The Half-Year Job Search Check-Up

12 Things to Review, Refresh, and Reboot

Six months into a job search is the perfect time to pause and check the fit. Are you applying to the right roles? Are your résumé, StyleCareers profile, LinkedIn, and portfolio telling a clear story? Are interviews leading to next steps?

Use this midyear check-up to focus your search, fix weak spots, and rebuild momentum.

1. Revisit your target role

Get specific about what you want now. Define your target function, level, industry category, location, and non-negotiables. If your applications are scattered across too many roles, your search may need more focus. For a broader reset, see the 2025 Fashion Job Search Playbook.

2. Audit your results

Look at the numbers: applications submitted, recruiter responses, interviews, final rounds, offers, follow-ups, and referrals. If you are applying but not getting interviews, review 5 Reasons You Aren’t Getting Interviews.

3. Refresh your résumé

Your résumé should quickly show who you are, what you do, and why you fit the role. Update your headline, strongest bullets, keywords, metrics, and formatting. Make sure it passes the 6-second résumé test.

4. Update your StyleCareers profile

Refresh your résumé, contact information, desired roles, location preferences, salary range, portfolio, and job alerts. Use the StyleCareers Profile Checklist to make sure recruiters see your most current information.

5. Improve your LinkedIn profile

Your LinkedIn headline, About section, experience, and skills should support the same career story as your résumé. If your profile is vague or outdated, start with LinkedIn job search essentials.

6. Review your portfolio

For creative, design, visual, merchandising, styling, marketing, and product roles, make sure your portfolio is current, easy to open, and aligned with your target jobs. Your work should show both taste and business judgment.

7. Check role level alignment

Are you applying too high, too low, or too broadly? Compare your background to jobs where you received interest. If titles are limiting you, read Your Job Title May Be Killing Your Job Search.

8. Stop low-quality applications

Do not apply to jobs you would not seriously consider. A focused search beats a frantic one. Avoid “doom applying” by revisiting Doomjobbing: The Fashion Job Search Killer.

9. Strengthen networking

Reconnect with former coworkers, managers, recruiters, vendors, classmates, and industry peers. Tell people clearly what you are looking for. For outreach help, use these LinkedIn messaging tips.

10. Practice interview stories

Prepare examples for leadership, problem-solving, conflict, deadlines, data, mistakes, and teamwork. Start with behavioral interview questions.

11. Recheck salary and references

Know your target range, walk-away number, and flexibility. Confirm references before employers ask. Review salary expectations and professional references.

12. Build a 30-day reset plan

Choose clear weekly goals: quality applications, networking, recruiter follow-ups, résumé updates, interview practice, and portfolio improvements. A stronger search starts with a better routine.