The Smartest Professionals Make These 3 Career Moves to Stay Ahead
The smartest leaders aren’t waiting for stability. They’re preparing for what’s next.
The economy is shifting—fast.
Leadership careers are no longer linear, and the professionals who stay ahead aren’t just reacting to change.
They’re positioning themselves before the market defines their next move.
Consider the trends shaping today’s job market:
20% of jobs will change by 2027 as industries restructure due to AI, automation, and digital transformation (World Economic Forum).
It’s taking longer to land new roles in the U.S.—continuing jobless claims have hit a 3-year high.
Global economic and geopolitical shifts continue to create uncertainty in hiring and leadership decisions.
These aren’t just economic trends—they’re leadership signals.
I see these shifts playing out every day in conversations with leaders navigating career transitions.
I keep hearing variations of these questions more and more:
➡️ How do I strategically position myself for the next role?
➡️ How do I make my experience relevant in a changing market?
➡️ How do I stand out in a competitive landscape?
I’ve navigated multiple career transitions myself—from investment banking to management consulting to tech leadership.
What I’ve learned—both from my own journey and from coaching leaders —is that the best career moves don’t happen by chance.
One of the best pieces of career advice I ever received?
Always be looking (for your next role, project)
The people who transition successfully don’t wait for opportunities.
They prepare for them.
And while every career path is different, the leaders who stay ahead tend to follow a clear pattern.
Here are three moves they do differently.
1️⃣ They Move with Intention
Career transitions don’t start with job applications. They start with a decision.
What’s next for you? Not just in job title, but in impact, leadership, and strategic value.
The biggest mistake I see?
Jumping into the job search before defining direction.
Leaders who move with clarity make faster, more confident transitions.
Your Move:
Write down three leadership qualities or skills you want to be known for.
Identify one tangible way to showcase each—whether through a project, thought leadership, or a key conversation this month.
Make sure your LinkedIn summary reflects your future direction, not just past experience.
2️⃣ They Approach Career Moves Like a Strategic Play
A career move isn’t just about finding the right opportunity—it’s about making sure the right opportunities find you.
The most successful leaders don’t treat job transitions as a reactive process.
They position themselves early, so when the right role opens up, they’re already top of mind.
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Frame Yourself for the Future Role
Most people stay framed for the jobs they’ve had—not the jobs they want.
Your LinkedIn, resume, and personal narrative should reflect your next move.
Update your headline, summary, and content to emphasize where you're going.
2️⃣ Make Your Value Visible
Hiring managers and decision-makers aren’t just looking at resumes—they’re looking at who is actively contributing to the industry.
Are you sharing insights, engaging in discussions, or publishing thought leadership?
Visibility = credibility. Show up in the spaces where key players are looking.
3️⃣ Engage Before You Need To
The best career moves don’t come from last-minute networking.
Start building relationships now—with hiring managers, industry peers, and people already in the roles you’re targeting.
Career growth is not just about “who you know,” but who knows you.
Your Move:
Audit your LinkedIn profile. Does it position you for where you’re headed?
Engage with 3 thought leaders in your target industry periodically (set your cadence per week/month/quarter).
Comment on their posts or share insights.
Send one message today to a hiring manager, recruiter, or mentor in your space. A simple check-in now could open doors later.
3️⃣ They Build Career-Changing Relationships
Every major career move happens in the context of relationships.
The biggest misconception?
Thinking career growth is a solo effort.
The most successful leaders don’t just rely on skills and experience—they cultivate the right network.
Here’s how:
1️⃣ Mentors Help You See Around Corners
The best career advice often comes from people who’ve already navigated the transitions you’re considering.
2️⃣ Sponsors Advocate for You When You’re Not in the Room
A mentor gives advice. A sponsor creates opportunities.
Ask yourself: Who is advocating for me? What are they saying to others?
3️⃣ Peers Provide Real-Time Market Insights
Stay connected with former colleagues, industry groups, and communities where people share inside knowledge.
Your Move:
Identify one person who could serve as a mentor, sponsor, or industry peer. Send them a message today.
Join one high-value conversation this week—whether it’s a networking event, industry Slack group, or LinkedIn discussion.
🔹 The Bottom Line
The leaders who transition successfully do three things:
✔️ They move with intention.
✔️ They take a strategic approach.
✔️ They build the right relationships.
If you’re preparing for a transition, now is the time to refine how you position yourself.
🔹 Next Move: Put Strategy Into Action
Want to go deeper? I built a step-by-step system to help leaders position themselves strategically, build visibility, and land high-impact roles.
📘 The LinkedIn System: Position Your Experience. Stand Out. Get hired.
A career move requires more than experience. It demands clear positioning, visibility, and strategic action.
I first developed this system to navigate my own career transitions. Then, when I was a Product Engineering leader at LinkedIn, I refined it further—while leading the team directly responsible for helping millions of professionals find jobs.
Now, this is the same system I use with coaching clients to help them land career transitions, secure board positions, and step into executive leadership—faster.
🚀 Your next move starts now. Get the proven framework to position yourself for bigger opportunities and land your next role—with clarity and confidence.
🔗 Make Your Move here
Go for it!
Joselle