Let's talk job hunting, folks. We've all heard the age-old advice: "Just keep applying online!" (Remember that poll I posted last week? Seems many of you feel the same way!)
But here's the truth: that advice can be downright unhelpful. I've sent out hundreds of applications on LinkedIn, Indeed, and the like, but the results? Mostly crickets chirping... with a sprinkle of interviews thrown in for good measure.
While online applications did land me a cafe job back in 2017, my real job hunting success stories have come from a completely different approach: networking and taking initiative.
Here's a sneak peek at how I landed my roles:
2017 Cruise Tourists Coordinator: Thanks, Mom! A family connection opened the door to this opportunity.
2018-2019 Cafe Job: The only online application success story on this list!
2019 UK Bar Job: A friend's referral - not a single interview from all those online applications!
2020 Internship: Another connection, this time with a lecturer. Online apps? Nope.
2022 Graduate Role: Leveraging the experience from my previous internship (again, no online wins).
2024 Internship (Current): This one's a doozy! I simply reached out to Katrin Kuldma (we're related) for a chat, and within 10 minutes, she offered me an internship!
The takeaway? Job boards aren't your only (or even best!) option.
So, what's my new strategy? Until I discover a magical alternative, I'm focusing on attracting opportunities, not chasing after them.
Here's the plan:
✨ Build My Brand Online: By showcasing my skills and personality, I attract companies and roles that are a good fit for me. The right opportunities will find me!
Your Turn:
How did you land your current job? Share your experiences in the comments below! Let's ditch the "just apply" mentality and build a job search strategy that works for YOU.
Comments