🌟 Editor's Note
From the rollback of DEI efforts in federal hiring to AI doing first-round interviews (with a robot voice, no less), it’s clear we’re entering a new phase in the future of work… and not all of it feels like progress.
If you’re job searching, leading a team, or just trying to keep up, I hope this roundup gives you some clarity — and maybe a little edge. Let’s navigate the chaos together.
Thanks for subscribing,
Jen
⚡️ In This Issue ⚡️
📉 Top Story
🚩 Tips to Get You Hired
📖 A Lesson in Leadership
🗞️ News Roundup
TOP STORY
📉 Merit-Based Plan Ends DEI Efforts
The Trump administration has rolled out a new “Merit Hiring Plan” via the Office of Personnel Management, directing agencies to stop factoring race, sex, or national origin into hiring. The memo also calls for an end to all DEI programs in federal recruitment, branding them “illegal, demeaning, and immoral.”
While framed as a return to “constitutional principles,” critics argue this move dismantles long-standing efforts to diversify the federal workforce. Agencies must now report on their efforts to eliminate such practices by June 30. Read more here.
TIPS TO GET YOU HIRED
🚩 Resume Red Flags
That perfectly templated resume with pretty fonts and graphics.. may actually be costing you an interview.
This LinkedIn post unpacks what happened when one job seeker used a slick, popular resume template… and was auto-rejected by nearly every major company.
From overly long summaries to ATS nightmares, try this blueprint to build a resume that actually gets results.
The bottom line: Design ≠ Strategy.
⬇️ Read more below:
A LESSON IN LEADERSHIP
📖 AS A MATTER OF FACT…
If you want to better reach and engage your employees, start with the “power of mattering at work.” A Harvard Business Review article says leaders who show their team members they matter, see boots in confidence, capability, and overall team performance. Read more here.
🗞️ News Roundup 🗞️
📈 Jobless Claims Hit New High
Jobless claims rose by 14,000 last week to 240,000, while continuing claims (aka people still out of work) hit 1.92 million — the highest since 2021, according to the Labor Department. Experts say tariffs are to blame, adding yet another layer of uncertainty for businesses. Read more here.
💸 Top CEO’s Cash In
Meanwhile… Top CEO’s (those leading S&P 500 companies) saw a nearly 10% increase in pay last year with the median pay package of just over $17 million. Pay packages range in offerings including stock awards and security. Read more and see some of the top players here.
🤖 Thank you very much, Mr. Roboto
Job interviews are usually conducted by recruiters, managers, senior leaders, and now… AI? Companies are rolling out two-way screener calls using synthetic voices that conduct real-time interviews with potential candidates. Creators of the technology say it’s more efficient for employers and more accessible for interviewees. Read the full article here.
🏆 Employee of the Month 🏆
Looking for your next great hire? Or maybe you’re the one ready for a new opportunity?
Each month, I’ll be spotlighting a talented job seeker who’s actively looking — because great people deserve to be seen.
If you're on the hunt for a new role and want to be featured reach out! Whether you're a marketer, engineer, strategist, or creative powerhouse, let’s get your name in front of the right people.
📩 Interested? Reply to this email with a few lines about your expertise and what you're looking for next!
Like this newsletter? Please share it with someone you know! ⏭️