Job search strategy
Focus on roles that fit, reach people with three outreach templates, track every application and keep a weekly pace you can sustain until you're hired.
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Focus on the roles that fit
Sending the same application everywhere wastes your best hours. Put most of your effort into the postings that genuinely match your skills and interests, and tailor each of those applications. A handful of tailored applications does more for you than dozens of generic ones.
Networking that works
Many roles are filled through referrals and people who already know someone on the team, often before a posting draws much attention. Go to industry meetups, join the online communities your field uses, and stay active on LinkedIn. Each week, reach out to 2–3 people at companies you'd like to join and ask for a 15-minute conversation.
LinkedIn outreach templates
Keep outreach short, specific and easy to answer. Three templates to adapt:
- Through a shared contact: "Hi Maya, Daniel Roy suggested I reach out. I'm applying for the Operations Analyst role on your team and would value 15 minutes to hear how the team works. Would Tuesday or Wednesday suit you?"
- About their work: "Hi Sam, your post on cutting warehouse pick times was useful; we hit the same problem at my last site. I'm exploring roles at Northwind and would love to ask you two quick questions about the team."
- After applying: "Hi Priya, I've just applied for the Data Analyst role. I've built the kind of weekly reporting the posting describes and would be glad to share an example if that's useful."
Ask for one small thing per message, and follow up once at most.
Tracking applications
Track every application in a spreadsheet or a tool such as Jobiko: company, role, date applied, status, contact person, follow-up dates and notes. Tracking prevents duplicate applications and missed follow-ups.
Managing rejection
Rejection is part of every search, even for strong candidates, and many applications end without a reply. Treat each rejection as information, not a verdict: if a pattern appears, adjust your targeting or your resume. Set a daily limit so the search doesn't take over your life. Consistency beats intensity.
Next stepBrowse open roles and track the ones you apply to →