Career Control: Why Your Job Search is Broken—And How to Take Back Control of Your Career.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career—sending out CVs, applying for roles, waiting for responses that never come—you’re not alone.

The traditional job search process isn’t designed for you. It’s built for efficiency, not fairness.

✔ Jobs are often filled before they’re ever advertised.
✔ Recruiters work for companies, not candidates.
✔ Hiring managers are overwhelmed, scanning hundreds of CVs in seconds.

It’s a system that works for businesses—but not for you. And if you’re relying on it, you’re playing a game that’s stacked against you.

That’s why career control matters.

Why I Started Careers Matter

I didn’t start Careers Matter to rewrite CVs.

I started it because no professional should feel powerless in their own career.

For over 20 years in recruitment, I saw the frustration of talented professionals—stuck in a cycle of applying, waiting, and hoping. Many were more than qualified but were being overlooked—not because they weren’t good enough, but because they didn’t know how to position themselves where the right opportunities are.

And that’s the biggest career myth of all.

Most successful professionals aren’t the ones who send the most applications. They’re the ones who position themselves where the right opportunities are.

They don’t chase jobs. Jobs come to them.

So, how do they do it?

What Career Control Really Means

Career control isn’t about luck—it’s about influence.

It’s about being seen, being known, and being trusted before a job is even on the table.

✔ Being seen – Making sure decision-makers know who you are before you apply.
✔ Being known – Developing a reputation as someone who adds value and makes an impact.
✔ Being trusted – Building relationships that create opportunities before they ever become vacancies.

Without career control, you’re always reacting—tweaking your CV, applying, and waiting.
With career control, you’re leading, influencing, and choosing your next move.

Why a CV Alone Won’t Get You Hired

Most professionals believe that a strong CV is the key to landing a job. And while a great CV matters, it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

A CV isn’t a history document—it’s a sales brochure.

It’s not just about what you’ve done. It’s about selling what you can do next.

But even the best CV in the world won’t help if:

❌ You’re invisible – If no one knows you, no one is looking for you.
❌ You’re blending in – If your CV sounds like everyone else’s, it won’t stand out.
❌ You’re relying on applications – Most hiring decisions happen before a job is ever advertised.

Career control means using your CV as part of a bigger strategy—one where opportunities come to you because of how you position yourself, not just because of a document.

How to Take Control of Your Career

So, how do you stop playing the application game and start attracting the right opportunities?

It comes down to three things:

1. Be Seen – Build Visibility & Reputation

If no one knows you exist, no one is going to hire you.

🔹 Make LinkedIn work for you – Your profile should grab attention, not just sit there.
🔹 Post, comment, and engage – Be part of the conversations in your industry.
🔹 Show up at industry events – Speak, ask questions, and become a familiar name.

The best opportunities don’t go to the best candidates—they go to the best-known candidates.

2. Be Known – Develop a Strong Personal Brand

Being seen is step one. But what do people think when they see your name?

Your personal brand is what makes people pay attention, trust you, and remember you.

✅ Define your core theme – What’s the biggest impact you make?
✅ Align your message – Your CV, LinkedIn, and professional story should all say the same thing.
✅ Show your value – Share your knowledge, write about your expertise, and let people see what you bring to the table.

A strong personal brand makes you the obvious choice when the right opportunities appear.

3. Be Trusted – Build Relationships & Influence

The best opportunities don’t come from job applications. They come from relationships.

🤝 Network with decision-makers, not just recruiters.
🎙 Speak, write, and share your knowledge—build credibility.
🏆 Showcase your achievements—so people think of you when opportunities arise.

When you’re trusted in your field, you don’t have to find jobs—jobs find you.

Most People Stay Stuck—But You Don’t Have To

The reason most professionals struggle isn’t because they aren’t good enough.

It’s because they’re following a system that’s not built for them.

If you’re waiting for job boards and recruiters to work in your favour, you’re waiting for a system that prioritises company needs—not yours.

The professionals who thrive don’t wait. They take control.

They position themselves where the right opportunities are.

They build influence.
They build trust.
They build careers on their terms.

And so can you.

Your Next Step: Take Action Today

If you want career control, you have to take control.

✔ Audit your visibility – Are you showing up where decision-makers are looking?
✔ Refine your brand – Does your CV, LinkedIn, and messaging make you stand out?
✔ Take one strategic step today – Post an insight, reconnect with a key contact, or position yourself more effectively.

The professionals who win don’t just look for jobs—they create demand for themselves. And if you’re ready to take control of your career, it starts now.

📅 Let’s start with a conversation. Book a free 20-minute consultation with me here:
👉 Schedule Your Call Now

Your career shouldn’t be left to chance. Take the first step today.