The Future is Hired!

5 Smart Moves to End 2024 Strong and Start 2025 Even Stronger

Can you believe it? We’ve made it to the end of 2024! 🎉 Whether this year flew by or felt like it was never-ending, now’s the time to take a deep breath, reflect, and gear up for what’s next.
In this final episode of The Future is Hired for 2024, I’m keeping it short and impactful with 5 smart moves to help you (and your Gen Z kids!) wrap up the year on a high note and step into 2025 with confidence. 🚀
I’m diving into:✅ How to reflect on this year’s wins—and lessons learned✅ Why now is the perfect time to refresh your resume ✍️✅ Cleaning up your digital presence 🤳✅ The power of setting ONE realistic career goal for 2025 🎯✅ Celebrating progress AND the importance of rest 😴
This episode is packed with practical advice and relatable tips to finish the year feeling accomplished and ready to take on 2025 like a pro.
PS: Thank you for being part of The Future is Hired journey this year! Your support means everything. BIG things are coming in 2025, so stay tuned. Wishing you and your family a joyful holiday season and a career-ready new year! 🎄✨
Show ideas or questions? I'd love to hear from you!: debra@firsttherebestdressed

From Laundry Bags to Vegas Tabs: A $6,000 Lesson in Parenting College Kids

In this episode of The Future is Hired, I’m sharing a personal, laugh-to-keep-from-crying story about how my son’s fall break trip home turned into a $6,000 saga. From car breakdowns in the desert to last-minute Vegas hotel bookings and a surprise 21st birthday adventure, this rollercoaster of a week is packed with lessons in preparation, problem-solving, and resilience.
Tune in to hear how we navigated stranded college kids, unexpected expenses, and the unique “teachable moments” that came out of this wild experience. While this episode detours from our usual career prep focus, it underscores the importance of real-life skills—whether it’s for the workforce or handling life’s curveballs.
If you’re a parent of a Gen Z kid, you won’t want to miss this one—it’s relatable, hilarious, and filled with takeaways you can share with your own family.
Show ideas or questions? I'd love to hear from you!: debra@firsttherebestdressed

Managing Expectations During College Breaks: Food, Rest, and Real Talk

College breaks bring joy, laundry, and a whirlwind of emotions. In this episode, I reflect on my Thanksgiving experience hosting both of my college-aged boys, sharing tips and lessons learned about managing expectations during these fleeting visits.
From ditching the turkey for stress-free filets to navigating curfews, Harlan Cohen's advice on parenting college kids helped me embrace simplicity and flexibility. Discover the importance of limiting questions, respecting their need to recharge, and letting them set the pace during breaks.
Plus, I share relatable insights from Chip Leighton’s humor about parenting college kids and how small gestures—like YooHoos and Christmas cookie body wash—can make homecomings extra special.
Whether you’re facing your first college break or a seasoned empty nester, this episode is full of heart, humor, and helpful strategies.
Tune in now to learn how to make the most of these fleeting family moments.
Have a show idea or a question?: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com

Level Up Your Networking Game: The Power of a Collegiate Business Card

In this episode of The Future is Hired, we take your job fair and networking game to the next level! Building on last week's discussion about aesthetic resumes, we introduce a standout tool: the Collegiate Business Card. Learn how to create a professional, customized card featuring your school logo, key details, and a scannable QR code linked to your LinkedIn profile. 🤯 Hand it out alongside your resume and leave a lasting impression on recruiters. Parents, discover how this unique tool can be a game-changing stocking stuffer with tangible ROI. Tune in for all the details, actionable tips, and even a free template link to get started today! 🎉 Don't miss it – set yourself or your student apart and be first there, best dressed in every career encounter.
FREE Collegiate Business Card Template: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/e643525b6c
FREE Aesthetic Resume Template: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/d3eb054c66
Have a show idea or a question?: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
 

Beyond Black & White: The Power of an Aesthetic Resume

Not all resumes are created equal—and for good reason. In this episode, we explore how to create visually compelling resumes that stand out when handed directly to employers. From job fairs to networking, we’ll explain when to ditch the plain ATS-friendly format for something eye-catching, complete with a professional photo. Learn what makes a resume visually appealing, why it can make you memorable, and how to ensure your content stays strong. We'll also share tips for consistency with your LinkedIn profile and offer a free Canva template to make it easy.
FREE Aesthetic Resume Template: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/d3eb054c66
Have a show idea or a question?: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
 
 

College Networking Hacks: It’s All About Who You Know!

Wondering how to get your college student on the fast track to a job offer before graduation? In this episode, we dive into why networking and building connections in college often outshine high GPAs in today’s competitive job market. We’re unpacking the “who you know vs. what you know” dynamic with a look at three common student stereotypes—from the GPA-focused to the party-goer—and revealing how each can benefit from campus resources like career centers, LinkedIn, and internships. Discover how to navigate college networking opportunities, why career prep before graduation is a game-changer, and learn practical steps to leverage "who you know" to land that first job!
Key takeaways:
Why college connections and real-world experience matter more than GPA
How students can build a “career-ready” network through professors, clubs, and career fairs
Specific strategies for turning campus connections into career opportunities and preparing for life beyond graduation.
Make sure your student isn’t missing out on invaluable career opportunities while in school! Tune in to get them started on the right path.
Have a show idea or a question?: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
Link to my FREE Resource: https://ultimate-resume-academy.kit.com/60ec30f9a4
 

Acing the College Career Game: A Baylor Student's Unique Success Story

Are you a college student or the parent of one? This episode is packed with essential insights from a Baylor University senior who successfully turned her college internship into a job offer before graduation. She shares her step-by-step journey, from leveraging all university resources to effective networking techniques. Discover how early connections and smart use of campus resources can transform a college experience into a career-launching springboard. Don’t wait until after graduation—tune in to learn how to make college count!
Have a show idea or a question?: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
Link to my FREE Resource: https://ultimate-resume-academy.ck.page/60ec30f9a4

AI: A Double-Edged Sword — The Perils of Unchecked Automation

In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of AI in job applications and career development. I’ll share how I use AI tools daily to enhance productivity and when they’re most effective for writing resumes, cover letters, and more. We'll discuss how to tailor AI-generated content to sound like you, focusing on avoiding advanced vocabulary and overqualified job descriptions that could misrepresent your experience. Plus, hear a real story of a college student who used AI to generate her resume without review—resulting in glaring errors about her education that cost her valuable internship opportunities. Whether you're new to AI or already relying on it, this episode will help you harness its power while avoiding costly mistakes.
 
Have a show idea or a question?: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com
Link to my FREE Resource: https://ultimate-resume-academy.ck.page/60ec30f9a4
 

Chip Leighton: TikTok’s Famous Dad Shares Relatable Teen Humor & NEW Book: What Time is Noon?

In this episode of The Future is Hired, I sit down with TikTok’s favorite dad, Chip Leighton, known for his viral takes on parenting teens and his hilarious, yet relatable humor. Chip’s social media success has made him a go-to for parents everywhere, offering comedic relief and real talk about the ups and downs of raising teens. We dive into Chip's life as a parent with kids in college, his views on teenage independence, and how his new book What Time is Noon? sheds light on the often chaotic yet rewarding experience of parenthood. Tune in for laughs, wisdom, and insight into how to handle teenage life and ensure they are ready for the real world.
Follow Chip Here:
https://www.instagram.com/the_leighton_show
https://www.tiktok.com/@the_leighton_show
Order his NEW Book Here:
https://theleightonshow.com/book/
 

Insta-FAIL, TikTok or Not and 4-Letter Words: How Your Social Posts Could Cost You the Job

One of the most overlooked factors that can make or break your job search is your social media presence. You could have the perfect resume, glowing LinkedIn profile, and stellar cover letter, but if your social media doesn’t align with your professional image, it could be the reason you're not landing interviews.
We’ll explore how employers use social media to screen potential candidates, the most common red flags they look for (from inappropriate comments to questionable TikTok dances), and why cleaning up your accounts before applying is crucial. I’ll also share real-life stories, including a shocking instance of a medical grad losing a prestigious fellowship over a single Facebook quote.
In a world where Gen Z faces unique challenges in the job market, I’ll break down why things like private accounts, derogatory comments, and even party photos can still come back to haunt you—and how to avoid these pitfalls. Stay tuned for actionable tips on scrubbing your profiles and making sure nothing stands in the way of your next big opportunity.
FREE NEW JOB SEEKER STARTER KIT: https://ultimate-resume-academy.ck.page/60ec30f9a4
Have a topic you want to hear about?
Send your requests to me: debra@firsttherebestdressed.com