Nothing about job search makes sense, right?
I mean, can the hiring manager really always be out of town?
How does the speed of an auto-rejection seem to defy the laws of physics?
And can an interviewer really decide your fate based on what animal you'd be?
There's not a ton of logic behind these things sometimes, so in the spirit of embracing things that make zero sense, I'm bringing you these counterintuitive job search tips.
Counterintuitive Job Search Tips to Get You Hired
1. Apply to fewer jobs to get hired faster.
Seems strange, right?
Job search seems like it should be a numbers game. If you send your resume in for a hundred jobs, one of them has to hit. Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that.
I've spoken to people who have sent their resume in for literally thousands of jobs, and sure, they interviewed for some of them, but they were never quite the right fit.
Counterintuitive Tip: Instead of "spraying and praying" try a targeted approach. Find companies that are a good fit for you and have informational interviews with them.
Only apply to jobs you think are a good fit (remember the 80/20 rule – you have 80ish percent of what the job description asks for, and 20 percent is there for you to grow into.)
Position yourself (on LinkedIn and elsewhere) as a specialist, the exact right fit for the type of position you want.
It's counterintuitive, yes, but you will get hired faster this way.
2. Focus on one kind of job to land your gig.
This is similar to #1, except here people widen their net not only by applying to any job with a pulse, but also by being "open" to multiple kinds of roles.
This only works if your job types are very closely related/almost interchangeable.
If you have the skills and experience to be a dog trainer and a market analyst for pork rinds and a commercial real estate developer and a firefighter, it's impossible to effectively market yourself for all of those jobs simultaneously.
Counterintuitive Tip: Instead, you need to pick a lane. Otherwise, people won't know who you are and what you do. They won't think of you as the solution to their problem.
Plus, while you can have multiple resumes, you can't really have multiple LinkedIn profiles.
Have one brand. Own it. Market the hell out of it.
3. More isn’t always better.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: job search is a grind. Coming to the end of your job search successfully feels like an endeavor that requires brute force.
Yet, the truth is, you can't brute force your job search. Not without sustaining some serious injuries at least. It's taxing to your confidence and self-esteem to work on a project like job searching, because there are so many layers to it, some emotional, some financial, some logistical.
Counterintuitive Tip: Sometimes you just need to step away from the job search to refresh your mind and spirit. It’s only when you do this that you can come back to the search recharged and ready to connect and be your best self.
4. Offer to Do a Paid Trial Project.
Many people hate the idea of doing free work for an interview, and in some circumstances, I'm inclined to agree.
Counterintuitive Tip: However, if you're dealing with the right company, this could be exactly what you need to help you stand out from the crowd.
I mean, think about how much time you’re spending job searching. If you you’re interviewing for a great job, it might pay to go above and beyond.
If you are considering this, make sure you're not seeing any red flags that the company will steal your work then ghost you.
The best companies ask for a small project, have you sign paperwork that protects you and your IP, and sometimes pays you for your time. At least look for companies that have treated you well through the interview process.
Also, consider offering to do a project for a company that hasn't even asked. Make sure it's fairly small, but really demonstrates that you have what it takes to get the job done (especially in areas that they may worry you don't have the skillset for, or where you know they are especially concerned they hire someone strong.)
Other candidates likely won't offer this, so you'll really stand out!
5. Ask for Feedback on Rejections.
The further along you are in the interview process, the more likely you are to get feedback. That said, many companies won't offer feedback at all for liability reasons.
Counterintuitive Tip: Still, it doesn't hurt to ask, and some companies will give you feedback. They might tell you the candidate they hired was stronger in a certain area, or they might give you more personalized information. Whatever they tell you, it's valuable feedback to improve your skills, experience or interview technique for future opportunities.
6. Send a thank you after a "no" in final rounds.
You made it to the final round. . . and then you get the crushing no. They went with another candidate.
Counterintuitive Tip: It's very tempting to disappear and lick your wounds, but don't do it.
I've seen those first choice candidates not work out: They don't measure up in their first months, they have extenuating life circumstances, another opportunity they wanted finally comes around, and they couldn't refuse.
And they quit or get fired.
What's a company to do at that point?
They don't want to start at square one, let me tell you. They'd much rather turn around and ask you if you'd be willing to come in and interview again. And if you're still job searching, you might want to.
The key is to not just send a thank you, but to send them a note letting them know why you liked the company, the opportunity, etc. and to leave the door open if there is an opening in the future. This way, you get fast-tracked to a yes for a job you want if the other candidate doesn't work out.
7. Network Strategically
Many people will tell you to network with everyone, and sure, there's no harm in telling the postman or the check out lady that you're looking for a Senior People Ops role.
Counterintuitive Tip: But here's the truth – there are only so many hours in a day, and you need to use them wisely. That means cherry picking who you network with is a smart strategy.
Who are the best people for you to have conversations with?
It might be executives at companies you've put on your target list, it might be recruiters in your space, or it might be fellow alumni of your college who are working in the same field.
Whoever you decide is to talk to, make sure it's strategic. You want your conversations to be ones you learn from, ones that can help connect you deeper into your profession, or ones that can allow you to give back to those in your field. Obviously, talking about a live opportunity is amazing too, but not every networking conversation will be about that.
Just make sure you're using your time wisely and advancing your career.