Hey folks - I'm here to remind you today that applying to jobs online is a bad strategy in this economy. 

Stop doing the thing that doesn't work, it's a sure path to burnout. 

I'm a broken record about this because I think it's a crappy strategy in any economy tbh. 

The reason it's a bad approach is because you are competing against a million other job seekers to get noticed in the black hole of an ATS.

No bueno.

So what should you do instead? Read on to find out.

I'm not saying don't ever do it, but don't make it your primary job search strategy.

Here is what I suggest instead:

1. Figure out what job you want next.

This is a crucial first step if you haven't figured it out. Don't try to apply to every job you think you could do.

Remember you can be anything, but you can't be everything.

Get clear and thenget targeted about your next role. Pick one clear career path for better job search outcomes.

2. Search all over the interwebs for open roles. 

Don't just look on major job boards. Companies have to pay to post on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc so you'll only see certain jobs on those boards.

There are many other places to look for jobs, including niche job boards, online communities, hashtags, following thought leaders, networking events, etc.

Look where others are not looking andtap into the hidden job marketfor more success.

3. Reach out to Hiring Managers and people inside of companies.

Direct outreach to real people is still the best way to improve your chances of getting an interview.

Craft a compelling and concise message and reach out to a high volume of decision makers, aka hiring managers.

Make this the primary way you apply for jobs. 

If you also want to network your way into a company, do coffee chats with ICs and ask for referrals. 

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SIDE NOTE: If you want to know the exact email template you should send to hiring managers check out Module 2 of my workbook. 
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4. Follow up with people at least 2-3 times.

My belief is that following up is necessary to getting anything in life.

Make it a habit to reach back if you haven't heard back from your prospects. People are busy and you have to kindly reach back to get noticed. 

Persistence is key to getting a job.

Many responses come after following up, so don't give up so soon. 

That's the flow on a high level.

Repeat steps 2-4 every week to consistently improve your outcomes. 

You got this!

Want to know what I teach my clients who land at top tech companies?
I share my entire job search process in this workbook 👇🏾
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