Here’s a hard truth: just having a great resume or relevant experience isn’t enough to land an interview these days, especially if you’re cold-applying to roles through platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed (we’ve all seen the roles with 100+ applicants in less than 24 hours!). Rather than trying to beat the odds in a game that isn’t stacked in your favor, we recommend redirecting some of your energy to strategies that have a higher rate of return on your time investment. If you’ve felt like you’re doing the same things over and over but not getting any results, this playbook is for you.
Self identify where you might be working harder, not smarter, and provide ideas on how to break out of the trap.
Rate each of these statements below to get a better understanding of where you can be working smarter, not harder, when trying to land an interview.
We’re glad that you’re not only cold-applying to roles. Using a variety of application strategies, like getting referred by a former colleague or attending a job fair, can help you break through.
Cold-applying for roles is one of many ways that you can land your next gig, but it should never be your only strategy. You can also try:
Staying focused on the roles that are really aligned to your skills and ambitions is a great way to make sure that you’re not wasting your efforts on activities with little to no return. Stay focused here!
We get it: the job hunt can be exhausting and it can be tempting to start mass applying to roles. Unfortunately, doing so will likely only make your situation more frustrating: the more times you are declined for a role, it will inevitably make you feel even more burnt out and discouraged.
Instead, focus your energy on the roles that are truly interesting to you and make sure your application is as strong as it can be. Always consider tailoring your resume for the role and add a strong cover letter to help you stand out.
Whether you’re sending a thank you note or checking in after a few days of no response, it’s smart to be proactive and reach out to hiring managers and recruiters to keep your name in sight and in mind. Keep it up!
There are few things more impactful than a great thank you note after an interview. Be sure to always send one to folks you interview with, and be specific as to why you enjoyed the conversation. If they don’t get back to you with next steps by the expected date, reach out directly to check in.
We’re glad that you’re not reinventing the wheel when writing cover letters. While it’s always smart to repurpose some of your cover letter, remember to customize a few details to help align your letter to the role you’re applying for.
Great cover letters can be really impactful, but they can also take a lot of time. We recommend having a “default” cover letter that outlines who you are, what you’ve done, and where you want to go next. From there, you can make small tweaks to the cover letter based on what role you’re applying for.
Staying connected with your current network is a great way to learn about new opportunities that you may not have found on your own. As you’re connecting with folks, remember to be open about the fact that you’re looking for a new opportunity and you’d appreciate any connections or introduction they can offer.
Your network is probably one of your most underutilized resources. The more people you connect with, the more people can advocate for you and connect you to new opportunities.
Your friends and family can be some of your most trusted advocates. Keep sharing with them to help keep your job search on track and aligned to the things that make you, you.
Your friends and family are likely some of your biggest supporters. Even if you’ve never talked to them about your professional ambitions before, it’s never too late to share what you’re interested in and the types of roles you’re looking for. You’ll be surprised by how much insight, support, and ideas they’ll have to help.
Feeling confident reaching out to new folks is a great advantage on the quest of landing an interview. When you’re reaching out, be sure to include a specific reason why you’re interested in connecting.
We get it: reaching out to new connections on LinkedIn can be intimidating.
If you’re mostly afraid of rejection (aka: not hearing back from someone or being told no to a meeting), don’t let that deter you. Hearing “No” is part of the process of landing a job, but the key is to let others tell you no vs. telling yourself no before you even try.
If you’re unsure what to say: remember that specificity is key. Include details about why you’re reaching out to this individual in particular and avoid generic reasons for connecting.
Cold applying to roles can work on occasion, but it should never be the only strategy you use to land a job. This week, try these scripts to start new conversations that can lead to you landing an interview down the road.
Write a great thank you note to build more rapport | “Micah, it was really great meeting you today. Your articulation of the opportunities for this role has made me even more excited about the idea of working together; I’ve already got a few ideas on how we could tackle that tough account you were telling me about.”
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