How Others Find New Jobs (and How You Can Too!)
Ready for a new job? Discover inspiring stories of career changers & learn simple, effective strategies to find a role you love. Your success story starts here!
Stepping into the job market right now can feel like trying to find a specific needle in a giant, ever-shifting haystack. You hear the news, you see the competition, and it’s easy to feel a little discouraged, maybe even a lot. The truth is, finding a new job, especially one you’re genuinely excited about, can be a real challenge. There are more people looking, companies might be more cautious, and sometimes the old ways of doing things just don't seem to cut it anymore. It’s a landscape that demands a bit more savvy, a touch more persistence, and definitely a good dose of belief in yourself.
But here’s something really important I want you to hold onto: despite all that, people – real people, just like you – are successfully navigating this landscape every single day. They're not just finding any job; they're finding roles that excite them, that fit their skills, and that open up new opportunities. They're making career changes, big and small, and landing on their feet.
How do I know? Because this article isn't just about theories; it's about sharing the inspiring journeys and clever strategies of individuals I've had the privilege to coach over the years.
These are people who faced the same uncertainties you might be feeling now, who learned what works (and what doesn't!), and who ultimately found their way to something better. My goal here is to pull back the curtain on their successes, to show you that your next great job is absolutely achievable, and to equip you with the kind of practical, real-world advice that can make all the difference.
Think of this as our heart-to-heart, where I share the proven paths that can lead you to your next great role.
Podcast Episode: How Others Find New Jobs
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Real People, Real Success: How They Made the Change
Let's pull back the curtain and look at some genuine examples. These are accounts of what everyday people, who felt just like you might feel now – maybe a bit stuck, a bit unsure – actually did to move into roles they truly wanted. My hope is that by seeing their paths, you'll start to see possibilities for your own journey.
I'm going to start by telling you about Maria and David, and then we'll talk about Sam, because their approaches highlight different, powerful ways to break through in today's market.
The LinkedIn Makeover
Maria's situation was one I see all the time. She was dedicated to her job search, spending hours scrolling through job boards and sending out applications. But she felt like she was shouting into the void.
Her applications just seemed to disappear, and she rarely heard back. (we all know that feeling). When I looked at her LinkedIn profile, it was… fine. It listed her past jobs and described her responsibilities pretty accurately.
But it didn't really tell you much about who she was professionally, what she was great at, or what she was hoping to do next. It was a bit passive, waiting for someone to stumble upon it and connect the dots.
What she did that made the difference:
We decided her LinkedIn needed a major transformation. This wasn't just cosmetic; it was about building a strong, clear professional identity – what people call a "personal brand." First, we worked on her headline. Instead of just her current job title, it became a forward-looking statement about the value she brings and the roles she was targeting.Something like, "Results-Oriented Project Manager | Helping Teams Deliver Complex Projects On Time & On Budget." Then, we revamped her "About" section. Instead of a generic summary, it became a compelling narrative about her passion, her key skills, and her career aspirations. She started using keywords that recruiters for the kinds of jobs she wanted would actually search for.
But the biggest change was in how she described her experience. We shifted from listing duties ("Responsible for managing project budgets") to highlighting accomplishments ("Managed budgets up to $500k, consistently delivering projects 10% under budget"). She used strong action verbs and included specific numbers or results whenever possible. We also talked about the importance of adding rich media – like presentations, reports, or even just photos from industry events – to make her profile more dynamic.The magic that unfolded:
The change was almost immediate. Once her profile clearly articulated her value and goals, she stopped feeling invisible. Recruiters who were specifically looking for someone with her skills and results started finding her. They weren't just stumbling upon her profile; they were searching for people who fit specific criteria, and her updated profile was now popping up higher in their results.
The messages she received were more targeted to the kinds of roles she actually wanted. It felt less like desperately applying and more like being sought after for her unique capabilities.Your takeaway for today's market:
Your LinkedIn profile is often the very first impression a recruiter or hiring manager gets, sometimes even before they see your resume. In a crowded market, a profile that clearly and compellingly shows who you are, what you've achieved, and what you want to do next is an absolute game-changer.It helps you get found for the right reasons and makes you stand out from the crowd of generic profiles. It’s not just a place to list where you've worked; it’s your chance to market yourself effectively.
The Reconnection
David was hitting a wall with online applications. He felt like he was sending his resume into a black hole again and again. He had good experience, a solid resume, and was applying to roles that seemed like a great fit, but the responses were few and far between. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you’re putting in effort but not seeing results.
What he did that changed his trajectory:
As we talked, David mentioned that he occasionally received messages on LinkedIn or emails from recruiters who had seen his profile in the past. At the time, he wasn't looking for a new job, so those conversations were brief and went nowhere. I told him that these weren't just random messages; they were signs of previous interest in him.
So, his strategy became one of reconnection. He systematically went back through his LinkedIn messages and emails, identifying every recruiter or hiring manager who had ever reached out to him. He then crafted simple, polite messages to each of them.
He didn't pretend they were close friends, but he referenced their previous interaction. Something like, "Hi [Name], hope you're doing well. You reached out to me a while back regarding a role at [Company Name/Type of Role], and I wanted to follow up as I'm currently exploring new opportunities. I'm focusing on roles in [his field] and would appreciate any insights you might have on the current market or if you know of any openings that align with my background in [mention 1-2 key skills they might have initially been interested in]."
The magic of rekindling connections:
This approach worked wonders for David. Recruiters deal with countless people every day, so a friendly, professional message referencing a past conversation helped him stand out from the sea of new applicants. It jogged their memory and reminded them of his potential. Some recruiters had nothing available immediately but were happy to chat and keep him in mind.
Others were actively working on new positions. One recruiter, in particular, remembered David clearly and had a specific, perfect-fit role that she was just starting to source candidates for. It hadn’t even been posted publicly yet. Because he took the initiative to reconnect, he was one of the first people she thought of, giving him a significant advantage.
Your takeaway for today's market:
Your past interactions aren't disposable. Anyone who has ever shown interest in your profile or spoken to you about a potential job is part of your network, even if the timing wasn't right before. A simple, targeted message can reignite those connections and potentially uncover opportunities that aren't even advertised.
It’s a much warmer lead than a cold application and leverages interest that already exists. Don't underestimate the power of politely following up with people who've already shown they see value in your profile.
The Strategic Networker
Sam knew exactly where she wanted to work. She had a list of target companies that aligned perfectly with her values and career goals. The problem was, getting a job at these companies felt like trying to get into an exclusive club without an invitation.
She saw job postings, but she suspected that just applying online might not be enough to get noticed among potentially hundreds of other candidates.
What she did to bypass the application pile:
Sam realized she needed to get visible to the people who actually made the hiring decisions or who worked on the teams she wanted to join. She became incredibly strategic on LinkedIn. Instead of broadly connecting with everyone, she identified managers and senior leaders within her target departments at her dream companies.
LinkedIn gives you a limit on how many connection requests you can send each week with a personalized note, and Sam used this limit fully and intentionally. For each request, she crafted a short, specific message. It wasn't a resume dump or a direct plea for a job. It was about showing genuine interest in their work or company and asking to learn from their experience. A typical note might say, "Hi [Name], I've been following [Company]'s work in [specific area, e.g., sustainable development] and find it incredibly inspiring. As someone looking to contribute to meaningful projects in this space, I'd be honored to connect and potentially learn a bit about your career journey if you ever have a few minutes." She focused on building a relationship and gathering information, not on asking for an immediate favor.
The magic of informed, respectful outreach:
This highly targeted approach yielded significant results. Many of the managers she reached out to were impressed by her specific interest and proactive approach. They agreed to short virtual coffees or phone calls. These "informational interviews" (where the goal is to gather information, not interview for a job) were goldmines. Sam got insider perspectives on the company culture, team dynamics, and what skills were truly needed. She asked thoughtful questions based on her research. She wasn't pushy, just genuinely curious.And, naturally, the conversations often led to her mentioning her own background and what she was looking for. While she never directly asked for a job during these initial chats, she was now a known entity. When a relevant position opened up at one of her top target companies, the manager she had connected with remembered their conversation, was impressed by her preparation and enthusiasm, and proactively reached out to HR or the hiring manager to recommend she be considered.
Your takeaway for today's market:
If you have specific companies or types of roles in mind, don't just wait for a job posting. Identify the key people within those organizations and find a genuine, non-demanding way to connect. Offering to learn from them or discussing industry trends can open doors to conversations you wouldn't get otherwise.This kind of strategic networking builds relationships that can lead to referrals or early alerts about opportunities, giving you a massive advantage over mass applications. It’s about being proactive in building your network where you want to be.
Note: I want to be completely honest here: even if you ask someone for an informal meeting, most people will probably say no. It’s nothing personal—it’s usually because they don’t have opportunities available or your LinkedIn profile doesn’t quite match what they’re after. To boost your chances, make sure your LinkedIn profile is in great shape before reaching out. Don’t just list job titles—highlight your skills and the value you bring to the table.
Skill up and show it off
These stories do not describe the only ways to find a great new job. Here is one best practice that I've seen work wonders for people.
Level up your skills and showcase them
What it is: The job market is always evolving, and so are the skills that employers are looking for. "Skilling up" means identifying any skills that are frequently mentioned in the job descriptions for roles you want but that you feel you could be stronger in.
Then, you take deliberate steps to learn or improve those skills. This could be through online courses (many are free or low-cost), workshops, certifications, volunteering for a project that uses that skill, or even working on a personal project to practice it. "Showing it off" is the crucial next step: making sure potential employers can see that you've acquired these new skills. You can also write about it on LinkedIn or on your blog.Why it works: Actively developing your skills shows employers that you're proactive, committed to your professional growth, and adaptable – all highly valued traits. It can make you a more competitive candidate, especially if you're looking to change careers or move into a role with different requirements. It also gives you fresh, relevant things to talk about in your applications and interviews.
My tip: Don't just learn a new skill in theory; try to apply it in a practical way. If you take an online course, complete the project. If you learn a new software, try to use it to create something. Then, make sure to add these new skills, certifications, or project examples to your resume and LinkedIn profile. Be ready to talk about how you acquired the skill and how you can use it in your next job.
Your Next Step
Seeing how Maria, David, and Sam navigated their job changes, and learning about tools like informational interviews and tailoring your applications, can be really eye-opening, can't it? It shows that there isn't just one "right" way to find a new job, and that proactive, thoughtful steps can make a huge difference.
The common threads in all these successful stories are pretty clear: these individuals were proactive, they understood the power of building genuine connections, they learned how to tell their professional story well, and they weren't afraid to try different approaches when one thing wasn't working. They didn't just sit back and hope for the best; they took control of their search.
Now, I want to be real with you. The job search journey can sometimes feel like a rollercoaster. There will be exciting moments, and there might be times when you feel a bit down or discouraged. You might send out applications and not hear back.
You might have an interview that you thought went great, only to find out you didn't get the role. It's important to remember that this is a normal part of the process. Every "no," or every application that seems to vanish into thin air, is not a reflection of your worth or your abilities. It's simply a signpost on the path, perhaps nudging you to try a different route or refine your approach.
Think of it like this: each step you take, even the ones that don't lead directly to a job offer, is teaching you something. Maybe you learn more about what you don't want, or you discover a new way to talk about your skills, or you make a connection that could be valuable later on. The journey to a new job is often a marathon, not a sprint. So, please be kind to yourself along the way. Celebrate the small wins – like getting an interview, making a new connection, or even just polishing your resume. You're learning and growing with every effort.
The most important thing is to keep believing in yourself and your ability to find a role where you can truly shine. The people I've told you about? They had their moments of doubt too. But they kept going, they adapted, and they eventually found what they were looking for. You can too.!
Unlock Your Step-by-Step Job Search Blueprint!
You've read the inspiring stories of people just like you who successfully navigated the job market and found roles they love. You've learned about the powerful strategies they used – from crafting a standout LinkedIn profile to making genuine connections that opened doors.
But knowing what to do is one thing. Knowing how to do it, step-by-step, day-by-day, can make all the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling empowered.
That's exactly what I've put together for you next: