“Stop Waiting to Be Hired: How to Land Your Dream Job by Adding Value First”

In today’s competitive job market, waiting around for someone to notice your résumé just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you’re looking for meaningful work, why wait for a job offer to show what you’re capable of? Instead, start by doing the work upfront. This is advice I give not only to my consulting clients but also to job seekers who are trying to make their mark.

Here’s a strategy that’s transformed careers and built powerful relationships—used by billionaires, successful CEOs, and industry leaders:

1. Pick a Worthwhile “Target”

Identify a company or a mission you truly believe in—something aligned with your values and passion. Imagine working in a place where you could see yourself wanting to be friends with your coworkers. Those are the companies you want to go after because building strong relationships at work makes success more achievable.

For instance, when I was approached by small businesses to help them scale and improve client retention, I already knew I wanted to work in this niche. My passion for helping businesses engage with clients, retain customers, and build stronger relationships aligned with their mission to grow.

2. Do an “Audit” of Their Business

Once you’ve found a company or business that excites you, dive deep. Spend hours—maybe even days—researching their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Where are they heading? What are their core products or services? What’s the one area they could improve that aligns with your skills?

In my consulting, I begin by doing a full audit of the client’s client engagement strategies. I analyze their customer journey, pinpointing where they lose engagement or retention. This audit is the first step in showing how I can add value. Job seekers can do something similar, —learn everything about the company you want to work for and understand what they need.

3. Give Them a “Gift”

Now here’s where you stand out from the crowd. Instead of sending out generic résumés or waiting for someone to offer you an interview, present a solution to their problems. Whether it’s a project, a strategy, or a plan—this is your opportunity to show you’re already thinking about their business like you’ve been hired.

When I audit a business, I offer a tailored action plan that shows exactly how they can improve their client experience or retention. No guessing games. I’ve already done the work before they even pay me. In return, businesses see me as an indispensable asset.

This works for anyone looking for work too. Say you want to work for a growing tech company—offer them a free, actionable idea on how they can improve their sales process. Or if you’re a designer, create a mock redesign for their website and show them how it’ll increase conversions.

Stop Telling, Start Showing

Most job seekers tell employers how great they are. But showing is far more powerful. Don’t be like everyone else who fires off a résumé and waits. Do the work before you get hired. Prove you’re ready, and you’ll not only get noticed, you’ll likely secure a job you truly love.

Even the greatest business leaders understood this principle. Warren Buffet once offered to work for free for his mentor, Benjamin Graham, because he believed in the value of the experience. Graham replied, “You’re overpriced.” Nonetheless, Buffet continued pursuing the work that excited him, and it eventually led to his monumental success. Buffet’s example shows that the opportunity to learn and prove your worth is priceless, and sometimes, offering to work for free is an investment in your future success.

This approach isn’t just for job seekers—it’s advice I carry into my own consulting work. When businesses reach out for help with client retention or client engagement, I do more than talk about what I could do. I show them with a strategy that adds value right from the start.

It’s Time to Take Charge of Your Career

Stop waiting for someone to “hire” you to do what you love. Assign yourself a project today, whether it’s consulting, creating, designing, or selling. Don’t wait for permission to start working toward your dream job or mission. Target. Audit. Gift. That’s the path to meaningful work, a career you love, and financial security.

Are you ready to make the leap? Let’s connect—I’m always here to help small businesses refine their client experience or to chat with professionals ready to transform their careers.

Article inspired from Charlie Hohen's Blog.