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They called it a “take-home project.” You called it unpaid consulting. You were right.
The marketing interview scam hiding in plain sight - and why candidates need to stop donating strategy sessions to companies that were never going to hire them. Let’s set the scene. You’ve made it through three rounds. The recruiter loves you. The hiring manager said, and we quote, “you’re exactly what we’re looking for.” And then - the ask. “We’d love to see how you think. Can you put together a 90-day marketing plan, a brand activation strategy, go-to-market strategy and
Maria Frey
Apr 286 min read
Stop Using LinkedIn Like It’s Indeed in a Blazer. Beyond the Apply Button: Smarter Ways to Use LinkedIn In Your Job Search
Most job seekers go on LinkedIn, type in a role, hit apply, and then sit there refreshing their inbox like the job fairy’s about to arrive. She’s not. The people getting traction are usually doing something less obvious and way more effective.
Maria Frey
Apr 195 min read
Job Seeking Is Your “Now” - Not Your Final Destination
Let’s get one thing straight right out of the gate: Whether you're working through a career transition, exploring new roles after a layoff, or actively working your job search strategy, being in job-seeking mode is your current reality - not your permanent address. At ECNY, we say it loud because it works: “Activity Breeds Opportunity!®” Not wishful thinking. Not waiting. Not scrolling job boards until your eyes glaze over. Activity. Because motion - intentional, strategic mo
Maria Frey
Mar 263 min read
Stop Waiting: Why Job Promises Aren't a Career Strategy
Honestly; waiting for someone to hand you a job sounds amazing but it’s just not something you can hang your hat on. It could be a friend, former colleague, or family connection that pulls you aside with that knowing look. "I've got you," they say. "We're hiring soon. Just give me a few weeks to work things out on my end, and I'll get you in." Weeks become months. The texts keep coming. And so does your anxiety. Meanwhile, all that time waiting has let other opportunities sli
Maria Frey
Feb 45 min read
Why Tailoring Your Resume Isn't Optional - It's Strategic
Application volumes are through the roof, response rates are abysmal, and even strong candidates are getting ghosted after multiple rounds. It's not fair, and it's not your fault.
But here's the hard truth: that's exactly why tailoring matters more than ever.
Maria Frey
Jan 265 min read
Stop Waiting for the “Perfect” Job Match - It Doesn’t Exist. Apply Anyway.
You know what is going on right now? Job seekers looking at job descriptions they want to apply to are seeing they fit 6, 7, maybe 8 of the 10 qualifications in the job spec and decide they don’t have what it takes. “I don’t have that skill”, “I don’t have that certification” or “I only managed teams of 5 not 10.”
Maria Frey
Nov 20, 20254 min read
Why You Should Never Dumb Down Your Resume: Smart Resume Strategies to Get Hired
If you’ve ever been told to “dumb down” your resume to get a job, especially if you’re considered overqualified, this article is for you. A client of ours recently shared that she was told to do this very thing. Let’s be clear, this is terrible advice. We at Executive Consultants of New York, Corp. (ECNY), hear this way too often. We work with experienced professionals every day who are navigating job transitions and how to best position themselves in a competitive market. Th
Maria Frey
Jul 11, 20253 min read
How to Stay Resilient in Your Job Search - (Even When Things Go Sideways)
Whether it’s a resume that doesn’t reflect your worth, an interview that throws you off, or a job search that feels never-ending, here’s the truth: resilience is your superpower.
Maria Frey
May 17, 20253 min read
You Are the Hero in Your Job Search: Trust the Journey, Embrace the Unexpected – An ECNY Commentary
We’ve helped thousands of professionals find their path to employment. But there’s one powerful truth we always share first: you are the hero of your job search.
Maria Frey
Apr 28, 20252 min read
The New Job Search Paradigm: Why Management and Executive-Level Professionals Are Facing Longer Unemployment
The job market has changed - dramatically. Gone are the days when seasoned executives and management-level professionals could seamlessly transition from one role to another. Today, many highly qualified candidates are experiencing extended job searches, some lasting over a year, despite their extensive experience, networks, and leadership expertise. So, what’s causing this shift? And more importantly, how can job seekers adapt to this new reality? Let’s dive into the changin
Maria Frey
Mar 5, 20254 min read
How to Spot Fake Job Openings in 2025 (and What to Do Instead)
The job market is tough enough without scammers and fake job listings wasting your time. Yet, in 2025, fraudulent job postings are more sophisticated than ever appearing on LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and even company websites. If you’re job hunting, knowing how to separate real opportunities from scams is a must. While I would personally like a law passed with a nice hefty fine attached to it for each fraudulent job posting, we’re not there yet… But here’s a guide from E
Maria Frey
Feb 28, 20254 min read
New Year, New Perspective: Unique Strategies to Land Your Dream Job in 2025
Let’s be real: the job market is like a game of musical chairs, and if you don’t move strategically, you’ll be left standing. But 2025 isn’t about playing by old rules - it’s about rewriting them. This New Year, ditch the cookie-cutter advice and embrace bold, outside-the-box thinking. Here’s how to turn this fresh start into your ultimate career breakthrough, with a little sass, strategy, and my golden mantra: “Activity Breeds Opportunity.” ® 1. Go Guerrilla with Your Job
Maria Frey
Jan 26, 20254 min read
Hiring Wisdom: What "The Intern" Teaches Us About Tackling Ageism and the Value of Experience
In today’s workplace, where ageism is not just a social issue but a costly business blunder, Nancy Meyers’ "The Intern" gives us a...
Maria Frey
Nov 19, 20243 min read
Unemployment: Why You Shouldn't Care About What Others Think
Society often attaches a stigma to unemployment, making it easy to feel judged, inadequate, or embarrassed - like it’s not an emotionally...
Maria Frey
Oct 8, 20243 min read
Coping with the Emotions of Losing a Job & Understanding and Overcoming the Challenge
Losing a job is one of life’s most difficult and emotionally complex experiences. Whether it comes as a surprise or after months of...
Maria Frey
Sep 21, 20247 min read
Lost Your Job? A Step-by-Step Guide to What to Do First
Losing a job can be a sudden and stressful experience. Whether you saw it coming or it was a complete surprise, job loss brings both emotion
Maria Frey
Aug 26, 20243 min read
Graduated; Yay! A Little Help from My Parents - Strategies for Parents to Help Recent Graduates Find a Job
Graduation from school is a time of excitement and a time for our kids to start their career journey. Our kids have spent years studying...
Maria Frey
Jun 11, 20244 min read
The Digital Standoff Between Job Seekers and Hiring Authority Digital Tough Guys - The Key is Persistence and Never Giving Up.
With the rise of social media, online networking platforms such as LinkedIn, and digital communication tools, job seekers are...
Maria Frey & Jessica McHugh
May 16, 20244 min read
Job Seeking Realities - You’re Not Going Crazy…!
So, you’re in the midst of trying to find a job. Well, there’s a lot of craziness going on and we hear you - your struggles are valid,...
Maria Frey
Mar 13, 20244 min read
Ghosting and the Silent Treatment - Navigating the Lack of Feedback from Recruiters
Halloween is not the only time the ghosts come out to play. They seem to be attracted to job seekers. Boo! In today’s job market, where...
Maria Frey & Jessica McHugh
Feb 21, 20243 min read