Job hunting

A job-hunting strategy that beats mass applying

Sending 200 identical applications feels productive and converts terribly. A smaller, structured pipeline with referrals attached converts several times better for the same hours.

Build a target list first

Before applying anywhere, list 30–40 employers you would genuinely join. Sort them into three tiers: reach, realistic, and safety. Everything else in the week is spent working this list rather than refreshing job boards.

The weekly rhythm

Referrals are the highest-leverage move

A referred application is dramatically more likely to be read. You do not need a close relationship — a former colleague, an alumnus, or someone whose work you can reference honestly is enough.

• Message before you apply, not after.
• Be specific: name the role, say why you fit in two sentences, attach nothing on the first message.
• Ask for a low-cost action: "Would you be open to sharing my details with the hiring manager?"
• Follow up once after a week, then stop.

Track it simply

A spreadsheet with company, role, date applied, contact, status and next action is sufficient. The value is the 'next action' column — it turns a pile of hope into a queue of tasks.

When nothing lands

1. Fewer than 1 reply per 20 applications: the CV or the targeting is wrong — get a review before sending more.
2. Screening calls but no interviews: your summary sells a different role than the one you want.
3. Final rounds but no offers: work on structured interview answers and closing questions, not on your CV.