<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Thrive Through HR by Darija Mesko]]></title><description><![CDATA[Thrive Through HR by Darija Mesko]]></description><link>https://www.thrive-through-hr.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:51:15 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.darijamesko.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Career Gaps Are Nobody's Business: Why You Don't Owe Anyone an Explanation]]></title><description><![CDATA[I think we forgot something very, very important along the way. Somewhere between hustle culture and the pressure to always be "on," we started treating career gaps like something shameful. Like a blank space on a CV is a confession. It's not. And I want to talk about why. Working Is a Transaction, and That's Okay I know this sounds direct, but hear me out. A person goes to work, brings their knowledge and skills, and gets paid for it. The company needs something done, the person does it, and...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/career-gaps-are-nobody-s-business-why-you-don-t-owe-anyone-an-explanation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69bbe11edb45e0ec3cae76b6</guid><pubDate>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:44:21 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/494f09_befc7f1984254bc191f6f699b4b4d3cf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_941,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Thrive Through HR</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Make LinkedIn right for whatever purpose you need it.]]></title><description><![CDATA[We talk so much about “personal branding” and “growth on LinkedIn” like it is some magical thing. But nobody ever explains what to actually do, step by step, like you are a normal human with a life. So let me just tell you my strategy the way I tell a friend over coffee. LinkedIn has many functions, it is not just one thing. It is useful for finding a job through the jobs platform, it is useful for getting headhunted, meaning people find you and reach out to you and when they reach out to you...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/make-linkedin-right-for-whatever-purpuse-you-need-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695f747974d6c68697590fbc</guid><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:49:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_d6a512256f914da9ac2bc5d8fbe9b682~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Thrive Through HR</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to beat the ATS (and why most CVs don’t)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hey YOU  If you’re here, I’m guessing it’s because you either don’t really know what ATS is… or you want to figure out how to beat it, right? So here’s my simple explanation. oh and Hi, my name is Darija.  I am a super positive Career Coach and a Fractional HR Leader who helps individuals make confident career choices. I guide people through job applications, one-on-one consultations, CV, LinkedIn, and cover letter writing, as well as interview preparation. My goal is simple: to help you...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/how-to-beat-the-ats-and-why-most-cvs-don-t</link><guid isPermaLink="false">693aac19b7ecb5de3149099f</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:15:50 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/494f09_747cd939d2fa4688bbd5bbee433c8463~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Thrive Through HR</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Create your own job search assistant with AI]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are way too many sites to check each day or week to apply for jobs. But what if I told you that you can actually use AI to find those jobs and all you have to do it copy and past the below written prompt? I went through the same dilemma, I went through LinkedIn, then through Indeed, Naukrigulf, and then through so many recruitment agencies and I was E X H A U S T E D! But the WORST part is that for a company to use and post job ads on LinkedIn they have to pay thousands of dollars so...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/create-your-own-job-search-assistant-with-ai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">692d57b65602d55b6721548c</guid><pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:28:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/494f09_1a6001e51c1f48ed8633402a1fb796d4~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Thrive Through HR</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why you should never use ChatGPT for your CV?]]></title><description><![CDATA[Creating a CV can be stressful, overwhelming, and exhausting. So, when people see AI tools like ChatGPT offering to whip up a CV for free in seconds, it’s tempting. I get it. But using ChatGPT for your CV is a terrible mistake. And if you’re serious about landing a job, you need to hear why. The harsh reality of the job market I’ve worked in HR for over 12 years, across Europe (the UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Malta, Austria),...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/why-you-should-never-use-chatgpt-for-your-cv</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67ea511ff96b48cc2d22a91d</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Dubai & Abu Dhabi]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 08:32:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_e67ff4c83d7742e880e5b337e51183f1~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Presenting Yourself with Confidence in Virtual and In-Person Interviews]]></title><description><![CDATA[Interviews aren’t just about what you say, they’re about how you show up. The way you carry yourself, your energy, and even the setup of your virtual space all play a role in how confident and capable you appear. Even if you’re feeling nervous (which is completely normal), you can still project confidence. And trust me, the way you present yourself can make or break an interview. Let’s get into the practical stuff, how to master your body language, set up a professional virtual interview...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/presenting-yourself-with-confidence-in-virtual-and-in-person-interviews</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67c1713797ad83d76d98b896</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:37:25 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_1e01d0771fb049878b823acc97b62cf0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_669,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering Salary Negotiation: 10 Insider Strategies to Get Paid What You Deserve]]></title><description><![CDATA[Negotiating your salary is one of the most crucial career skills you’ll ever develop. It can mean thousands more in earnings, better benefits, and long-term financial security. Yet, most professionals either avoid it or do it wrong, leaving money on the table. Let’s change that. This isn’t about being pushy, it’s about being prepared. The difference between a weak negotiator and a strong one isn’t confidence - it’s strategy. Here’s your step-by-step blueprint to negotiate like a pro. 1. Know...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/mastering-salary-negotiation-10-insider-strategies-to-get-paid-what-you-deserve</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67badc29efd67e3d7e357fcc</guid><category><![CDATA[Premium - Career Elite Pass]]></category><category><![CDATA[Work Tips]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 23 Feb 2025 08:57:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_8d40038b556042339eb4ab96bb1fb3c0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Write a Cover Letter That Seduces Hiring Managers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Think of Your Cover Letter Like a First Date Imagine you’re going on a first date. You wouldn’t just show up and say, "Hi, I’m a person. Please like me." You’d put in effort. You’d wear something nice, show your best traits, maybe crack a great joke, or share an interesting story. You’d find a way to connect. A cover letter is no different. It’s your first impression, your chance to say, "Hey, I’m not just another applicant—I’m the right person for this job." You’re here to seduce the hiring...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/write-a-cover-letter-that-seduces-hiring-managers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">67a9c76e25e98d5ad9b00ec7</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Work Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Premium - Career Elite Pass]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 10 Feb 2025 11:53:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_c4411d087a404f8eaf8d933b0dff2cab~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[BREAKING: 10 Companies Have Already Released Their 2025 Salary Benchmarking for Dubai &#38; Abu Dhabi! ]]></title><description><![CDATA[We’re still in January 2025, and guess what? We already have salary benchmarking reports from 10 companies covering Dubai &#38; Abu Dhabi! This is BIG news for anyone job hunting, negotiating a raise, or simply staying informed about market trends. Why does this matter? Because knowledge is power, especially when it comes to salary negotiations. Walking into an interview or appraisal armed with the latest industry salaries gives you leverage. No more guessing games or accepting below-market pay,...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/breaking-10-companies-have-already-released-their-2025-salary-benchmarking-for-dubai-abu-dhabi</link><guid isPermaLink="false">679a2ccb2c9f9d174b20bd56</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Work Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Dubai & Abu Dhabi]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 29 Jan 2025 13:35:08 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_394fe353f4314542bcd2aa28e8da9c4d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Mastering ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems): Get Your Resume Seen]]></title><description><![CDATA[You’ve spent hours perfecting your resume, only to hear crickets after applying. Frustrating, right? The culprit could be an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), the digital gatekeeper most companies use to sift through resumes. Here’s the good news: you can beat the system. With a few strategic tweaks, you can ensure your resume gets noticed. 1. How ATS Filters Work (And Why They Matter) Think of an ATS as a search engine for resumes. It scans, sorts, and ranks applications based on how closely...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/mastering-ats-applicant-tracking-systems-get-your-resume-seen</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6796a8e97740aac321bb22f7</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Work Tips]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 26 Jan 2025 21:40:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_abf4669762f6467996289e2b3c39d301~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[In Dubai or Abu Dhabi, It's All About Connections and Events]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dubai and Abu Dhabi are cities of opportunity, but when it comes to landing a job, it's not just about having the best CV or a perfectly optimized LinkedIn profile. Here’s the honest truth: in the UAE, networking is everything. The job market here operates on relationships, introductions, and being at the right place at the right time. Here’s how you can stand out and leverage this approach. Why LinkedIn Alone Isn’t Enough Let’s be real: LinkedIn in the UAE is saturated with 3,2 million...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/how-to-land-a-job-in-dubai-or-abu-dhabi-it-s-all-about-connections-and-events</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6790bd70b30613c67f9863ff</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Work Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Dubai & Abu Dhabi]]></category><category><![CDATA[Premium - Career Elite Pass]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:54:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_09ded016eeea4a75bc5a667130cb3f45~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Best Recruitment Agencies in Dubai]]></title><description><![CDATA[The UAE job market has its own rhythm. It moves fast, it is competitive, and for some roles there are hundreds or even thousands of applications within days. I have seen brilliant people feel invisible simply because their CV never reached the right desk. This is where recruitment agencies can make a real difference. A good recruiter is not just forwarding CVs. They are speaking daily with hiring managers, they understand what companies actually mean when they write “must have experience,”...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/best-recruitment-agencies-in-dubai</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6790a8186484d4dd2bca42ce</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Work Tips]]></category><category><![CDATA[Dubai & Abu Dhabi]]></category><category><![CDATA[Premium - Career Elite Pass]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2025 08:27:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_d171997019ce4fca99275aaecc525bdd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cracking the LinkedIn Code: Building a Profile That Stands Out]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever stared at your LinkedIn profile wondering why recruiters aren’t knocking on your digital door, I get it. It’s overwhelming. But here’s the truth: LinkedIn is your personal billboard, and when done right, it can open doors you didn’t even know existed. The good news? You’re not alone, and I’m here to guide you step by step to create a profile that doesn’t just exist—it shines. 1. Your Headline: The First Impression That Matters Your headline isn’t just a title; it’s your...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/cracking-the-linkedin-code-building-a-profile-that-stands-out</link><guid isPermaLink="false">678e02ec55ae9d78e8e44af1</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 20 Jan 2025 08:05:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_689051871edf4c989e99247dbab19372~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Productivity vs. Long Working Hours]]></title><description><![CDATA[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/productivity-vs-long-working-hours-real-difference-darija-mesko-phri-eg15e/?trackingId=BH5NqKgMTpedsVw435eLog%3D%3D Hey, my friend, let me share something I have been thinking about a lot lately. I keep hearing people say, “I worked 12, 14 hours today! So productive!” And every time, I cringe a little inside. Because honestly, working long hours does not mean you are productive. It might just mean you are busy. Let me tell you a story that changed the way I...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/productivity-vs-long-working-hours-the-real-difference</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6785420f62c6b84e1663acc2</guid><category><![CDATA[Work Tips]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:42:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_26edc0752ce34ae4a982e145a3d35350~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Breaking the Silence: Empowering HR Voices Against Burnout]]></title><description><![CDATA[I read an amazing article "HR for HR" about burnout and well-being in HR and it hit me. In today's newsletter, I'd like to dive into an incredibly important topic that's close to my heart—taking care of our caretakers in the HR world. AIHR | Academy to Innovate HR recently shed light on this, emphasizing how HR's role has evolved beyond administrative tasks to becoming a strategic partner in achieving business goals. But, amidst all this evolution, one question looms large: Who's looking...]]></description><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/breaking-the-silence-empowering-hr-voices-against-burnout</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6785414968cb4d9b62b61c89</guid><category><![CDATA[Mind & Well-Being]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 13 Jan 2025 16:39:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ffd698_e6403ccdb640406a9ab98fb7a355618a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Tailor Your CV for Maximum Impact]]></title><link>https://www.darijamesko.com/post/rewrite-your-cv-for-maximum-impact</link><guid isPermaLink="false">678547b862c6b84e1663c0fd</guid><category><![CDATA[Career Tips]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 12 Jan 2025 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="http://video.wixstatic.com/video/ffd698_d499a3e31e084060996a7549a90c1022/720p/mp4/file.mp4" length="0" type="video"/><dc:creator></dc:creator></item></channel></rss>