8 Job Hunting Strategies That Work [From My Experience]

Job hunting can feel like throwing applications into the void. But after 22 interviews and refining my approach, I’ve found strategies that actually work, strategies that landed me interviews and meaningful connections. So, based on my real-life experience in the last three months, let’s break down the most effective job search tactics that can get you noticed, get you interviews, and get you hired.

1. Build Your Personal Brand (Yes, It Matters)

People think personal branding is cringe, but here’s the truth: it works. And honestly, who’s really cringing? The people who already know you might roll their eyes and think, “Oh great, another newsletter article.” Sure! But they know you; they’re friends, colleagues, or connections who can handle seeing your face twice in their feed today.

Meanwhile, the algorithm isn’t showing you nearly enough to the people who don’t know you yet, who actually need to see your content to discover you. And they are the ones you’re posting for. So, seriously, let go of the fear, hit post, and do it again. It’s worth it.

• ? As my LinkedIn grows, I get more searches and recruiter views.
• ? More engagement = more discoverability. This is crucial! Like, repost, comment, and join conversations relevant to your niche.?
• ? A complete, well-optimized LinkedIn profile increases your visibility and ensures recruiters can find you.

Optimize your LinkedIn:

• ? Fill out every section—use AI to refine wording and be thorough.
• ? Write a compelling headline and summary?articulating your niche, expertise, and career goals.
• ? Make your profile photo pop—use a bright background and an expressive, welcoming, unique look.
• ? Add rich media, projects, skills, certifications, and recommendations to showcase your work beyond just text.
• ? Engage consistently—comment, share, and post insights to stay visible. (Yes, I'm saying it again because it's that important.)

Building your brand isn’t about vanity—it’s about making yourself findable and creating real opportunities.

2. Network Like Your Career Depends on It (Because It Does)

People hire people they know and trust. That’s why networking—both in-person and digitally—is essential. Here’s what’s worked for me:

• ? Attend local events and talk to people. It's brought me fantastic opportunities and new experiences.?
• ? Comment on job posts to let them know you applied (seriously, don't be shy), engage with job posters' content, and follow thought leaders.
• ? Repost interesting content and add your insights when it makes sense to your niche.

I’ve personally found job postings, connected directly with hiring managers, and landed interviews just by being visible and engaged on LinkedIn. If you’re not networking, you’re missing opportunities.

Networking isn’t about asking for jobs but building relationships before you need them. Connection is everything.

3. Reach Out to Hiring Managers Directly (And Make It Personal)

When a LinkedIn job listing includes a hiring manager’s name, send a personalized connection request with a note:

• ? Find a genuine personal connection (school, mutual interest, industry trend).
• ? Briefly state why you’re a great fit.
• ? Mention that you applied and would love to connect.

Even better? Send an InMail if you have Premium or it’s a free one. Use a compelling subject line. Take advantage of every optional field to stand out.

This method has gotten me interviews—including one where the hiring manager said she wouldn’t have called me if I hadn’t reached out.

Employers appreciate candidates who show initiative. Reaching out directly won’t guarantee a job, but it can set you apart from several other applicants. (You've seen the listings. 100+ applications 2 hours into posting?)

4. Don’t Rely on Easy Apply – Apply Again

Someone in the business told me?that hiring managers often don’t even get to the Easy Apply resume pile. Instead, they source candidates from their official careers page.

Pro Tip:

• ? Click Easy Apply, but don’t stop there.
• ? Go to the company’s website and submit a complete application.
• ? Bonus: If you can, find a direct email for HR or the hiring manager or simply connect with them on LinkedIn.

Easy Apply is easy for everyone, which means your application is one of hundreds. Make the extra effort if you truly want the job.

5. Resume Strategy: One-Page vs. Full-Length?

• ? If you can pay a professional resume writer, do it.
• ? This is an endless debate, but I think our resume does not have to be one page. Covering your experience comprehensively is more important. (The resume writer I worked with emphasized that it’s about clarity and relevance, not page count.)
• ? Keep detailed and concise versions and use the best fit for each role. (And to be frank here, it's a vibe. I don't have a tip about when to use which.)

I’ve had 22 interviews so far without tailoring my resume for each role, which, to me, shows that strategy and outreach matter just as much—if not more—than small resume tweaks. The key is having one that is clear, well-structured, and compelling on its own. Whether or not you customize it, your experience should speak for itself.

8. Be Authentic! Preparation Isn't Everything

Let me tell you a story.

Early in my job search, I had two interviews in one day. I prepared so much that I?almost?memorized my?responses. When the first interviewer asked why I wanted the role, I launched into my perfect answer—including an anecdote about how I met Oliver on LinkedIn.

His response? “Who’s Oliver?”

I was talking about the wrong company.

Yeah… that interview didn’t go well. They never called me again.

Lesson learned? Authenticity beats over-preparation.

? Show up as yourself. Trying to be a “perfect candidate” instead of being genuine will backfire.

? Prepare, but don’t script. Confidence comes from knowing your experience, not memorizing lines.

? Hiring managers at the right jobs won’t care about your hair, tattoos, or quirks. (One of the most transformative advice I got during this challenging part of my life was from a mentor: “Dress for the culture you want to work in.”)

? Confidence is everything. The best interviews happen when you trust yourself and your expertise.

? Your quirks, personality, and authenticity set you apart. The right company will value you for who you are, not just your resume.

The goal of an interview isn’t to prove you’re the “perfect” candidate—it’s to see if you and the company are a good fit. Authenticity is your greatest asset.

The Key to Job Search: Visibility, Initiative, and Authenticity

Job hunting is tough, and I won’t pretend this is a success story yet. I have not landed the job I'm looking for, but I have gotten several interviews, made connections, learned many new strategies and skills, and improved my chances. This is not about guaranteed results; it's about stacking the odds in your favor. The right job is out there. The best we can do is put ourselves in the best possible position to find it.

Bonus Tip: Take Care of Yourself

This process is rough and not very encouraging. It’s hard to face rejection, and it’s easy to spiral when job hunting takes longer than expected. Many of us are sitting at home, unemployed and restless, spending money and losing motivation. Please take care of yourself.

Don’t spend every moment applying. Use this time to nurture and grow.

? Learn new skills or earn certifications that make you more competitive.

? Take breaks. Go on nature walks, try gardening, or do something creative.

? Stay connected. Talk to friends, join online communities, and remind yourself that you’re not alone.

Your job search is important, but so are you. Pace yourself, protect your mental health, and keep going. Don’t let the “No’s” shake your confidence. They’re not a reflection of your worth; they’re a reflection of the market.

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What’s the best job search tip you’ve ever received? Let me know in the comments!