The 8 Steps Every Woman Needs to Nail in Her Job Search

If you’ve been out of the workforce for years (or even decades) starting a job search can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? What matters now? And how do you stand out in a world that seems to have changed overnight?

Good news: You don’t have to figure this out alone.

At Elavare, we’ve helped hundreds of women restart their careers, rebuild their confidence, and get their momentum back. And no matter your background or season of life, these eight steps will give you a clear, powerful starting point.

Let’s walk through them together.

1. Customize Your Resume for Every Job 

I know--this part feels annoying. But it matters. Most hiring managers scan your resume for six seconds before deciding whether to keep reading. That means:

• Cut your resume to one page
• Remove outdated internships or early jobs
• Quantify your results (numbers catch eyes)
• Tailor every resume to match the job description

2. Yes…You Need a Customized Cover Letter

Cover letters still matter. And they can actually help you stand out--especially if you’ve taken a career break. Write to a real person if possible (not “To Whom It May Concern”). Open with something memorable, close with something warm, and connect your story to the company’s needs.

A great cover letter doesn’t need to be long, it just needs to be personal.

3. Update Your LinkedIn Profile—Then Actually Use It

LinkedIn is the new job search tool. You’ll want to:

• Write a summary that reflects who you are today
• Update your headline to something clear and confident
• Connect with people you know (and people you admire)
• Add examples of your work if possible
• Choose a clean, strong background photo

Then: be active. Comment. Connect. Send short, warm messages. Professional doesn’t mean stiff--it means respectful and intentional.

4. Get Your Online Presence Cleaned Up

Like it or not, hiring managers will Google you. So take a few minutes to:

• Make personal accounts private
• Remove outdated internships or early jobs
• Remove anything you wouldn’t want a future boss to see
• Ensure your public bios tell a consistent story

Your digital footprint is part of your application. Make it work for you.

5. Network (Yes, Even If You Hate Networking)

This part scares a lot of women, but networking is really just connection with purpose. Start by telling your circle you’re job searching. Then reach out to people in roles or companies you’re curious about.

Ask for informational interviews which are 10–15 minute conversations, not job requests. People are a lot more willing to help than we think. Most of them remember what it felt like to start over. Networking isn’t “using people.” It’s allowing them to open a door for you.

6. Apply Intentionally—Not Everywhere

Quality beats quantity. Every time. It’s better to send 5 strong applications than 50 random ones. Take time to research companies, understand their needs, and only apply for jobs you’re genuinely excited about.

Why? Because your resume must get past an ATS (an automated system) before a human even sees it. Tailored, targeted applications perform better--every single time. If you’re returning to work, changing careers, or were recently laid off, you may need to do a little extra storytelling. That’s normal--and very doable.

7. Prepare (Really Prepare) for the Interview

If you get an interview, celebrate! Now it’s time to:

• Practice answers to common questions
• Prepare a few quick stories about challenges you overcame
• Show how your life experience translates into workplace strengths
• Bring thoughtful questions to ask at the end

When you’re done, send a thank-you note. It’s small, but it sets you apart. And if you don’t hear back? Follow up after two weeks. It shows confidence--not desperation.
 

8. Remember: This Takes Time

This part is the hardest for most women. A job search is not overnight success. It’s persistence. Courage. Showing up again and again even when you don't hear anything back.

On the days when you feel discouraged, take a break--not a permanent one, just an evening to rest. Put your feet up. Let your brain breathe. Everything will still be there tomorrow.

Whether you’ve been out of the workforce for two years or twenty, you’re not starting over--you’re starting from experience.  And Elavare is here for you every step of the way!

Read additional blog posts here.