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.

If your job search feels scattered or overwhelming, it might not be your effort—it might be your system. A successful job search isn’t just about applying to everything. It’s about being strategic and consistent. Here’s how I help my clients create a plan that keeps them organized and less overwhelmed: ✅ Clarify your direction What kind of roles, industries, or environments are you targeting? ➡️ Define your focus so you’re not trying to be everything to everyone. ✅ Update your materials Make sure your resume, LinkedIn, and elevator pitch reflect where you’re headed—not just where you’ve been. ✅ Track your outreach Use a spreadsheet, Google Sheet, or a tool like TealHQ to stay on top of applications, networking, and follow-ups. ✅ Network strategically Reach out to people working at your target companies. ➡️ Most jobs are filled through connections—not job boards. ✅ Create a weekly schedule Treat your job search like a job. Block time on your calendar like you would for meetings or project work ✅ Set micro-goals Aim for: 🔹 5 new connections/week 🔹 2 tailored applications 🔹 1 interview prep or reflection session ✨A plan brings structure and confidence to a process that can often feel uncertain. 💬 What’s one job search habit that’s helped you stay on track—or one you're trying to build? 📩 And if I can support you in creating your job search plan, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help. #JobSearchStrategy #CareerClarity #CareerCoach #LinkedInTips  

If you're job hunting, you need a target employer strategy. The truth? Nothing else is working. I wish I had better news for you, but I can't ignore the evidence and you shouldn't either. Without an intentional and targeted approach to employers, your resume will get lost. A targeted employer strategy isn't simple, but it is the best use of your time right now. It will help you: 🎯Increase your chances for an interview 🎯Find a job in a place where you can thrive 🎯ID jobs before they hit job boards (60-70% never do!) 🎯Connect with people inside the company Here's how to make it work. 1️⃣ Make a List of Prospective Employers ↳ Start with companies that you know you are interested in ↳ Add companies where friends & family work ↳ Include companies in your area that are “Top Places to Work” 💡Pro-tip: Try a “drive by” strategy. Visit office parks, take a pic of the lobby directory, and check out the companies online. 2️⃣ Research Each Company ↳ Look at the company website thoroughly to get a gut feel ↳ Check out their press releases and annual reports ↳ Google news about the company 💡Pro-tip: Capture the career page URLs of companies you like in a spreadsheet to create your personalized “job board.” 3️⃣ Make Internal Connections ↳ Use LinkedIn to find near-peers in at each company ↳ Aim to connect with 2-3 people at each company ↳ Email and ask for a chat about how their work 💡Pro-tip: Use hunter[dot]io or other email predictor to find email addresses. 4️⃣ Have Meaningful Conversations ↳ Focus on questions about the role and the company ↳ Be ready to talk about yourself and what you want ↳ Ask who else you should talk to and what other companies you should check out 💡Pro-tip: Do NOT ask anyone to “keep their eyes out,” or ask about openings. 5️⃣ Leverage Relationships ↳ Keep people posted on your progress monthly ↳ When you take their advice, share positive results ↳ Let them know when you see a job of interest and ask if they have any insights 💡Pro-tip: Lather, rinse, repeat, staying in touch with regular updates. When you make a good impression, magic can happen: ↳ You will be top of mind for openings before they are posted. ↳ You will be an early applicant because you are monitoring company career pages, rather than relying only on job boards. ↳ You will be a much more informed candidate based on insights from current employees. Have you used a target employer strategy? What's worked for you? Share in the comments 👇 ♻️ Repost to help job seekers in your network. 🔔 Follow @Sarah Baker Andrus for more job search tips. 📌 Need personal support? DM me and let's chat!

3 quick tips to landing a great job with more ease in 2025 (the things that helped me the most) 👇 1. Look at smaller job platforms Most people look at Indeed or Seek to begin their job search. But so is everyone else. So instead, try filters on LinkedIn to find jobs that are harder to find (like they have different job titles than expected) or have lower application numbers. You can actually sort by lowest # of applications! But we can dig even deeper. Taking climate as an example niche, here is how you can find jobs that are much less competitive. After a little research I found Climatebase and MCJ who are both solely for climate specific jobs and often have fewer applicants. Maybe there's an industry newsletter or two like Climate Tech Cities who posts jobs each week you can sign up to? And what if we niche even further, like looking at VCs in your region that post jobs from their portfolio companies? For example Primary Venture Partners is a NYC based VC that has a program that helps you (great talent) get amazing jobs in their portfolio. If you dig a little deeper, you'll find jobs that far fewer people are applying for, that are usually much higher quality because your interests also match what they're looking for. 2. Apply as soon as possible I remember during an event hosted by LinkedIn, they mentioned that applying for a job within the first day significantly improves your chances of being hired. I can imagine applying within the first 4-hours would help even more. It makes sense. If you're the recruiter looking through applications, the first batch are going to get the majority of your attention versus applicant 385. You could try set up daily alerts to help automate the process! And maybe save some time and hold off on applying for that job ad that's been sitting there for a few months. 3. If you're looking to move, try changing your location on your LinkedIn even before you move. Companies often look at folks with skills (so also update your LinkedIn profile) in their region when trying to headhunt for roles. Recruiters do the same. This could help them find you even before you are physically there. 4. Bonus: And if you want a tool that makes tailoring your CV to the job description much easier, click the link below my name and head to the Career Buddy tab. Simply: - Upload your CV - Copy paste the job description - And click 'tailor my CV to the job description' And in 30-seconds it'll do 80% of the heavy lifting for you! If any of this resonated, feel free to engage to make it easier for others to land their role with a little more ease! ✨ And I'd love to hear what is your tip, whether "obvious" or not, when looking for your next role?

The game has changed. So should your approach. In today’s competitive job market, strategic networking and leveraging technology are critical. Here’s my recommended structured approach to maximize job search success: 1. Cultivate & Activate Your Network * Reconnect with past colleagues, mentors, and industry peers – Let them know you’re exploring opportunities. * Engage on LinkedIn – Share insights, comment on posts, and contribute to discussions to stay visible. * Attend industry events and virtual networking sessions – Sometimes, the best opportunities come through casual conversations. * Be specific in your asks – Instead of “Let me know if you hear of anything,” ask, “Do you know anyone hiring for X role at Y company?” 2. Be Highly Targeted in Your Search * Focus on quality over quantity – Tailor applications to roles where your experience truly aligns. * Research companies deeply – Find mutual connections and insights before applying. * Personalize outreach messages – Cold applications rarely work; warm introductions make a difference. 3. Leverage AI & Technology for Every Application * Use AI tools to refine your resume – Tailor it to each job description to ensure keyword alignment. * Draft compelling cover letters with AI – But always personalize to add authenticity. * Optimize LinkedIn & Resumes with ATS-friendly formatting – Many applications never reach human eyes if they don’t pass AI screening. 4. Always Have an Advocate * An internal champion can get your resume to the top – Reach out to employees before applying. * Leverage informational interviews – Build relationships with potential hiring managers and key decision-makers. * Use your alumni network, veteran groups, or industry associations – People want to help, but they need to know how. Gone are the days of mass applications. Job searching today requires precision, networking, and strategic use of technology. The most successful candidates treat it like a full-time job—leveraging their network, refining their approach, and ensuring every step is intentional. Workers say it's a 'tough' time to find jobs with hiring rates below prepandemic levels https://lnkd.in/g2sPFU6s

After coaching 𝟭𝟬𝟬+ job seekers into roles at companies like 𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗲, 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻, 𝗧𝗗, 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲, 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗱, and more… There’s one strategy I 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 recommend to fast-track interviews: Build relationships with recruiters and decision-makers. Not just apply and pray. Not just “tailor your resume.” But actually build connections that 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥. Yes, it’s tough. And it can feel like you’re doing all this work with no results. You can change that by: 𝟭. 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲. Don't wait for recruiters to find you. Reach out first."𝘏𝘦𝘺 [𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘦], 𝘐 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 [𝘑𝘰𝘣 𝘛𝘪𝘵𝘭𝘦] 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘵 [𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘢𝘯𝘺]. 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘵: [𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭/𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦]. 𝘓𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵!" Simple and direct. 𝟮. 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽. A short, thoughtful follow-up goes a long way. Express gratitude, ask for feedback, and remind them why you’re a great fit. 𝟯. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲. Share something useful. A relevant article, a project you’re proud of. Help before asking for anything. 𝟰. 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁. Like, comment, and share insights on what they post. Stay on their radar and show interest in their work. 𝟱. 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁. Building relationships takes time. Keep showing up. Be genuine. Consistency is key. Relationships = trust. Show up, add value, and you’ll stand out. .......................................................... ♻️ Repost if you found this helpful.

If you're on the job market and your goal is to land a job quickly, this is the best "hack" I can offer you: 1. Apply for jobs with the government, in education, healthcare, construction, and manufacturing. This is the vast majority of where the job creation is happening, and where vacancies are. This time of year, areas like travel and hospitality also tend to be hiring more though these may be more seasonal or part-time roles.   2. Apply for jobs tightly aligned to your previous work experience where you've done projects similar to the projects listed in the job posting. 3. Target on site and hybrid jobs vs remote. This cuts out a lot of the competition that comes with remote jobs.  4. Apply for jobs with smaller companies. This is where the vast majority of jobs are being created, and where most hiring is happening. And there's a lot less competition since these aren't well-known companies that people are seeking out. If you are trying to do any of the following: 1. Land a job in tech or a major, big-name corporation. 2. Pivot into a new industry. 3. Pivot into a new field. 4. Move into a higher level role while changing jobs. ...then your job search is likely to take 6+ months, and in many cases a year. ...you are likely to get interviews on less than ~.5% of your applications (that's 1 out of every 200 applications).* ...you may land interviews, but lose offers to people with more relevant experience because while teams are often willing to interview stretch candidates, it's really hard to beat out people they see as less risky. Be clear on your goal. If you want speed, you may be sacrificing growth or greater compensation and benefits. If you want more money or growth, you may be sacrificing speed and a few more months with a paycheck. Either strategy is fine, but it's helpful to know what the costs, benefits, and risks are of each. *y'all I don't have a stat, so don't come for me, it's just my best guess based on what I see/hear/know about the job market!

Most job search advice is soft! ✨ “Believe in yourself!” ✨ “Keep applying!” ✨ “The right job will find you!” That’s cute. But here’s what actually works in 2025 — the unsexy, under-shared, and highly effective moves: 🔥 1. Be louder online than you are in interviews. Your LinkedIn is your audition tape. Comment. Post. DM. If your inbox is quiet, it’s because your profile is too. 🔥 2. Apply like a consultant, not a candidate. Don’t just say, “I’d love to work here.” Say: “Here’s how I’d solve this exact problem you’re facing.” Companies pay problem-solvers, not résumé-writers. 🔥 3. Show them you’re busy — even when you’re not. Consulting, volunteering, building something, mentoring. Nobody wants to hire someone waiting around. Create momentum. Signal relevance. 🔥 4. Stop job searching like it’s a secret. Closed mouths don’t get callbacks. Tell people you’re looking. Be specific. “I’m looking for a remote people ops leadership role in tech, preferably Series A–C.” That’s how doors open. 🔥 5. Don’t be afraid to make recruiters a little uncomfortable. Ask about comp early. Push back on vague timelines. Follow up unapologetically. You’re not being annoying — you’re being serious. The market is cold. Your strategy needs to be hot. What’s one “rule” you’ve broken that actually worked? #JobSearchUnfiltered #CareerStrategy #Hiring

Applying online is one of the slowest ways to land a job, so try this instead: Digital Proximity. This means being virtually near people at companies you want to work for and getting to know them. It's about building genuine connections in the digital space where these professionals spend their time. Here's how to leverage Digital Proximity: 🍊 Identify your target companies and the key people within them. 🍊 Research which online platforms these individuals frequent - whether it's LinkedIn, Slack, Discord, industry forums, or niche Facebook groups. 🍊 Engage meaningfully with them. Ask questions, share insights, and contribute to discussions. 🍊 Gradually build authentic relationships through thoughtful interactions and direct messages. Your next job is more likely to come through a person than a database. So by focusing on building relationships, you're not just seeking a job - you're creating a network that can propel your entire career forward. This approach requires more creativity and initiative than traditional job hunting, but is faster. You'll gain industry insights, expand your professional network, and position yourself for opportunities that may never be publicly advertised. And if you're ready to land more job offers your job search, I've created a free Job Shopping class that dives deeper into this strategy and other innovative job-seeking techniques. You'll find the link in the comments below! Have you ever used this type of strategy before? #Networking #JobSearch #CareerTips #Inspiration

#careertip: You are probably missing out on many job opportunities. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as of Jan. 9, 2024, there were 9.5 million job openings in the U.S. In a search I made today, LinkedIn shows 5,078,528 job ads with base in the U.S. and Indeed shows 244,950 full time jobs available in the U.S. If you're focusing your search only on these two social networks for professionals, it's time to broaden your horizon. Here's how to tap into the wider job market effectively: 1. Look into niche job boards specific to your industry, as well as regional or local job boards. Sites like AngelList are great for startup jobs, while Idealist.org is perfect for nonprofit positions. 2. Engage with professional groups on social media, attend industry meetups, conferences, and webinars. Don't underestimate the power of reaching out to contacts for informational conversations – they can offer insights and introduce you to opportunities that aren’t advertised. 3. Identify companies you’re interested in and visit their career pages regularly. Some companies prefer to list openings on their website to attract candidates who are specifically interested in their organization (and because they want to save money!). 4. Many educational institutions have career services for alumni and platforms for networking with fellow graduates. Check them out! 5. Share your job search goals with friends, family, and former colleagues. Often, jobs are found through personal connections. 6. Join professional groups or associations related to your field and participate in online communities. They often have job boards, resources, and networking events that can lead to job opportunities. 7. When browsing LinkedIn, use the "Search" bar more than the "Jobs" tab. The article below explains how I approach job search and how I find most of the #commsjobs I share with you. Check out the article: https://bit.ly/42qGJMR Remember: the more avenues you explore, the better your chances of finding a role that truly fits your skills and aspirations. Also, always prioritize starting your application from a personal connection instead of just sending your resume into the big black hole of ATS systems, hoping for the best. Keep an open mind and stay persistent – your next great opportunity could come from where you least expect it.