Tips to Find a Job Quickly

Stop Applying and Waiting—Use the 2-Step Method Instead It’s not enough to apply for a job and hope for the best. And mass-applying—whether manually or with an AI tool—won’t get you hired faster. Instead, use the 2-Step Method to stand out and gain an advantage. 🔹 Find a job → Find a contact 🔹 Find a contact → Find a job By taking this approach, you’ll not only differentiate yourself from other applicants but also gain the support of an insider who can help your resume get noticed. Step 1: Apply Strategically This part is straightforward. ✔ Find a job online. ✔ Tailor your resume to highlight your most relevant qualifications. ✔ Write a thoughtful cover letter that explains why you want to work at the company—this means doing real research beyond just knowing their name. Step 2: Find an Insider This is the step most job seekers skip—but it’s the game-changer. Find someone who currently works (or previously worked) at the company and reach out. Yes, it takes effort, but securing an internal advocate, ally or informant dramatically increases your chances of getting noticed. This is called an employee referral, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to land an interview. 💎 Reversing the 2-Step: Start with People, Then Find the Job 💎 If you have a list of target companies, begin by identifying people you know who work there. Reach out and reconnect—even if there’s no job opening at the moment. Why? ✔ They may know about a job before it’s posted. ✔ They could refer you when something opens up. ✔ They might introduce you to someone hiring elsewhere. Not everyone will respond, and not every lead will pan out—but what if just one does? That’s all it takes. Use LinkedIn to Find Insider Connections LinkedIn is the best tool for this. 📌 Visit a company’s LinkedIn page and see who works there. 📌 Check your connections—first-degree contacts are ideal, but second-degree can be valuable too. 📌 Use your college/university alumni network to find former classmates at your target companies. AI can’t replace human-to-human connection. And while this takes effort, the hard work can pay off. Try the 2-Step Method for a few weeks and see how it changes your job search.

Job hunting can be overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, switching industries, or re-entering the workforce, here are some practical, no-fluff steps to get started (and stay motivated): 1. Polish your base first: - Resume: Keep it clean, keyword-optimized, and tailored for each role. - LinkedIn Profile: Your online resume. Add a strong headline, detailed experience, and a professional photo. - Portfolio (if relevant): Especially for tech/design roles – GitHub, Behance, personal websites, etc. 2. Use the power of tech to your advantage: - Set job alerts: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Hirect, Foundit (formerly Monster), Naukri, Instahyre, Wellfound (formerly AngelList), and Internshala for internships. - Google Jobs: Type “Jobs near me” or “Remote [role] jobs” and you'll find filtered listings. - Chrome Extensions: Tools like Huntr or Jobscan help track applications or optimize resumes. 3. Leverage your network (this is GOLD): - Don’t just apply. Reach out. - Send messages to alumni, ex-colleagues, or mutual connections with personalized and humble notes. - Engage on LinkedIn: Comment on posts, share your journey, ask questions—it boosts visibility. 4. Stay consistent, not just motivated: Motivation fluctuates. Systems win. - Block 1-2 hours daily for job applications. - Use a spreadsheet or tracker to monitor follow-ups and responses. - Celebrate small wins: a response, an interview, a coffee chat—it adds up. 5. Upskill smartly (not endlessly): Instead of hoarding certifications, pick tools actually required in your field. - Tech? Think SQL, Python, Power BI, AWS. - Non-tech? Excel, Communication, Data Analysis, or CRM platforms. 6. Don’t ghost yourself emotionally: - Join online communities (Slack groups, Discord servers, Reddit threads for job seekers). - Speak to friends or coaches. - Journal or meditate if anxiety creeps in. Remember: Job hunting is a process. You're not behind. You're building something. If you're reading this and in the middle of a job search—you've got this. Feel free to drop a comment if you’ve found a hidden gem of a job site or a tactic that worked for you. Let’s crowdsource the job hunt together!

Most job seekers make this mistake: They jump straight into applying — and get filtered out before a human even sees their resume. Recruiters use multiple channels to find candidates - job posts, social media, networking, referrals, and sourcing tools. If you're only using a single-channel approach in your job search, it puts you at a disadvantage. Here's the system I've used in my own job search - based on 20 years of recruiting experience: Step 1: Build your recruiter magnet - Make sure your LinkedIn matches your resume. No contradictions - Showcase your work with links to your portfolio, GitHub, and relevant projects - Use a headline that signals what you do well - not just your current job title Step 2: Apply smart - Set job alerts on LinkedIn and Google - Apply within 8 hours of a posting going live - timing matters - Follow up directly with the hiring manager via LinkedIn DM and email Keep it short, relevant, and focused on why you're genuinely interested Step 3: Stay visible - Comment on posts from people at your target companies - Share 1–2 posts a week about what you’re learning, building, or thinking about - Connect with folks on the teams you’d want to join - Engage in Niche Communities: Go where the pros are. This could be a specific Slack or Discord community for their field (e.g., "Product-Led Alliance" for product managers, "DataTalks.Club" for data scientists), a professional association, or local meetups. Active, helpful participation there gets you noticed by senior people Step 4: Leverage weak ties (AKA - The Hidden Job Market) Everyone knows to ask close friends for help. The real magic is in "weak ties" — former colleagues, friends of friends, people you met once at an event. A quick "Hey, keeping an eye out for marketing roles and thought of your company" works. Step 5: Follow the Funding (follow the money): Sites like TechCrunch or Crunchbase announce new funding rounds. A newly funded company is almost always looking to hire. Reaching out right after a big announcement is a great way to get on their radar early. Something to add? Need help with any of the above? Drop a note in the comments! #jobsearchstrategy #recruitingtips #careerplaybook #jobhunting2025

New Year, New Job: Best Practices for Job Hunting The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity for a fresh career chapter. For many, it’s the time to take stock of professional goals and align their aspirations with the right opportunities. If you’re embarking on a job hunt this year, here are some actionable tips to help you stand out and succeed: 1. Clarify your career goals Before diving into job boards, take the time to reflect on what you want in your next role. Consider your strengths, passions, and long-term career vision. A clear direction will help you target roles that align with your aspirations and values. 2. Upgrade your Résumé and LinkedIn profile Your résumé and LinkedIn profile are often the first impression employers get. Update them to reflect your most recent achievements, skills, and experiences. Use quantifiable metrics to showcase your impact, and ensure consistency across all platforms. 3. Network strategically Networking remains one of the most effective ways to uncover hidden job opportunities. Reconnect with former colleagues, attend industry events, and engage with professional communities. A strong network can open doors to referrals and insights that online applications often can’t. 4. Customize every application Generic applications rarely make it past the initial screening. Tailor your résumé and cover letter to each job by aligning your skills and experiences with the specific requirements of the role. Research the company to show genuine interest and a clear understanding of their mission. 5. Leverage technology Take advantage of modern tools to streamline your job search. Platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed can help you find roles and learn about company culture. AI tools can assist with tailoring applications, while portfolio websites can showcase your work to potential employers. 6. Invest in skill development The job market evolves quickly, and staying competitive means staying relevant. Identify any gaps in your skillset and explore online courses, certifications, or workshops to enhance your expertise. Highlighting continuous learning shows employers your commitment to growth. The new year is a blank canvas, ready for you to create the career you envision. With intentional efforts and the right strategies, this could be the year you land the role that sets the stage for your next big success. What strategies have worked for you in your job search? Let’s discuss!

My top strategies to find work with less competition. Looking for a job can be tough, but here are some strategies to help you stand out and find new opportunities with less competition: ➡ Explore Company Career Pages Many companies post job openings on their career pages before listing them elsewhere. Bookmark your favourite companies’ career pages and check them regularly. Applying directly shows genuine interest in the company. ➡ Join Talent Communities Large companies often have talent communities where you can upload your CV. In-house recruiters can review these CVs. This can give you a head start in the hiring process. ➡ Consider Less Popular Roles Many job seekers focus on full-time permanent positions. However, contract, part-time, or temporary roles can be excellent ways to gain experience and get your foot in the door. These roles might lead to permanent positions or provide financial stability while you continue your search. ➡ Be an Early Applicant Use LinkedIn’s job filters to find positions posted in the last 24 hours with fewer than 10 applicants. Being one of the first to apply can increase your chances of getting noticed. ➡ Diversify Your Job Search Apply to companies of various sizes. Startups and smaller companies often receive fewer applications than well-known large corporations. Also, consider local companies and set up job alerts on different job sites or with agencies to broaden your search. ➡ Check Your Spam Folder Important emails can sometimes end up in your spam folder. Make it a habit to check it daily to ensure you don’t miss any opportunities. ➡ Use your network I'm a big fan of Steve Dalton's book 'The 2 Hour Job Search'. Using your network and getting referrals can be an excellent way to find work in a competitive work environment. Feel free to add any other tips you have!

I’ve helped 1,000+ people land their dream jobs in the last 3 years. Here are the strategies that worked for them: 1️⃣ Treat Your Job Hunt Like a Job in Itself: - Most people desperately need a job, but they don’t treat job hunting seriously. - Schedule time daily for job searching, networking, and following up. Use Google calendar for this. - Research companies and tailor your resume for each role. Follow up consistently—persistence pays off! 2️⃣ Network Before You Need a Job - Networking isn’t just for when you're jobless—it’s an ongoing investment. - Engage with professionals on LinkedIn through comments and DMs. - Connect with people in your target companies before you need a referral. Here is a plan you can follow: Send 5 connection requests every day. Comment on 10 posts every day. Create a post about your learnings per week. 3️⃣ Master the Art of Cold Emails Cold emails can open doors to opportunities you never even knew existed. Make it a habit to: - Reach out to at least 3 new people daily. - Personalize your message—explain why you’re a great fit (skills, experience, proof of work). - Use tools like Apollo, EasyLeadz, or RocketReach to find emails. 4️⃣ Tap Into Your Existing Network Your next job might come from your college alumni or ex-colleagues. Search for your target company on LinkedIn > Find people you’re already connected with (alum or colleagues) > Ask for an intro it works most of the time! 5️⃣ Prepare Like a Pro Getting an interview call is only half the battle. Research the company, common questions, and past interview experiences. Practice mock interviews (with a friend or ChatGPT). Prepare answers for questions like: ✅ "Tell me about yourself" ✅ "How would you improve X product?" ✅ "How do you handle stakeholder challenges?" Remember: "If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail." 6️⃣ Deserve What You Desire - You can’t just wish for a job—you have to earn it. - Acquire the right skills through courses, projects, or mentorship. - Talk to people in your target roles to understand what they actually do. - Build proof of work (side projects, blogs, open-source contributions). Most importantly—be genuinely passionate about what you do. After all, you’ll spend your most valuable time and energy on it. P.S. I am on a mission to help people get their dream jobs in product management. If you are PM or aspiring PM looking for your next role, do send me a message or comment below, I will send you curated resources to help you get your next PM role! Best of luck.

Looking for your next role in today’s competitive market? You need more than a resume. You need a plan. Whether you're an executive navigating a confidential transition or a mid-level professional aiming higher, here’s a 10-step job search strategy to help you land faster—with more control and less competition: 🔟 The 10-Step Job Search Plan: 1. Define your career target Be crystal clear on your ideal roles, industries, and locations. Clarity accelerates alignment. 2. Develop your brand Craft a one-sentence value statement. Who are you? What are you known for? Why should someone hire you? 3. Build strong career tools Craft a modern, results-driven resume and pair it with a fully optimized LinkedIn profile. These two assets work together to showcase your value and improve your visibility. 4. Activate informational interviews Don’t ask for a job. Ask for insight, leads or referrals. People are more likely to help when your ask is easy and clear. 5. Consider direct outreach campaigns Identify 25–50 companies of interest and and send a value proposition letter to key decision-makers. Follow up. 6. Track growth companies Monitor industry news and target companies showing signs of growth. Set Google alerts for “mergers,” “expansions,” or “product launches” in your target sectors. 7. Partner with the right recruiters. Locate recruiters who specialize in your industry and role level, remembering that recruiters work on behalf of companies—so help them help you by aligning your offering with their niche and clearly communicating your value. 8. Build social proof Gather testimonials, recommendations, and endorsements that back up your claims. Share your thought leadership and engage on social media. 9. Use job boards for research, not just applying Use alerts to identify market activity and then explore to learn more. Can you find the person who is hiring? Do you have any internal connections in the hiring company? 10. Batch your activity Consistency beats chaos. Schedule focused time each week for networking, outreach, activities, and follow-up. This 10-step approach blends strategy with action. #jobsearch

After coaching 8,000+ professionals, I’ve noticed one thing: Those who follow these 12 steps don’t just get jobs… They get dream roles. If you're tired of job boards, ghosted applications, or interviews that go nowhere. Here’s what actually works in 2025: 👇 12 Job Search Tips That Still Work: 1) Stop mass-applying → 5 tailored applications beat 50 random ones. 2) Research before applying → Mention their mission and recent news during interviews. 3) Customize every resume → Use keywords from the job description. ATS will thank you. 4) Build your LinkedIn presence daily → Engage. Post. Comment. Stay top-of-mind. 5) Network before you need a job → Add value before asking for help. 6) Mock interviews weekly → Record, reflect, repeat. 7) Follow-up within 24 hours → A thank-you note sets you apart. 8) Track your applications → Use a job tracker to stay consistent and focused. 9) Set job alerts → Speed matters. Be first. 10) Google yourself → What recruiters find should impress them. 11) Join industry communities → Many job openings are never posted. 12) Learn to negotiate offers → Know your worth. Ask for it. 📌 Checkout the carousel for more information! Want the full framework that helps my clients consistently get hired? I'm sharing it live in my free upcoming webinar: Get Your Dream Job with My Career Spotlight Framework 🎯 Packed with strategies, templates, and real-life success stories. 👇 Booking link is in the comments. Don’t miss this. #jobsearch #careertips #jobseekers

If I had 30 days to get hired and zero powerful connections… I would stop relying on Easy Apply immediately, i’ve spent 25+ years in recruiting. And most professionals waste months applying online without realizing how hiring actually works behind closed doors. Here are the tools I’d use instead: 1. LinkedIn Sales Navigator To identify hiring managers, recruiters, and decision-makers directly. 2. ChatGPT To tailor resumes, prep interviews, improve outreach messages, and research companies faster. 3. Google Alerts To track layoffs, funding rounds, expansions, and hiring activity in real time. 4. Indeed + LinkedIn Jobs Not for mass applying. For spotting patterns and active hiring trends. 5. [Apollo.io](https://vist.ly/55mgs) To find direct business emails for strategic networking outreach. 6. Crunchbase To identify companies with fresh funding before hiring spikes become public. 7. Loom To send short personalized video introductions that immediately separate you from applicants. 8. [Hunter.io](https://vist.ly/55mgx) To verify professional email addresses before outreach. 9. Reddit + Industry Communities To find real hiring conversations before jobs become saturated. 10. Your Existing Contacts Most people ignore weak ties. Former coworkers, clients, vendors, and alumni often open more doors than close friends. Corporate Truth: The people getting hired fastest right now are not always the most qualified. They’re the people who know how to position themselves closer to decision-makers, that’s the real game. Comment ELITE if you want help positioning your resume, LinkedIn, and job search strategy for today’s market 👇 #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #LinkedInTips #CorporateTruths #EliteRecruiter

If I were starting my job search today, I’d start with these 10 things: 1. Update my LinkedIn profile. Make sure it actually matches my CV. Add detail under your recent roles, a clear summary about what you do, what industries you’ve worked in and what you enjoy doing. 2. Turn on “Open to Work”. Use the “Discoverable by Recruiters” setting. A lot of recruiters search LinkedIn proactively before jobs even get advertised. 3. Update my SEEK profile and resume. Recruiters search by most recently updated resumes in the backend of SEEK. Even refreshing your profile can improve visibility. 4. Apply for current opportunities. Even if a role isn’t perfect on paper, apply if it’s reasonably aligned. Momentum matters in a job search. 5. Connect with recruiters in your market. Find 10 recruiters who specialise in your industry, function or location. AI tools can even help identify who the active recruiters are in your space. 6. Have your “why” ready. Why are you looking? What are you looking for? What’s important in your next move? The people who interview best usually have the best clarity. 7. Make time in your calendar. A lot of good opportunities move quickly. Leave room for screening calls, interviews and follow-ups. 8. Get comfortable talking about your achievements. Not just responsibilities. Think about outcomes, improvements, projects, growth, leadership, savings or results you’ve delivered. 9. Clean up your online presence Your LinkedIn activity, profile photo and engagement all shape first impressions more than people realise. Google yourself! 10. Treat the job search like a process, not a one-off event Consistency wins. Small actions every day compound quickly. Consistency is key when hunting for a new role. Treat it like a sales process and chip away at it every day. Calidus Group