Highlights from the MiF B&B Gathering in Sydney

Last Thursday (22/05/2025), on a wet and cold morning, I attended my second Mentor it Forward B&B Coffee Catchup event in Sydney. The topic of discussion was “Finding Work in This Difficult Job Market”, led by Aysegul Tortum, a Senior Product Manager at Telstra and a mentor with MiF. Despite the weather, we cozied up at 400 George Street with coffee in hand and had an incredible session. 

Aysegul Totrum, Mentor

Aysegul shared her journey of moving to Australia nearly 10 years ago with no job lined up. Back in Turkey, she had already achieved success in her career, having led teams and worked on impactful projects in the telecommunications industry. However, starting over in a new country came with its own set of challenges. She applied for multiple roles before finally landing one in the industry she wanted. Although not the role she had hoped for, she has slowly climbed the corporate ladder, handling incredible projects along the way. 

Her story of how she got her first job at Telstra, especially the library interview story, had us laughing! If you ever meet her, ask about it. But beyond the laughs, she shared some practical and helpful tips that I believe are relevant to anyone currently job hunting: 

1. Optimise Your Resume and Online Presence 

Tailor your CV to match the job description of the role you're applying for. Tools like ChatGPT can be incredibly helpful in making your application stand out, especially when you know what you’re doing. Start with a table listing all you’ve done in your different roles, then select 3–4 key points for your CV that best align with the job description. Use metrics (including KPIs and industry averages) and be prepared to explain each point clearly at the interview stage. 

2. Network and Be Visible 

Around 80% of jobs are filled through networking rather than online applications. Attending events like MiF’s B&B (shameless plug!), joining mentorship programs, and connecting with professionals in your field through relevant associations are all excellent ways to build visibility. If possible, volunteer. There are nonprofits everywhere looking for software engineers, BA specialists, marketing managers, and more. Showing up in spaces where you can learn and contribute increases your visibility and introduces you to people you might never have otherwise met. Also, tap into your existing networks, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people. Don’t just stay home applying endlessly. The more active and visible you are, the more likely someone will think of you when a relevant opportunity comes up. 

3. Apply Strategically and Follow Up 

Rather than applying for everything with one CV, create 2–3 versions that target broader roles you're interested in, and save the highly tailored version for your dream roles. After applying, even if you receive the familiar “Due to receiving many applications, we are unable to provide individual feedback...” rejection email, it doesn’t hurt to ask for feedback nonetheless. Especially when they encourage you to apply for other roles within the company, the worst they can say is “no.” That feedback might just help you improve your next application. After interviews, ask if the interviewer needs more information to strengthen your case. In fact, job applicants who follow up within a week of applying are 22% more likely to get an interview. 

4. Prepare Well for Interviews 

Product Managers at Meta often spend 40+ hours on interview preparation before landing a role. That says something! Prep for common questions like “Tell us about yourself” or “What are your strengths?” Keep a document where you write your responses to common interview questions, especially behavioural ones. Practice in front of a mirror, with friends, or with your mentor. The more you practice, the more confident you become. Plus, this document will be helpful in being tweaked for different job roles. I believe this is an area where many MiF mentors could offer valuable support to their mentees. 

5. Stay Resilient and Keep Learning 

The job market is tough right now. Out of 100 applications, you may only hear back from one or two. That’s not a reflection of your skills; it’s just the current reality. So don’t be discouraged. Keep applying, keep learning, and keep improving. There is no skill that you learn and perfect that’s useless, including applying for a job. For those who are employed, don’t get too comfortable. Refine your CV, apply for roles, and use them as a way to assess your CV’s strength and later determine your market value if you do end up interviewing. It also doesn't hurt to use the interviews for practice, even if you're not planning on switching jobs.  

It was such a lovely time with the ladies, and the interactive nature of the session made it all the more worthwhile. I left feeling more excited about my job search, encouraged by the tips and support I received. I can’t wait for the next B&B session as we continue to grow and impact more people. 

Till we get together again,

Daisy Kemunto