By Alan Saquella, CPP – Assistant Professor, Global Security and Intelligence Studies, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
The professional landscape for job seekers has changed dramatically in recent years. As an educator, mentor, and retired corporate security executive, I regularly encounter both students entering the workforce and seasoned professionals re-entering it after layoffs. A recurring concern I hear from many mid- and late-career professionals is familiar: “I’ve submitted dozens of applications and never hear back.”
While the market is competitive, silence from employers often signals a deeper issue. In many cases, the problem lies not in the applicant’s qualifications, but in how they present themselves online and on paper. Today, success in job searching requires understanding that LinkedIn is a professional marketing tool, not social media, and that resumes must be strategically designed to pass through automated screening systems before reaching a hiring manager.
LinkedIn: More Than Just an Online Resume
LinkedIn has become the world’s primary professional networking platform. Yet, many treat it too casually. I routinely see profiles with unprofessional photos, distracting banner images, and “About” sections that read more like personal blogs than professional summaries. This is a mistake.
LinkedIn is not the place for vacation photos, political commentary, or casual status updates. Instead, it should be curated as a marketing showcase.
Best practices include:
· Professional Headshot: Use a high-quality image that conveys confidence and professionalism.
· Banner Image: Select a straightforward design or an industry-relevant visual, avoiding casual or distracting imagery.
· Concise About Section: Keep this brief, focusing on skills, expertise, and value to employers—not a personal history.
· Experience Section: Emphasize accomplishments and measurable outcomes rather than just responsibilities.
Think of your LinkedIn profile as a digital business card combined with a living resume. It should always project professionalism.
Avoiding Age Bias: Less Is More
A second mistake I often observe is the tendency to overload LinkedIn and resumes with decades of job history. Some professionals list 30 to 40 years of positions in exhaustive detail. While thoroughness may seem positive, it frequently backfires by overwhelming readers and unintentionally signaling age.
To guard against bias and maintain focus, follow the 20-Year Rule:
· Limit job history on both LinkedIn and resumes to the most recent 20 years.
· Older experience can be summarized under a section titled “Additional Professional Experience” without dates. For example:
· Additional Professional Experience
· Leadership roles in corporate security and investigations
· Project management assignments in risk analysis and compliance
· Early-career roles in operations and team management
Similarly, remove graduation years from education entries. Listing the year you earned your degree is unnecessary and often counterproductive, as it allows employers to estimate your age quickly. Employers value what you know and how you perform today, not how many years ago you graduated.
The Rise of Automated Screening
Another barrier job seekers face today is the widespread use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems filter resumes before they ever reach human eyes. ATS software scans keywords from the job description and ranks resumes based on alignment. If a resume fails to meet a minimum threshold, often set around 80%, the application is automatically rejected.
During my years in industry, I frequently asked talent acquisition teams to forward all resumes to me, not just those the ATS flagged as “qualified.” More than half the time, I identified strong candidates that the system had rejected. The issue was not their ability; it was their wording.
How to Beat the System
Fortunately, job seekers can adapt. Two strategies significantly improve the odds of getting past automated filters:
1. Use AI Resume Tools: Platforms such as theprofessional.me allow job seekers to upload both the job description and their resume for comparison. The system highlights missing keywords and provides suggestions to improve alignment. For example, if the job posting requires “risk mitigation” and your resume says, “reduced risks,” the system will flag the discrepancy. Minor changes in wording can make the difference between rejection and review.
2. Tailor Resumes for Every Job: Generic, one-size-fits-all resumes no longer work. Each application should be adjusted to reflect the specific language of the job posting. While time-consuming, tailoring resumes ensures the ATS recognizes you as a strong match.
In short, it is not enough to be qualified; you must also speak the algorithm’s language.
Networking Still Matters
Despite advances in AI and automation, one truth remains constant: hiring decisions are made by people. Networking is one of the most effective ways to bypass the limitations of ATS systems and ensure your application gets noticed.
Practical steps include:
· Leveraging LinkedIn to identify connections at target companies.
· Requesting introductions or referrals from colleagues.
· Participating in professional associations, alumni networks, and industry events.
I have seen countless cases where a referral or personal introduction made the difference between being overlooked and being hired. In fact, many roles are filled internally or through referrals before they are ever posted publicly.
Best Practices for the Modern Job Search
To succeed in today’s competitive environment, professionals should follow a deliberate, disciplined approach:
1. Polish LinkedIn: Ensure your profile photo, banner, About section, and experience entries are professional and achievement-focused.
2. Limit Work History: Present no more than 20 years of experience; summarize older roles without dates.
3. Remove Education Dates: Avoid unnecessary age indicators.
4. Leverage AI: Run resumes through optimization tools to achieve at least 80% keyword alignment with job descriptions.
5. Tailor Applications: Adjust each resume to reflect the specific requirements of the job posting.
6. Network Effectively: Use connections to ensure your resume reaches decision-makers.
7. Highlight Successes: Emphasize results, achievements, and contributions rather than just duties.
Final Thoughts
The modern job search is a complex interplay of professionalism, technology, and human connection. Candidates must recognize that LinkedIn is not casual social media—it is a professional platform that demands polish. Resumes must be strategically crafted to navigate AI-driven screening, while personal networks remain essential to opening doors.
As someone who has hired scores of professionals and now advises the next generation of security and intelligence leaders, I can say with confidence: those who adapt their strategy to this new reality improve their chances of success.
The tools may be new, but the core principles remain the same: present yourself with professionalism, highlight your value, and build meaningful connections. Done well, these steps transform silence into opportunity.
About the Author
Alan Saquella, CPP, is an Assistant Professor in the Global Security and Intelligence Studies program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. A retired corporate security executive, he has more than 30 years of experience in investigations, security operations, and risk management. Saquella serves as a faculty advisor for students seeking internships and careers in security and intelligence, and he is an active contributor to industry publications and professional associations.
