Get Noticed, Get Hired: Expert Tips for HR Jobseekers

HR pros know how to build great careers—for everyone else. But what about your own?

​In today’s competitive market, even seasoned HR leaders are struggling to get noticed. Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to stay ready, this session is packed with practical tips to help you stand out and get hired.

Watch the full recording of the session below.

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Session Recap

In a competitive and often discouraging job market, HR professionals face unique challenges when seeking their next opportunity. This session brought together experts that shared how HR job seekers can stand out.

Key Insights

Our panelists emphasized that many hiring managers now expect HR leaders to demonstrate business acumen alongside HR expertise. This means being seen as a results-driven leader who can align people strategies with business priorities, not just someone who “knows HR” or is just a “people person.”

While ATS are still gatekeepers, networking and personal outreach are increasingly what gets candidates noticed. Recruiters often source for leadership roles directly. That means having a polished, visible, and impactful LinkedIn presence matters more than ever. In addition, the stigma around short stints or career gaps has softened post-2020, but how candidates frame those transitions still matters. Transparency, especially around reductions in force (RIFs), is better than ambiguity.

Finally, the session highlighted that many HR pros undersell themselves, both on paper and in person. Building confidence in your own narrative, focusing on impact, and staying proactive in skill development are what set top candidates apart today.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Optimize Resumes for ATS:

• Use clear headings (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Skills”)
• Avoid columns and complex formatting.
• Add a keyword-rich Skills section.
• Use tools like Jobscan to align your resume to each role.

2. Quantify Your Impact:

• Add metrics: “Reduced time-to-fill by 35%,” “Cut attrition 20%.”
• Showcase business alignment, not just HR activity.

3. Polish LinkedIn:

• Link your roles to official company pages.
• Add a branded banner (e.g., public speaking, awards).
• Reframe past layoffs or transitions with clarity and confidence.

4. Tell a Cohesive Story:

• Summarize short gigs under a single consulting role.
• Use summary sections on resumes to connect the dots.

5. Use Your Network:

• Share your job goals with peers.
• Reach out directly to hiring managers with personalized notes.
• Join jobseeker communities like the PeopleOps Jobs Community on Slack.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Brag:

• HR pros tend to be humble. Interviews are your time to sell.
• Treat your job search like a sales funnel: outreach, positioning, follow-up.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes:

• Mass-applying with generic resumes.
• Leaving dates vague to “hide” gap

​Our expert panel includes:

​Peter Phelan | The Culture Doctor | Founder & CEO, ValuesCulture
Former Chief People Officer turned executive recruiter, Peter has placed 60+ progressive People/Talent leaders in the last 30 months and brings unmatched insight into what hiring execs actually look for.

​Paige Liwanag | Marketing Specialist, Jobscan
With nearly a decade of experience at Jobscan, Paige helps jobseekers optimize their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to beat ATS filters and land interviews—especially in HR and adjacent roles.

Download the Session Takeaways

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