It also prepares you to talk through your experiences confidently in interviews and ensures everything you’ve written is accurate and meaningful.


Research the Company and Its Values


The skills, training, and experience you’ve gained are what get you noticed, but they’re not the only things that matter.


Employers also want to know: Do your values align with theirs? Will you thrive on their team, not just survive?


Before you apply or interview, take time to research the company. When you understand its mission, culture, and challenges, you can speak its language and show that you’re not just qualified but also a smart, aligned choice.


Here’s what to look for:

  • What is the company’s mission?

  • Who are their customers and competitors?

  • What are their key products or services?

  • What values do they highlight on their website or social media?

  • Have they been in the news? Is it good press or a challenge you might help them solve?

  • Do they have a mentoring program, DEI statement, or growth initiatives?

  • Who’s on the leadership team? What’s the background of the people you’d work with?


Doing this research isn’t just about sounding informed; it helps you decide if this company is where you can grow, contribute, and feel like you belong.


Prepare for Interviews With Intention and Insight


Congrats—you’ve done your homework, and now you’ve been asked to interview!


This is your chance to show how you think, how you work, and how you’ll fit in.


You have every right to expect a fair, respectful interview process that gives you the space to explain what you bring to the table and how you can make an impact.


As you prepare, keep your answers focused on the job, the company, and how you’ll contribute. Ensure you understand the company’s culture beforehand, and think about how you align with it. What values do you share? What strengths will you bring to their team?


For example, if the company is known for its creative environment, come ready to share how you’ve approached problems creatively or contributed new ideas that moved a project forward.


Be Prepared to Ask and Answer Questions Thoughtfully


An interview isn’t just about responding well. It’s about showing you’re curious, engaged, and genuinely interested.


Answer questions thoroughly, and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something’s unclear. Before you walk in, take time to reflect. What do you want in your next role? What value do you bring? What skills or experiences make you a great fit?


This kind of “toolbox” work builds confidence, and it shows.


And remember: interviews are conversations. Jot down notes, stay present, and ask questions that show you’ve been listening. The right questions can reveal just as much about you as the correct answers.


Follow Up with a Thoughtful Thank You Note


Always send a thank-you email after your interview. It’s a simple, professional way to show appreciation and remind the hiring manager that you’re genuinely interested in the role.


Keep it short, but meaningful. Thank them for their time, mention one thing you learned or appreciated during the conversation, and briefly reinforce how you can bring value to the company.


And if a handwritten note feels like your style, send one. You can still email the same day, but mailing a personal note can make a lasting impression in a world where very few people do.


Wishing you clarity, confidence, and conversations that open the right doors.


What Candidates Ask Most Often


What’s the first step to start a job search?

Start by clarifying your next goal. Consider your industry, type of role, values, and growth opportunities. Then, update your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your career story and what makes you a strong fit.


How do I tailor my resume for each job?

Focus on the keywords from the job posting, then highlight the experience and accomplishments that show how you’ve already delivered in similar situations. Use specifics, especially in the energy and chemical industries, where technical context matters.


Should I use LinkedIn even if I’m not actively searching for jobs?

Absolutely. LinkedIn keeps you visible for opportunities, even when you’re not looking. It also helps internal hiring managers and recruiters find you when new roles open up.


How do I prepare for interviews in technical industries?

Research the company, prepare clear stories that show how you’ve solved relevant challenges, and be ready to talk about safety, collaboration, and impact. Don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework.


Is it okay to follow up after an interview?

Yes. A thank-you note or email helps you stay top-of-mind and shows your interest. Mention one thing you appreciated from the conversation and how you believe you’d bring value to the role.



🎯 Found This Helpful? Let’s Stay in Touch


At TLR Search, we are energy recruiters and chemical recruiters who don’t fill roles in bulk, and we don’t send candidates into positions that aren’t the right fit. We focus on purpose-driven, high-impact searches where alignment matters most.


If you’re a professional in the energy, chemical, or industrial sectors and value growth, leadership, and long-term success, we’d love to connect with you.


We don’t email often, but when we do, it’s because there’s something worth sharing. A connection with TLR Search comes with no pressure—just a professional connection that could lead to the right opportunity when the time is right.



This post is part of our job search series for energy and chemical professionals—see the full guide for practical strategies that align with where you want to go next.

 
 
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