The push to change jobs rarely comes from one moment. Sometimes it’s frustration after months of repetitive work, other times
The post Itai Liptz: Finding a New Job Without Losing Your Sanity appeared first on The Startup Magazine.
The push to change jobs rarely comes from one moment. Sometimes it’s frustration after months of repetitive work, other times it’s the realization that the role no longer fits your long-term goals. For many, the motivation builds gradually until it feels unavoidable and leads to a job search.
Career shifts can feel unsettling, but they’re also common. As entrepreneur Itai Liptz has written, “moving between roles doesn’t mean losing your place—it can be a way to reset and find work that actually aligns with your skills and interests.” That perspective helps reframe the search as an opportunity instead of just a disruption.
Starting the process can still be uncomfortable. There’s pressure to present yourself in the best light while dealing with rejection and uncertainty. The work takes time, and it’s easy to feel like you’re moving without progress.
What makes the experience less draining is breaking it into manageable steps. Instead of treating the job hunt as one huge hurdle, focus on the next task—whether that’s updating your resume or preparing for an interview. The smaller wins build momentum and make the overall search feel more manageable.
Step 1: Figure Out What You Actually Want
Applying for jobs without a clear goal is like running in place. You may get interviews, but you risk landing somewhere that feels just as unfulfilling as the role you left. Before doing anything else, spend some time deciding what matters most.
“A useful exercise is dividing your priorities into two columns: non-negotiables and preferences,” suggests Liptz. “Salary or location might fall into the first, while things like a larger team or more flexible hours might sit in the second.” That distinction prevents you from being swayed by an offer that looks good on paper but doesn’t actually fit.
Another approach is to look backward. Think about what you liked in past roles and what consistently drained you. If you hated constant travel or found energy in managing people, those patterns matter. Being honest about them now saves frustration later.
Step 2: Fix Up Your Resume and Profiles
A resume isn’t just a list of jobs—it’s proof of what you accomplished. Listing responsibilities without context doesn’t show why you’d be valuable to a new employer. Replace broad duties with results. Even simple achievements read more clearly when tied to outcomes.
Keeping a “master file” that holds every version of your experience makes tailoring easier. When a posting highlights a certain skill, pull the points that match and place them at the top. That way, each application feels directed instead of recycled.
Digital presence matters too. If your LinkedIn still reflects a role from three years ago, it’s time for a refresh. Titles, descriptions, and even the small skills section shape first impressions. According to StandOut CV, 72% of recruiters actively search LinkedIn for candidates, which means an outdated profile can limit your chances before anyone even opens your resume.
Short endorsements can add weight, though they aren’t essential. If a colleague is willing to write one, it’s another signal that you work well with others. Even a handful of comments can balance out the dry bullet points of a resume.
Step 3: Start Looking in the Right Places
“Job boards are useful, but they’re crowded,” says Liptz. “Relying on them alone often means competing with hundreds of applicants for the same opening.” To broaden your chances, he suggests thinking about other routes.
Reaching out to people you already know tends to open doors faster than cold applications. According to 99Firms, hiring through referrals is 55% quicker than using career websites, which shows how valuable personal connections can be when you’re looking for your next role. Even a short message to an old coworker or classmate can lead to information about openings that aren’t posted publicly.
Smaller, niche job boards or professional associations can also be overlooked goldmines. They may not list as many openings, but the ones they do post often attract fewer applicants. Checking company career pages directly can also surface roles earlier than external postings.
Keeping your search organized pays off. Whether you log it in a spreadsheet or jot it down in a notes app, recording where and when you applied avoids confusion. It also helps you follow up at the right time instead of losing track.
Step 4: Apply Smart, Not Everywhere
Sending the same resume to dozens of companies rarely leads to good results. Hiring managers recognize copy-and-paste applications, and they don’t make much of an impression. A more focused strategy usually works better.
Take the time to tailor your resume to each posting. According to LinkedIn, personalized resumes are 2.3 times more likely to land interviews than generic ones, which means even small adjustments can significantly improve your chances.
Cover letters are still worth the effort when requested. They don’t need to be long, but they should connect your background to the specific role. Think of them as a chance to explain your interest, not as a repeat of your resume.
One technical detail is formatting. Some employers use systems that automatically scan resumes, and elaborate designs or graphics can confuse them. Stick with clean layouts that make it easy for both software and people to read.
Step 5: Prep for Interviews Without Sounding Scripted
Once you’re invited to interview, the work shifts from paper to conversation. Preparation helps, but memorized answers usually backfire. The goal is to sound confident and natural, not rehearsed.
Researching the company gives you context for your answers. Go a step past the basics and learn how the role connects to the team or the organization’s current priorities. That extra layer shows you’re serious about the opportunity.
Think about a few specific stories from your past work that highlight your abilities. Short examples framed around a problem you solved or a goal you helped reach are flexible enough to answer many common questions. Having them ready makes you less likely to stumble.
Interviews are also your chance to learn. Asking about team culture, expectations, or how success is measured can reveal whether the job actually fits what you’re looking for. Preparing a few genuine questions in advance keeps the conversation balanced.
If you feel rusty, practice. Talking through answers with a friend or even out loud alone helps with pacing and clarity. It doesn’t need to be perfect—it just helps you get comfortable explaining your experience.
Step 6: Handle Offers and Negotiation
Receiving an offer is validating, but it’s not the end of the process. Rushing to accept without reviewing the details can cause regret. Look closely at all parts of the package, not just the salary. Health coverage, vacation, and flexibility can matter just as much.
Negotiation feels intimidating, but it’s standard. Approaching it professionally shows that you value your work and take the role seriously. Even small adjustments—like a signing bonus or additional time off—can make a difference over time.
When facing more than one offer, go back to your original priorities. Compare each role against your must-have list. The option that best matches those priorities, even if it isn’t the highest paycheck, is often the wiser choice.
Step 7: Leaving Gracefully and Starting Fresh
How you exit a role affects how you’re remembered. Giving notice with respect and finishing key tasks leaves a positive impression. It also makes it easier to request references later.
Don’t disappear without keeping connections. Gathering contact information from colleagues ensures those relationships don’t fade when you move on. A short message of thanks goes a long way toward maintaining goodwill.
Starting somewhere new brings its own mix of anticipation and nerves. Instead of trying to make an immediate splash, take time to observe. Learn how the team works, listen to others, and adapt to the rhythm of the workplace before suggesting big changes. That patience often pays off in stronger relationships and smoother integration.
Itai Liptz: Persistence Pays Off
Looking for a job is rarely quick, and setbacks are part of the process. Applications may go unanswered, and interviews won’t always result in offers. Accepting those outcomes as normal makes them less discouraging.
The search becomes less stressful when you focus on steady progress instead of instant results. Clear priorities, tailored applications, and thoughtful preparation all build toward finding the right role. “With persistence, the effort usually pays off in a position that feels like a better fit than where you started,” says Liptz.
The post Itai Liptz: Finding a New Job Without Losing Your Sanity appeared first on The Startup Magazine.