The Period of Waiting After Submitting

The relief of finally hitting the submit button is cause for celebration. The process of writing has been made so much easier by utilizing Hardly.

But what about the days and weeks of waiting after? Puttering around the house and waiting to hear back is nobody’s idea of a good time. The longer the waiting period stretches, the more room yawns open for anxiety to slip in.

If you’re wondering what to do next, wonder no longer. Hardly has your back (and a few options of what to do in the meanwhile).

Hand holding a megaphone with purple flowers coming out of it

Take a Breath and Reset

It’s a lot of pressure to organize everything and apply. Taking a moment to breathe is never going to hurt. Life is always going to be chaotic and full of surprises. One moment of peace is something you shouldn’t begrudge yourself. 

While applying, your eyes tend to be locked on a screen for HOURS. Hitting the submit button means screen time can finally be over. Hardly recommends stepping away from all screens, big and small. Especially right before sleeping. That text can wait (all non-urgent ones of course) and so can that new TV show. 

Don’t overthink or let yourself join the negativity club. Don’t let yourself spiral into “what ifs.”  Easier said than done, right?

What To Do Instead

Once you’ve hit submit, give yourself a minute. Literally.

You’ve done the hard work. Now it’s time to let your brain catch up. Focus on the things you are grateful for and things you are looking forward to. 

A computer screen showing the layout of the job tracker on Hardly's web app

Track and Organize Your Applications

With Hardly’s job tracker, you can see every single application you have submitted, what stage you are at with each one, and have coaches able to advise you every step of the way. Creating multiple accounts for different job portals, remembering all of those passwords, and hoping that you won’t miss the next email or phone call sounds like a hassle. 

I’ve seen people utilize Excel and create gigantic spreadsheets or write down every job in their Notes app. It works for some people, but definitely not for everyone. 

Don’t make extra work for yourself. Keeping track of your applications reduces stress and keeps you prepared.

By inputting the company, date applied, and the link to the job description, you’ve already organized your pile of jobs in less than a minute. Once you get an interview, you can change the status of the application to “Interviewing.” If an opportunity doesn’t work out, another click of a button greys it out.

A man walking over circles. Text says: Prepare for your next steps.

Prepare for the Next Steps

If you’re antsy to get past relaxing and onto the next thing, we have a few tips for you. Use the waiting time to get ready for potential interviews or follow-ups.

Do the research.  Companies LOVE when you already know all about the position and the company. If you bring fresh ideas to an interview or personal projects that you completed specifically for that company, that puts you 5 steps above the rest of the applicants.

Practice common interview questions. You can never practice enough. Sometimes you might have to wing it because life happens. It’s not the end of the world BECAUSE you have already spent extra time practicing for whatever might come your way. The research you have done will ensure you’re never caught off-guard with questions related to the company. 

Update your portfolio or LinkedIn. Don’t think that interviewing companies won’t look over your portfolio or Linkedin before they even speak to you. You want to show and put your most polished foot forward. 

Keep relevant materials (resume, cover letter) handy and polished. Printer paper won’t cut it. Invest in a few copies of your clean and simple resume on white cotton paper. You won’t regret it and your future employers will appreciate it.

People holding a social meeting

Build Up Your Skills

Like I mentioned earlier, personal projects can be huge when interviewing for a specific job. In the design world, a branding project focused on the company you’d love to work at should be included in your portfolio and mentioned. 

Online courses and free webinars are abundant. LinkedIn Learning is a huge resource. I highly recommend certificates. They take a few hours to a couple of days to complete, but ultimately highlight your steadfast dedication to a specific skill. 

Network, Network, and Network

Friends can refer you to people in that company or industry. Those people can refer to exactly who you need. Six degrees of separation is not entirely unfounded. Everyone knows someone. 

 

If not, sending out a few messages and emails to people in the company or industry for a cup of coffee or a 15 minute call can establish relationships and help you get you where you need to be. Down the road, it could be the tipping point of an opportunity or help create a new opportunity just for you. Make sure you aren’t just asking the person for a job. That’s shallow and transactional. Truly invest your attention in them and then they’ll invest in you AFTER building a strong relationship. 

 

Text: Stay focused; the Hardly logo is in the center of the bullseye

Keep Applying, But Stay Focused

Now that you’re ready to start applying again, I recommend applying to a few every day. Don’t apply to a thousand because that encourages burnout in a wildly short amount of time. Sending out a few high quality applications is worth much more in the end than a thousand half-baked applications. Make sure to proofread and ensure your resume and cover letter are saying exactly what you want them to say. 

 

Never forget to celebrate your progress!

Conclusion: Own the In-Between

It might feel empty, just waiting for people to get back to you. Fill that time and space with things that can only help you move forward. Rest and being proactive are qualities that will serve you well, even outside of job applications. 

 

Staying positive makes all the difference. That time between submitting and hearing back doesn’t have to feel empty. With Hardly’s tools like your resume, your tracker, and your next steps, it all becomes part of the bigger picture you’re building. You’re not just waiting. You’re moving forward.

1. Clean Up What's Collecting Dust

Let’s start by clearing out what’s no longer working. We want your career story to be told and catch the attention of those who need to hear it.  

For my young professionals out there, keep your resume clean and clear with a one page maximum.

The same goes for your cover letter. It’s tempting to fit every experience into your resume — believe me, I’ve been there and done that. In the words of one of my former teachers, you don’t want the person reading it to be in a bad mood because it’s too long. When it’s too long, most people will skip through it even faster. That’s not ideal. 

💡 Career experts agree; cover letters aren’t always required, but a strong one can make all the difference in your job search.

For everyone else, it’s always good to keep the most recent and relevant experiences on your resume and highlight specific instances in your cover letters. Understandably, some people have significant gaps in time in their professional careers. In those cases, prioritize relevant experiences. If there happen to be other jobs or professional experiences since then that can be highlighted, let that job you had straight after your last year of school take a backseat.

Now that we’ve got the main bullet points in place, it’s time to make sure that your resume sounds sleek and modern.

Here are some examples of tired and dated sentence phrases:

These tired phrases are holding your career story hostage. It’s time to kick them to the curb and make space for what really counts. We’ll give an example about how to revitalize phrases like this in the next section, so keep reading.

A man with a pick axe clearing out a cave to get to a diamond on the left

2. Keep the Gems

What’s still working for you? That introduction might have been collecting dust for a few years, but at one point it accurately described your abilities and career story. Take the tone or a certain word and refresh it.

🕰 Have you always been good with time-management? Update the wording so that strength finally gets the credit it deserves. 

Before (dusty old intro):“I am a detail-oriented professional with strong time-management skills and a commitment to teamwork.”

After (much better):“A natural multitasker who thrives in fast-paced environments, I balance deadlines, projects, and collaboration with ease. Busy days become my success stories” (a perfect segue to an example of such a success story)

Of course, there isn’t anything wrong with the first introduction. It gets the job done with no extra fluff. In full transparency, the AI that reads it first won’t notice anything amiss. The only thing missing?

(It’s kind of important.) 

It’s your voice. Once your resume and cover letter make it past the initial rounds, which it will, a real person will be scanning cover letter after cover letter. You want to make it stick in their minds. This is your chance to stand out in a clean and memorable way! Make it count.

For more on how to make your resume and cover letter ATS-friendly, click here.

Young woman holding a pink pencil with clean scribbling under it with text saying: Rewrite the Script

3. Rewrite the Script

I have an even easier solution for you. 

Imagine not going through your cover letter and resume and rewriting every little thing about your career. 

You don’t have to imagine it. With Hardly, input your old cover letter and resume along with some key words about what you want your new cover letter or resume to sound like into our cover letter and resume builders. Within minutes, you’ll have a brand-new, clutter-free, and ATS-friendly cover letter and resume ready to submit.

Worried about tone? You don’t have to be. Our AI enhances all text to sound exactly how you want it to. And guess what? All of Hardly’s tools are customizable to your needs. Use what you want, leave behind what you don’t.

arrow pointing to cut out magazine letters spelling out "change"

4. Clear the Way for Change

Here’s your Hardly toolkit:

  • Resume Builder –  Match resumes to job descriptions instantly so you can apply with confidence and clarity. Hardly tailors the structure and content to position you for success.
  • Cover Letter Builder – You can pick any job description, and generate a cohesive and polished cover letter within seconds that tells your career story. Enhance the cover letter with Hardly’s AI button. 
  • Job Application Tracker – Track applications, identify next steps, and coach with confidence using Hardly’s real-time job tracking tool
  • Interview Practice Tool – Hardly’s Interview Practice Tool helps job seekers like you get ready for interviews by practicing responses and improving their delivery. It is an excellent tool to simulate the basic interview process.
  • Messaging – Stay connected with quick, secure messages, all within the platform.

Assessments – Use built-in assessments to identify strengths, gaps, and job readiness.

A hand holding a business card saying Hardly. Text: Your next chapter starts here.

Final Thoughts

Your career story is not fixed. It grows as you do. Whether you are just starting out or re-entering the workforce after time away, you already have what you need. What matters now is how you tell it.

Clear the clutter. Say what you mean. Let Hardly help you bring your next chapter into focus.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for using the Hardly Chrome extension to track job applications and optimize your resume and cover letter:

Step 1: Install the Hardly Chrome Extension

Go to the Hardly Chrome Extension page.

  1. Click the “Add to Chrome” button, and confirm to install the extension.
  2. Once installed, you’ll see the Hardly icon in your Chrome toolbar. Pin it for easy access.

Step 2: Log In to Your Hardly Account

Click on the Hardly icon in the toolbar.
Log in with your Hardly account credentials to connect the extension to your Hardly job application tracker. Easy!

Step 3: Find a Job Posting

Browse job listings on sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, or any other job board.

  1. When you find a job you’re interested in, click to view its details.
  1. Click on the Hardly extension icon in your toolbar.
  2. Use the extension’s “Copy Job Description” or “Save Job Details” options to automatically transfer key information about the job (title, company, job description) to your Hardly job tracker. Verify that the job details have been correctly saved to Hardly’s job tracker.

Step 4: Copy Job Information to Hardly

Step 5: Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter

  1. Open your Hardly dashboard by logging into the Hardly platform.
  2. In the job tracker, locate the job you saved.
  3. Use Hardly’s AI-powered resume and cover letter tools to create customized versions that match the job description.
  4. Download or save the customized documents for submitting with your application.

Step 6: Apply with Confidence

  • With your job-specific resume and cover letter ready, go back to the job posting site.
    • Submit your application, knowing that your documents are optimized for the position.

Using these steps, you can quickly organize your job search, keep track of opportunities, and apply with resumes and cover letters that are tailored for each role.

Want to pursue a lucrative career in 2024? There is a good chance that you will be hired if you pursue any of these 10 careers— all of which pay over $100,000. These are the fast-growing careers where hiring is most urgent and growth is most rapid. This data is sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, so you know it’s legit.

Software Developer

Software Developer

A software developer’s job is to design, develop, test and deploy computer software. They may work on a variety of projects, from developing new applications to maintaining and improving existing ones. A software developer must have strong problem-solving and technical skills, as well as be able to work effectively in a team.

This job also has the advantage of being highly entrepreneurial. So if you are thinking about freelancing for most of your career, being a software developer is a good option. This will continue to be on the fast-growing career list for the foreseeable future.

Medical and Health Services Manager

Medical and Health Services Manager

The Medical and Health Services Manager career offers the security and money of a medical career, but is also ideal for those who prefer to work at a desk that is far away from sick people.  You will be responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating healthcare providers’ business activities.

Your days will be filled with pushing papers in the medical office and meeting with doctors, but you’ll still have time to cash your $101K salary check at the bank.

Financial Manager

A financial manager is responsible for the financial wellbeing of their organization. They create financial plans, direct investment activities, and oversee financial risk management. Financial managers work in a variety of industries, including banking, insurance, accounting, and financial planning.

 

The role of a financial manager is not a new fast-growing career, and most of this increased need is due to people retiring or leaving the workforce. 

Nurse Practitioner

Nurse Practitioner Career

The “hero career” is no surprise to remain in the fast-growing careers for 2024. You’ll bring home $121K per year and be recognized for saving lives. Nursing practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and midwives are all known as advanced practice registered nurses. Their responsibilities include coordinating patient care and providing primary and specialty care.

Prepare yourself for companies to start chasing you once you get your Master’s degree, but don’t get too excited! There is one more step to complete—obtaining your state’s license and APRN certification.

Computer and Information Systems Manager

Information Career

The job of a computer and information systems manager is to plan, organize, and coordinate the activities of workers who design, develop, test, and maintain computer software and systems. They also oversee the installation of new systems and ensure that existing systems are compatible with new software and hardware. In addition, computer and information systems managers consult with other departments to ensure that their computer system needs are met.

You can work in a variety of different industries— including government, education, or private businesses. To read more about being a Computer and Information Systems Manager, check out this article from Chron.

Prepare yourself for companies to start chasing you once you get your Master’s degree, but don’t get too excited! There is one more step to complete—obtaining your state’s license and APRN certification.

Health Specialties Teacher

Health Specialties Teacher

Health Specialties Teachers’ job is to instruct various subjects like human anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to healthcare students. They also prepare students for their future roles in the healthcare field. 

The majority of health specialty teachers are employed by colleges or universities. Some of them, however, work in medical hospitals, trade schools, or junior colleges. Additional licenses and certifications may be required based on the field you teach in.

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analyst Career

This job is also called the “White Hat Hacker” job and reminds us of all those hacking scenes in movies. Information Security Analysts are responsible for the overall security of an organization’s information systems. 

They work to identify and mitigate security risks, and are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures. Information security analysts must have a strong understanding of computer networks and systems, and must be able to think critically to identify and resolve security issues.

Bonus! Here are some other high-growth careers:

  • Marketing Managers
  • Sales Managers
  • Veterinarians
  • Human Resource Managers
  • Dentists
  • Pharmacists
  • Computer Network Architects
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • Industrial Production Managers 
  • Electronics Engineers

How do you know which of these is the best career for you?

All of the jobs on this list pay well, but you shouldn’t choose one of these careers solely because of the paycheck. Sign up for a free Hardly account today and you can use our tools and assessments to understand what you need and want in your career. Want to take it up a notch? You can chat with one of our coaches, who will be able to guide you through understanding yourself in the context of your career. 

It is your life and your career that you will invest much time and energy into. A rewarding career choice will give you energy, passion, and joy.

Hey there! If you’re diving into the tech world and need to whip up a resume that rocks, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to make your resume stand out:

1. Keep It Simple and Straightforward

Tech folks love things clear and concise. Your resume should be easy to skim, with no fluff. Stick to bullet points for your skills and achievements, and keep your sentences snappy.

2. Flaunt Those Tech Skills

Your tech skills are your superpowers. Don’t just say you’re into programming; name the specific languages you’re good at, like Python or Java. The more specific, the better!

3. Show Off Your Projects

In tech, what you’ve built says a lot. Got some cool projects? Flaunt them! Add links to your GitHub, personal site, or any live demos you’ve got.

4. Numbers Make You Shine

Got some achievements? Quantify them! Saying “Boosted website speed by 30%” sounds way more impressive than just “improved website performance.” This can make your tech resume stand out. 

5. Your Work Experience Counts

List your jobs, but keep it relevant to tech. If you’re new to the game, any internships or even volunteer gigs where you flexed your tech muscles will help.

Need help making your non-tech jobs relevant? Use Hardly’s free resume builder to quickly edit job details to highlight tech-related skills. Suddenly, that retail job can focus on how you were detail oriented. 

6. Education and Certifications Matter Too

Talk about your highest education level, and if you’ve got tech-related certifications or courses, definitely include those. They show you’re constantly leveling up your skills.

7. Make It Job-Specific

One size doesn’t fit all. Tweak your tech resume for each job you apply for. Match it up with the job description to sneak past those pesky automated resume filters. Hardly’s free resume builder template is guaranteed to be ATS friendly and you can optimize your resume to a specific job description in seconds!

8. Show 'Em Who You Are

Add a personal touch with a brief professional summary at the top of your tech resume. It’s like your own mini-ad for why you’re awesome for the job.

9. Use Handy Online Tools

There’s a bunch of online resume builders and templates out there, especially for tech resumes. They can save you a ton of time and make sure your resume looks slick. Interested in trying one out? Conveniently, we have an awesome one: Check out Hardly’s free resume builder.

Remember, your resume is just the starting point. It’s your foot in the door, but you gotta back it up with solid skills and a great chat in the interview. Keep updating your resume as you level up your skills, and always give it that special touch for each job you’re after. You’ve got this! 🚀

 

If you want a way to shortcut your resume to success, use Hardly’s free resume builder. In a few minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping resume that is ready for any ATS. You can also check out our recent article on resume writing tips here

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In the ever-evolving landscape of job applications, adapting to the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) have become an integral part of the hiring process, streamlining recruitment and helping employers find the best-fit candidates efficiently. As we step into 2024, it’s essential to understand the latest strategies for optimizing your resume to stand out in the digital crowd.

Understanding ATS Technology:

Applicant Tracking Systems use sophisticated algorithms to scan, analyze, and rank resumes based on specific criteria set by employers. In 2024, these systems are likely to become even more advanced, emphasizing the importance of tailoring your resume to align with their requirements.

Keyword Optimization:

Keywords play a pivotal role in ATS success. As technology evolves, so do the keywords relevant to specific industries and roles. Stay updated on industry trends, buzzwords, and the latest terminologies. Incorporate these keywords naturally, ensuring a seamless integration that mirrors the language used in job descriptions. Hardly’s resume builder helps ensure that you have the right keywords where it counts.

Formatting Matters:

While a visually appealing resume is important, ATS primarily looks for well-organized and cleanly formatted documents. Stick to simple, professional templates with standard fonts. Avoid graphics, charts, and elaborate designs, as these can confuse the ATS algorithms and hinder your resume’s chances of being parsed correctly.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Application:

One-size-fits-all resumes are a thing of the past. In 2024, customization is key. Tailor your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role. This not only enhances your chances with ATS but also captures the attention of hiring managers who may review your application after the initial digital screening. 

Need help with this? Use Hardly’s free resume builder to quickly edit your resume for a specific job description. 

Quantify Achievements:

ATS algorithms are becoming more adept at recognizing quantitative data. Instead of listing generic job responsibilities, focus on quantifiable achievements and results. Use numbers and percentages to highlight your impact in previous roles, providing concrete evidence of your contributions.

Include Relevant URLs:

In a tech-savvy job market, including URLs to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or online portfolio can add depth to your application. These links not only provide additional context but also offer the ATS a more comprehensive view of your professional persona.

Optimize for Mobile:

As mobile devices continue to dominate internet usage, it’s essential that your resume is mobile-friendly. Use simple, legible fonts and avoid complex formatting that may not translate well on smaller screens. This optimization ensures that your resume is accessible to recruiters on various devices. Hardly’s free resume builder template is guaranteed to be ATS friendly. 

As we step into 2024, the job market is set to become more competitive, and understanding how to navigate ATS is crucial. By staying informed about the latest trends in optimization, you can increase your chances of making it through the digital gatekeepers and securing the opportunities you deserve. Remember, it’s not just about impressing humans anymore; it’s about impressing the algorithms first.

 

If you want a way to shortcut your resume to success, use Hardly’s free resume builder. In a few minutes, you’ll have a show-stopping resume that is ready for any ATS. You can also check out our recent article on resume writing tips here

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2025’s Hottest Skill? Learning Fast.

Learning agility is 2025’s most valuable skill and most people already have it. It’s not about being the fastest thinker. It’s about figuring things out quickly, under pressure, and making it work.

Read More »

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You’ve hit submit. Now what? The in-between can feel uncertain, but it doesn’t have to. With Hardly, you can reset, refocus, and stay organized. Whether it’s tracking applications, preparing for interviews, or building new skills, every step forward counts—even while you wait.

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Your resume is often your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. A well-crafted resume can open doors to exciting career opportunities, while a poorly structured one may close them. In this competitive job market, it’s crucial to master the art of resume writing. Let’s explore some best practices to ensure your resume stands out and effectively showcases your skills and experiences.

Want a shortcut to resume success?

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

  1. One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. This not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also increases your chances of catching the recruiter’s eye.

Create a Powerful Professional Summary

  1. Your professional summary is the first thing recruiters see. Craft a concise and compelling summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This section should provide a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you bring to the table.

Emphasize Achievements Over Responsibilities

Instead of listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements wherever possible by using metrics and numbers. This gives recruiters a tangible sense of your impact in previous roles, making you a more attractive candidate.

Use Action Verbs and Be Specific

Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey a sense of proactivity. Be specific about your contributions and responsibilities, avoiding vague language. This adds clarity and paints a vivid picture of your capabilities.

Organize Your Resume Effectively

Arrange your resume in a clean and organized format. Use headings and subheadings to create a logical flow, making it easy for recruiters to scan your resume quickly. Consistent formatting, font, and bullet points contribute to a polished appearance.

Highlight Relevant Skills

  1. Incorporate a dedicated skills section that aligns with the requirements of the job. Include both hard and soft skills, ensuring a well-rounded portrayal of your capabilities. Tailor this section for each application to emphasize the skills most applicable to the position.

Include Keywords from the Job Description

  1. Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To increase your chances of passing through this initial phase, incorporate keywords from the job description. This not only demonstrates your suitability for the role but also helps your resume get noticed by the ATS.

Provide a Clear Education Section

    1. Clearly outline your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates. If you have relevant certifications, list them here as well. Keep this section concise but informative.

Show Your Personality

While maintaining a professional tone, inject a bit of personality into your resume. This can be achieved through your professional summary, achievements, or a designated section for interests and hobbies. This helps you stand out and adds a human touch to your application.

Proofread Thoroughly

    1. Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously to ensure it is error-free. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well, gaining valuable feedback and catching any oversights.

       

Want a shortcut to resume success?

    1. Crafting an effective resume is an essential skill in today’s competitive job market. By following these best practices, you can create a compelling document that showcases your strengths, experiences, and unique value proposition. Want a shortcut to resume greatness? Try Hardly’s AI Resume Builder

    2.  

    3. Remember, your resume is not a static document; update it regularly to reflect your evolving skills and career achievements. With a well-crafted resume in hand, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the job market and land the opportunities you seek.

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You’ve Hit Submit. Now What?

You’ve hit submit. Now what? The in-between can feel uncertain, but it doesn’t have to. With Hardly, you can reset, refocus, and stay organized. Whether it’s tracking applications, preparing for interviews, or building new skills, every step forward counts—even while you wait.

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