Why does traditional job searching no longer work?

If you’re relying solely on job boards, endlessly submitting applications, and waiting for a response—you’re playing a losing game. In today’s hyper-competitive market, you need to stop thinking of yourself as a job applicant and start thinking of yourself as a product.

A study by Glassdoor found that each corporate job posting receives, on average, 250 applications, yet only 4-6 candidates are invited for an interview. That’s a 0.004% success rate if you’re applying online with no strategy. Additionally, research from LinkedIn shows that 70%-85% of jobs are filled through networking, and up to 80% of open positions are never even posted online.

⛔️ The Old Way

1. Go on job boards.

2. Apply.

3. Wait (and likely never hear back).

➡️ This approach doesn’t work because recruiters and hiring managers are overwhelmed with applications. Many companies don’t even review every application manually, relying instead on applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes, often eliminating great candidates before a human even sees them.

✅ The New Way: Treat Yourself Like a Product

A great product doesn’t just sit on a shelf waiting to be discovered—it has marketing, positioning, and sales strategies. 

You need to do the same with your job search by actively creating opportunities instead of waiting for them to come to you.

Step 1: Identify Your Unique Value Proposition

Before reaching out to anyone, get clear on what makes you unique. This is your personal brand!

Ask yourself:

• What problems do I solve best?

• What industries excite me the most?

• What are my strengths, skills, and experiences that make me stand out?

• How have I driven measurable impact in past roles?

➡️ Just like successful companies use marketing to position their products, you need to position yourself as the ideal candidate before you even apply.

Step 2: Shift to a Problem-Solving Mindset

Instead of looking for job openings, start looking for problems you can solve.

⚙️ Research companies you admire. Look into their products, financial reports, and company culture.

⚙️ Find gaps and challenges. Read employee reviews, industry reports, and company news.

⚙️ Position yourself as a solution. If a company is struggling with customer retention, and you’re an expert in improving customer experiences, that’s your entry point.

💡 Pro Tip: Follow key decision-makers (CEOs, VPs, Directors) on LinkedIn and engage with their content. If they post about challenges in their industry, offer insightful comments that showcase your expertise.

Step 3: Connect with Decision-Makers, Not Just Recruiters

Instead of applying blindly, build relationships with people who actually make hiring decisions.

🔎 Identify hiring managers and team leads in the departments you want to work in.
📨 Send thoughtful, value-driven messages instead of generic connection requests.
👀 Show curiosity about their work and the challenges they face.
☕️ Suggest an informal coffee chat instead of immediately asking for a job.

Example Outreach Message:

“Hi [Name], I came across your work on [Project/Article], and I was really impressed. I’ve been researching [Industry Challenge] and have some ideas on tackling [specific problem]. I’d love to hear your insights—would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat?”

➡️ This type of approach is 10x more effective than submitting a resume into the void.

Step 4: Leverage the Hidden Job Market

Most jobs never make it to public job boards because they’re filled through internal referrals. By building relationships before a job is posted, you position yourself as a natural fit when an opportunity arises.

💻 Join industry communities (LinkedIn groups, Slack channels, networking events).
📍 Attend virtual and in-person events to meet industry professionals.
🎭 Ask for introductions—people love connecting others to great talent.

Step 5: Pitch Yourself Before a Job Even Exists

You don’t have to wait for a job opening to make your move. If you identify a company that could benefit from your skills, craft a proposal outlining how you can add value.

Example:

• If a startup is struggling with scaling operations, and you have experience optimizing processes, create a mini-strategy document showcasing how you’d solve this.

• If a company has a weak online presence and you specialize in marketing, offer insights on how they could improve visibility.

   

Take Control of Your Career

The job market has changed, and so should your approach. Instead of applying and waiting, position yourself as a valuable asset, connect with decision-makers, and create your own opportunities.

Choose one company you admire, research a challenge they’re facing, and send a connection request to a key decision-maker today.

Small steps lead to big results!

Instead of waiting for a job to find you, position yourself as the obvious choice, and let opportunities come to you. ✨