Wylie Fisher

Front-End Web Developer

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A Swift Kick in the Pants

Mar 16, 2025

This week marked six months since I was laid off. Half a year of job searching, refining my resume, and trying to land the next opportunity. And this week, I got exactly what I needed—a “swift kick in the pants” from an old friend via a LinkedIn chat.

I’ve been applying to jobs, tweaking my resume, updating my site here and there. But their message made something clear: I wasn’t doing enough. Not nearly enough. A job search isn’t just about checking boxes-it’s about being deliberate, consistent, and proactive every single day.

They didn’t just tell me to work harder; they gave me a roadmap. Here’s what I need to focus on:

Website & Portfolio

  • Make my GitHub link more prominent.
  • Showcase more professional work on my website.
  • Fix or remove any placeholder images on sites I maintain.
  • Ensure my resume is easily accessible in PDF, HTML, and Word formats.
  • Treat my website as a portfolio, not an afterthought-iterate and improve constantly.

Skills & Learning

  • Position myself as a full-stack developer-even if front-end is my strength.
  • Regularly update my blog/profile with coursework and skill progress.
  • Focus on Node, Web APIs, Vanilla JavaScript, Vue, Svelte, AI instead of lower-level courses.
  • Remove “Learn Intermediate CC Course” and similar low-value coursework.

Job Application Strategy

  • Ensure LinkedIn matches my resume exactly for ATS compatibility.
  • Track applications in a spreadsheet (date, company, position, job link).
  • Apply to at least 2 jobs per day.
  • Use resume evaluation tools (like Jobscan) or get professional feedback.
  • Optimize my resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and upload it to Indeed.

Interview Preparation

  • Do not use a laptop camera for virtual interviews.
  • Use over-ear, wired headphones with a mic instead of built-in audio.
  • Blur my background to keep the focus professional.

Was all of this easy to hear? No. But was it good to hear? Absolutely. Sometimes, we need that “swift kick in the pants” to remind us that effort alone isn’t enough-it’s about focus, discipline, and showing up every single day.

I’ve got a new plan, now it’s time to get to work.