September can be a powerful time to get visible, activate your network, and pursue the next role—but smart career strategy is not just about landing a new job. It is also about protecting your options before year-end budget decisions and possible restructurings. In this solo episode, Mandi shares how to use the fall hiring window, make yourself easier to hire, and create a no-panic layoff-readiness plan for your career and your money.

In this episode, Mandi covers:

• How to get specific about the role and work you want next

• Why real conversations can be more useful than online salary data alone

• A simple outreach script to reconnect with your network

• How to refresh your résumé and LinkedIn without overthinking either one

• Why 2–5 strong-fit applications can beat dozens of random ones

• How to prepare for possible reorgs or layoffs without spiraling

• Why you cannot afford to be the best-kept secret in your industry

Get the free September Career Reset Toolkit

https://mandimoney.myflodesk.com/september

Want every script and checklist from this episode in one place? Download Mandi’s free September Career Reset Toolkit, including the target-role Mad Lib, networking and reconnect-message templates, résumé and LinkedIn refresh checklist, job-search pipeline tracker, raise and promotion conversation prompts, and layoff-readiness plan.

>>> Start here: two scripts from today’s episode

Define your target role  

“I am targeting [role] opportunities in [industry or type of company] where I can use [two to three skills] to help solve [a specific business problem].”

Reconnect with someone in your network  

“Hey [Name], I hope you had a good summer. I’ve been thinking about the work I want to focus on next, and I’m exploring [target role or field]. I’ve always respected your perspective on [specific reason]. If you have 20 minutes this month, I’d love to catch up and hear what you’re seeing in the industry. No pressure at all if your calendar is packed.”

The 15-second LinkedIn test:  

If a hiring manager saw your LinkedIn profile for 15 seconds, could they tell what you do, who you help, and what results you create?

Stay connected

• Download Mandi’s Nail Your Negotiation Toolkit for 25+ scripts to help you negotiate compensation and advocate for yourself.: https://www.mandimoney.com/shop/p/nail-the-negotiation-17-word-for-word-scripts-to-help-you-negotiate-like-a-boss-without-ever-leaving-money-on-the-table-again

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