209. Find Your Fit, Find Your Focus - Catalyze Your Career

Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

How to turn curiosity, clarity, and AI into your most powerful job search tools.

Job search isn’t just about landing your next role—it’s about understanding who you are and how you want to show up in the world. According to Andrew Seaman, Senior Managing Editor for Jobs and Career Development at LinkedIn, that process begins with curiosity, not certainty. “People assume they need to apply to dozens of jobs with a perfect résumé,” he explains. “But the best applications are rooted in self-awareness and strategy—not spray-and-pray.”

Instead of rushing to the next opportunity, Seaman encourages job seekers to slow down, ask better questions, and prioritize conversations over checklists. From informational interviews to profile updates, clarity is key—knowing what you want and telling a story that shows why you’re the right fit.
With tools like LinkedIn’s Job Match and natural-language job search, candidates can now assess how they align with a role—and where they can grow. “It’s not just about being qualified,” Seaman says. “It’s about showing the value you bring.”
In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Seaman joins host Matt Abrahams for our Catalyze Your Career miniseries to share how to job search with intention. Using Matt’s “Four I’s” framework—identifying, investigating, initiating contact, and interviewing—they explore how strategic storytelling, thoughtful networking, and AI tools can help you stand out in a crowded market.

Episode Reference Links:

• Andrew Seaman
• Ep.184 Fit or Quit? Find the Job That is Right For You—Catalyze Your Career
• Ep.187 Experimenting, Failing, and Finding Your Job Fit - Catalyze Your Career
• Ep.151 Get Hired: How the Right Communication Can Advance Your Career

Connect:

• Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart Premium
• Email Questions & Feedback >>> [email protected]
• Episode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart Website
• Newsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.io
• Think Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Matt Abrahams >>> LinkedIn

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (01:00) - What’s Changing in Job Search
• (03:32) - Identifying Roles with Curiosity
• (06:32) - Investigating Companies & Roles
• (07:56) - Initiating Contact Effectively
• (11:12) - Crafting a Strong Narrative
• (12:24) - How Job Match Can Help
• (15:44) - Strategic vs. Shotgun Approach
• (20:43) - Best Career Advice Received
• (23:23) - Career Regrets & Lessons
• (24:52) - Conclusion

*****
Thank you to our sponsors. These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you for free.

Let Grammarly take the busywork off your plate so you can focus on high-impact work. Download Grammarly for free today

Become a Faster Smarter Supporter by joining TFTS Premium.