Job searching can feel like a full-time job—without the structure. If you’re sending lots of applications and hearing crickets, it might not be your qualifications—it might be your process. Here’s a simple 2-week system to get more interviews with less chaos.
Week 1: Target + Signal (Quality over quantity)
1) Pick a focused “job target”
Recruiters screen fast. Make it easy for them to see you as a fit.
- Choose 1–2 role titles (e.g., “Customer Success Manager” and “Account Manager”)
- Choose 1–2 industries (e.g., B2B SaaS, fintech)
- Build a short list of 15–25 companies you’d actually join
2) Upgrade your LinkedIn for keyword + credibility
Before you apply, tighten your “digital first impression.”
- Headline: include role + specialty + impact (e.g., “Data Analyst | SQL + Tableau | Revenue & retention insights”)
- About section: 3–5 lines with your niche + proof + target
- Featured: add 1–2 work samples (portfolio, deck, case study, GitHub)
3) Create a one-page “proof bank”
This becomes your resume and interview fuel.
- 6–8 accomplishments using X → Y → Z:
- “Did X using Y, resulting in Z.”
- Add numbers (time saved, conversion rate, revenue, cycle time)
Week 2: Outreach + Applications (Combine both)
4) Use the “5–3–2” weekly mix
A balanced approach beats spam applying.
- 5 targeted applications (tailored resume + short note)
- 3 warm outreaches (2nd-degree, alumni, former coworkers)
- 2 recruiter/hiring manager messages (brief, specific)
5) Write outreach messages that get replies
Keep it human, short, and specific.
- Start with why them (team, product, recent news)
- Add 1 relevant achievement (one sentence)
- Ask for a small next step (10-minute chat or “Would you be open to pointing me to the right person?”)
Template (LinkedIn message):
Hi [Name] — I’m exploring [role] roles in [industry]. I noticed your team is working on [specific]. I recently [1 achievement + metric]. If you’re open, I’d love a quick 10-minute chat to learn what a strong candidate looks like for your team.
6) Track everything (so you improve fast)
Use a simple spreadsheet with:
- Company, role, date applied, contact names
- Follow-up dates
- Response (Y/N) + notes
Quick self-check: Where are you stuck?
- No callbacks? Resume/targeting issue.
- Callbacks but no offers? Interview storytelling/practice issue.
- No replies to outreach? Message too generic or not targeted enough.
If you had to choose one upgrade this week—targeting, LinkedIn, resume, or outreach—which would make the biggest difference for you right now?