Tips for Work and Life with Andrew LaCivita

Why Your Skills Aren't Winning Interviews (and What Actually Does)

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Happy St. Patrick's Day. ☘️ If you're counting on luck in your job search, we need to talk. Let me say something that might sting a little. Your ...

How to Share Your Wins Without Sounding Like You're Bragging

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

There is at least one moment in a job interview you can count on.  Whether it happens literally or figuratively, it's this: "Tell me about your accom...

Feeling Overlooked in Your Job Search? Listen to This

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever felt overlooked or misunderstood or plain ole underappreciated, this is my gift to you today. It doesn't matter if it's you job search...

How to Capture Career Wins for Interviews and Promotions

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most professionals don't struggle because they lack experience.  They struggle because they can't remember the details that give their accomplishment...

STOP Falling for Fake Jobs and Recruiter Scams

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I hate that I even have to write this. But fake recruiters and fake job postings are everywhere right now. And job seekers are being targeted hard. Th...

What are Your Salary Expectations? 5 Best Answers from a Former Executive Recruiter

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Few interview questions create more damage with fewer words. Not because it's hard. But because people answer it at the worst possible time, with the ...

This is How You Determine Which Skills to Build

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Does it feel like you're not growing in your career? Perhaps not learning much? Or building new skills? Or not sure which skills to even build? Maybe ...

The Pre-Interview Ritual That Helps You Perform at Your Best

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you're rehearsing your stories five minutes before an interview, you're cooked. I'm not saying that to be dramatic. I'm saying it because it's true...

Job Searching in January 2026: What to Know and What to Do

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

January is one of the busiest and most misunderstood periods of the hiring year. Behind the scenes, companies are launching new initiatives, trying to...

The Real Reason You Don't Have What You Want

14 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Let me ask you something honest. Have you ever looked at your effort and thought, "There's no way I should still be here?" You show up. You work hard....

Think This Way to Future Proof Your Career for the 2026 Job Market

07 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everyone is trying to predict the job market right now. Most of them are staring at headlines and waiting for someone to tell them what's going to hap...

How to Use Your Job Search to Make You a Better Professional

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Job searching can be brutal. It tests your patience, your confidence, and your resolve. But if you shift your focus from results to wisdom, everything...

The Best Way to Prepare and Answer Behavioral Interview Questions

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most job seekers prepare for interviews the wrong way. They start by memorizing answers to questions like "Tell me about a time you disagreed with you...

How to Give a Job Interview Presentation (That Gets You Hired)

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most candidates talk about what they can do. The best ones show it. When an employer asks for a presentation, it's not a test of PowerPoint skills. It...

How to Start Every Job Interview Answer the Right Way

04 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Interviewers don't wait until you finish your story to decide if they like you. They decide while you're still taking your first breath. In those firs...

How I Created a Long-Term Vision for My Career Success (A Story)

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people think success comes from constant hustle. It doesn't. It comes from patience mixed with smart action. Most people chase quick wins. I lear...

How to Beat Perfectionism and Finally Move Forward

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Perfectionism is the great career stall. Most people don't slow down because they're lazy. They slow down because they want everything just right befo...

4 Steps to Manage People Better

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most managers don't actually manage people. They manage tasks. They tell. They correct. They rarely coach. That's the difference between a boss people...

Why Now is the Best Time of Year to Job Search 2025-2026

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last week, we spent five full days together building and fine-tuning your résumé. You now have a marketing document that's designed to get you not...

The Wisdom That Changed My Life: 11 Must-Read Books

21 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Last month I celebrated my 59th. It had me reflecting on the biggest influences that rerouted my path, especially the books that shaped my mindset, my...

The Truth About How Big Goals Change You

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It was 3:08 in the morning. May of last year. I was in my office already a lofty 8 minutes into my day. Headphones on, speaking (uh, reading) into a m...

How to Answer the 6 Hardest Job Interview Questions (with Examples)

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When you walk into an interview, you know the tough ones are coming. 👉 How do you handle problems? 👉 How do you serve customers? 👉 How do ...

Total Job Interview Mastery: Words, Body Language, and Presence (In Person and Video)

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've got the skills. You've done the prep. But the moment you walk into the room (or log into Zoom), it's like you're playing a different game. Ever...

2 Simple Ways to Instantly Improve Your Communication Skills

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We've all been there. You say something. You think it makes sense. But the reaction you get? Confused. Unmoved. Maybe even tuned out. Ugh. Communicat...

5 Books to Build Wealth and Maximize Your Earning Power

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever thought I want to build wealth, but I'm not sure where to start. You're not alone. Good news! You don't need to read 100 finance books....

How Small Details Drive Career Performance (and Wealth)

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You've probably heard the phrase "don't sweat the small stuff." Well, I'm here to tell you to do the exact opposite. If you want to perform at the hig...

The Power of Your Personal Story: How to Share It So Others Benefit [The Zebra Code]

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you ever feel like you don't have much to offer?  Like your experience is ordinary? Obvious? Nothing special? If so, you're not alone. But you ar...

Empathy: The Career Skill Nobody Taught You [The Zebra Code]

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a career skill no one taught you in school. It's not on your resume. It's rarely on a job description. But it's the difference between being ...

How Self-Awareness Shapes Every Decision You Make [The Zebra Code]

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week's a special one. I'm going back to one of the most important lessons I've ever taught.  Self-awareness. Not the generic, "journal your fee...

Train Your Focus Like a Muscle: The 10-Minute Habit That Changed My Life [The Zebra Code]

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever tried to start your day with the best intentions only to have your attention hijacked by email pings, barking dogs, or that mysterious i...

3 Mindset Shifts That Separate High Achievers from Everyone Else [The Zebra Code]

03 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to think like a high achiever? I've coached thousands of professionals and one pattern is unmistakable. High achievers think differently. It's no...

Stop Reporting Work History, Start Telling Job Interview Stories That Sell You

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Question for ya… When the interviewer asks you to "tell me about a time when…," do you: A) Launch into a timeline of tasks you completed? B) Rattl...

Never Negotiate Salary Over Email | Do This Instead

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I know it's tempting. A recruiter emails you with your job offer. You want to reply quickly. Clear things up. Maybe even negotiate. But email is the w...

What to Say When a Recruiter Pressures You for Your Expected Salary

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever felt cornered when a recruiter asks, "What's your expected salary?" Only you and about a bajillion other job seekers. I'm a little sick and tired...

The #1 Thing to Focus on in a Job Interview to Get Hired

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa asked me a great question the other day. "Coach, how do I know which story to tell in a job interview?" Here's what I told her. If you want to wi...

9 Smart Ways to Age-Proof Your Job Search

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Worried your age is playing villain in your job search? Lemme tell about Jayme. She joined my Job Search Coaching Program when she was 74. Got a job ...

Top Reasons Recruiters Ghost You After Reaching Out

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever had a recruiter reach out, spark your interest, and then disappear without a trace? You're not alone. Just ask JF. (7 times within 3 wee...

A Big Reason Why Your Job Search Feels So Hard

15 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Sunday. I know many people are at church right now praying and healing and doing a bunch of other beneficial acts.  Need some healing from your...

Reclaim Your Career: The 10-Step Guide to Bounce Back from a Layoff | Layoff Survival Series 3 of 3

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've recently been laid off—or just want to be prepared in case it happens—I've got you covered today with a step-by-step recovery plan. It's...

Layoff-Proof Your Career: 10 Proven Strategies to Secure Your Job | Layoff Survival Series 2 of 3

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

No one ever plans to be laid off—but in an uncertain job market, the most successful professionals are the ones who plan not to be. Last week, I hit...

Top 7 Reasons for Layoffs and Questions to Ask to Avoid Them | Layoff Survival Series 1 of 3

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today's unpredictable job market, understanding the reasons behind company layoffs is crucial for your career stability. That's why I not only crea...

Fix These 3 Common Mistakes Before Your Next Job Interview

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There's a spectrum of proficiency, and it starts in the worst possible place. That's when you're unconsciously incompetent—you're not good at someth...

How to Give Concise Answers in Your Job Interview

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a rambler? Fast talker? Slow talker? Nervous when asked a question in an interview and curious just how long that ideal answer should be? Or, ...

Last-Minute Job Interview? How to Prepare in Under 60 Minutes!

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feel like you never have enough time to prep for an interview? Ever been contacted by an employer who wanted to talk right away? And you deferred? BIG...

My Best Advice to Career Changers

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

My life is full of left turns. Electrical engineering graduate to IT consultant. IT consultant to executive recruiter. Executive recruiter to career c...

5 Steps to Improve Your Job Interview Performance

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When candidates prepare for their interviews, most make the mistake of solely focusing on rehearsing answers to common questions. Uh, no good. I've go...

Is the Job Market Really Bad Right Now?

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The job market sky isn't falling. The data says what we're experiencing right now is as average as it gets. Don't believe me? If you've got ~ 13 mi...

How Skills Affect Your Career and Earning Potential

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Education does NOT get you paid. Knowledge is NOT power. The only thing that matters in life (as it relates to your career success) is the value of th...

Negotiating Salary | The Information You Need Before You Counteroffer

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Bad assumptions. Change that. Assumptions of any kind. They simply ruin your negotiation process. Any time you speak first, you're making an assumptio...

Why You Fail Job Interviews and the Best Way to Fix it

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"It hurts me […] when you're so awesome, but you just can't convey your awesomeness in a bite-sized package that sells you best […] because you wa...

How to Keep Your Job Search on Track and Find Success Fast

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does it feel like you're working hard at your job search but not getting results? Could it be you're working hard at all the wrong things? Well, I'm a...

Get Paid More by Knowing Your Value

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Value is difficult to gauge. It's unique to everyone. You might join one of my programs and pay the enrollment price. Price = easy to see. Everyone wh...

How to Write the Resume Professional Experience Section | Best Layout and FREE Template

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I'm covering résumé writing today. More specifically, I'm covering the ins and outs and twists and turns of the professional experience section. I'm...

Your One-Word Mantra to Get You Through The Tough Times

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever have a tough time you thought would never go away? Maybe you were at mile 20 of the marathon. Maybe you were in the middle of a one-year-long job...

4 Negotiation Tactics to Substantially Increase Your Pay

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Money. Actually, more like money you'll get in the future. Money is funny that way, especially when the money we're talking about is your salary. We n...

Land Your Dream Job by Asking This ONE Question

28 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're about to wrap up a big month for hiring. How's your job search coming?! I hope you're getting those interviews and, today, I have a not-so-littl...

11 Steps to Become an Expert in Your Field

21 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to be known as "the man" or "the woman" in your field? A legend? I do. And, I'm proud to say so. But I don't master my craft because I nee...

5 Most Difficult Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, let's talk how to answer negative job interview questions. These are brutal. Tricky. And, to boot, give you loads of opportunity to mess us. Th...

10 Tips to Win Your Job Search in 2025!

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Sunday! Let's start the New Year with a BANG! Shall we? Full-fledged job search lesson today. 10 major tips on how to win your search in 2025! ...

3 Factors of High Performers

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Got a special, powerful message for you today. I discussed this concept back in August (on the 8th), but held it so we can wrap 2024 with a bang and g...

10 Tactics to Advance Your Career [Skill-Building Bible Inside!]

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're a smart person, work hard, have the right attitude, great! You get a pat on the back. All that goodness will only take you so far if you don...

How to Stay Positive in Your Job Search | 10 Tips to Keep You Motivated

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. Job search is rough. It's lonely. It's confusing. It's like the trifecta of pain.  I feel for you. I truly do. But, since...

You'll Never Know How Great You Can Be Unless You Do This

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

My entire life, I just needed to know. I'd never let myself wonder. How great could I be? The not knowing would just kill me. A regret I'd never let m...

Why Now is THE Best Time of Year to Find a New Job (2024-2025) | Job Search Challenge®

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I realize it's mid-November and the Christmas décor has already draped many stores for an entire month, but your career doesn't take a holiday (nor d...

The Best Way to Prepare for a Job Interview

05 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In my lifetime, I've prepared, oh, conservatively, about a bajillion job candidates for their interviews. Most are so worried about the wrong stuff. M...

10 Techniques to Sound More Accomplished in Your Resume and Job Interviews

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Who doesn't want to sound more accomplished? Amiright?!?! More accomplished = more attractive to potential employers. I'm not talkin' "accomplished "i...

9 Unconventional Habits That Lead to Success

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It hurts me when I see people make a mistake. It practically kills me when I see them repeating—on purpose—the same mistake. I've made lots of mis...

4 Steps to Determine and Improve Your Job Security

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The job market is tricky these days. It's always confusing for some, but nowadays it seems like it's unknown for all. Good news. Your favorite career ...

10 Ways to Improve Your Job Search | Tips from The Zebra Code

01 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you're struggling in your job search, you're in luck today! I've got 10 big tips to help you ignite your results. They're not your run-of-the-mill-...

How to Tell a Story That Wows the Interviewer | A Job Seeker Case Study

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I have a new podcast this morning titled How to Tell a Story That Wows the Interviewer | A Job Seeker Case Study because, well, it wows the interviewe...

The Career Profile is the Most Important Part of Your Resume | How to Write One That Wins

10 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I spent more time coming up with complete title of The Zebra Code: A Step-By-Step Guide to Mastering Career Skills That Make You a Standout Profession...

5 Steps to a Successful Career Change | Dos and Don'ts

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I've changed careers twice, which basically means I've got it down to a science. It's absolutely brutal. You deserve the truth. How brutal? This pictu...

6 Secrets to Being Happier at Work

27 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What would you give to be happier in your job? In your office? In your career? Would you give 25 minutes and 52 seconds? If you're willing to do just ...

Skill Stacking: The Way to Fast-Track Your Career and Compensation

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you been struggling to get your career to the next level? Maybe you're awesome at your trade. Maybe you are well networked in your company. Mayyy...

What to Do About Fake Job Postings

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever been snookered by a fake job? I mean, if you know you have? You might have been hoodwinked and didn't even know it. Perhaps you applied and silen...

3 Powerful Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Asking questions in a job interview is so important. I know I'm stating the obvious, but just because something is obvious doesn't mean people know ho...

Add These Metrics to Your Resume | 40 to Choose From

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever heard me speak of THE GREAT 8?!?! As in, like, how could you not have unless this is the first email you've ever opened from me? The GRE...

How to Create Your Own Role

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been in a position where you were asked to sketch out your dream role? Perhaps during an interview, or maybe in a casual informational c...

Best Job Interview Method | CAAR Not STAR

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you exhausted from trying to figure out the best way to say what you want to say in a job interview? As in, which method do I use? Why do I have t...

LinkedIn Tips for Job Seekers That Attract Recruiters | An Inside Look

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you wish your LinkedIn inbox was flooded with messages from recruiters fawning all over you? Would you settle for a few each week? Seeing nothing? ...

The #1 Strategy to Find Your Job Faster

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feel like your resume is vanishing into a black hole when you apply for jobs? You're not alone. Most job seekers experience the deafening silence of a...

The Job Interview Formula Guaranteed to Get You Hired

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, you get a podcast on The Job Interview Formula Guaranteed to Get You Hired (CAAR). It's titled that because, well, it's an actual formula, whic...

AI's Impact on Employers and Job Seekers in the Hiring Process

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is it détente or mutual destruction? I'm not sure, but AI will change the game for employers and employees, especially in the hiring process. Someone...

Make This One Change in Your Job Search to Get Hired Faster and Paid More

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a line straight out of The Zebra Code… "Always remember, your success, in anything, will have more to do with where you place your attention...

What Every Job Seeker Needs to Know About Negotiating Salary

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you getting paid what you're worth? That was actually a trick question because there's absolutely no way for you to know exactly what you're worth...

7 Must-Know LinkedIn Tips That Get You Noticed

01 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you don't have recruiters and hiring officials and other important people in-boxing you on a daily basis, this podcast is for you! Checkout 7 Must-...

4 Essential Assets Every Job Seeker Must Have

21 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coming to you today with a wonderful podcast on 4 essentials assets every job seeker must have. I'm continuing my discussion from Friday's podcast whe...

How AI Will Impact the 2024 Job Market

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Enjoy this podcast on How AI Will Affect the 2024 Job Market. Run time = 10:18. It's intense. And awesome. While I claim I cannot predict the future, ...

You Don't Need Talent to Master Skills (Plus 3 Shocking Secrets About Me)

16 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I want to thank you for reading this line. I know if you just did, you must have some level of faith in me as your coach. Or, at a minimum, think I ha...

The Insider's Guide to Startup Equity in Job Offer Negotiations

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I get this one a lot. "Coach, I'm getting stock [or RSUs, ISOs, PIUs, Phantom, etc. etc.] as part of my compensation package.  How do I value this? H...

Turn "You're Overqualified" into "You're Hired!"

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm running through the "You're overqualified," scenario which, unfortunately, all-too-many job seekers hear. I mean, if they think this, why a...

10 Proven Career Boosters for Succeeding in 2024

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Coming at you today with a full-on lesson on career-building moves. 10 of them. This is an Andy-filled-smorgasbord of tips, tactics, strategies, and o...

6 Very Difficult Job Interview Questions Answered

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every week, I meet individually with 15-18 people to help them with their job searches, interviews, and salary negotiations. Inevitably, I get questio...

How to Prevent Burnout and Fatigue When Achieving Big Goals

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many want it. The good life. The few. They want the great life. The rest. What's left. You guessed it. They pursue heights so high most people dismiss...

How You Write Your Resume Changes the Questions the Interviewer Asks You!

27 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm dropping one of those podcasts that was impossible to title properly to encapsulate the full impact of the resume writing and interviewing ...

How to Build Your Career Development Plan Step by Step

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I spent every single day between December 3rd, 2022 and May 30th, 2023 working on something that really matters me—writing a book that'll help you a...

5 Best Steps to Prepare for Any Job Interview

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you get exhausted trying to think about every question a job interviewer could ask? And preparing your interview responses? And trying to remember ...

5 Tips to Achieve Your Goals in 2024

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's still January, which means technically I'm trending if I talk about goal setting. Are you achieving yours? Goals that is? I'm not really a goal-s...

How to Read Job Descriptions to Win the Interview

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm decoding job descriptions. If you're wondering what that entails, that's me doing some Andy x-ray vision and taking a run at predicting the...

8 Ways to Show Your Value as an Employee

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we're talking how to prove your value to employers. Easiest way to do that is to show them how you can help them achieve their goals. To do tha...