Job Search Strategies

Explore top LinkedIn content from expert professionals.

  • View profile for Bonnie Dilber
    Bonnie Dilber Bonnie Dilber is an Influencer

    Recruiting Leader @ Zapier | Former Educator | Advocate for job seekers, demystifying recruiting, and making the workplace more equitable for everyone!!

    457,615 followers

    Like many of you, I'm not a huge fan of cover letters. Times have changed and I think cover letters made more sense in an era where hiring managers were doing their own hiring, companies received just a handful of applications for each role, and interviewed many of those candidates. But in a world in which people are submitting hundreds of apps? They make less sense. And many companies have turned off this feature/requirement because they don't have the capacity to actually read them. (Y'all might remember Nicole Fernandez-Valle going super viral for sharing her hot take on cover letters a few years back!) That said, some companies do still require them - and care a lot about what's in them. AND I think they can help for career changers in particular. So I wrote a blog post to cover this topic for Teal - I'll drop the link in comments. My top 3 cover letter tips: 1. Write a general template for each job family. Your cover letter for a customer success role and a marketing manager role should look different. Highlight accomplishments specific to that type of work (this is particularly important if you haven't held relevant titles!) You can then tweak the first and last paragraphs to make them applicable to each company instead of writing a fresh cover letter for each one. 2. Make sure that your cover letter adds something new. If all you do is rephrase your resume, then it's not really serving any purpose. So deep dive into a really relevant project, or highlight something outside of work (like from volunteering or a leadership organization or hobby or side hustle) that may not have made it on your resume but is really relevant to the company. 3. Highlight company-specific info. I saw one of the BEST cover letters I've ever seen last week from someone who was applying for a company that does astrology work. They highlighted how their own astrological chart aligned with the role. It was so creative and really highlighted their passion for what the company does. (CHANI - I'd love to make an intro!) If I were applying to a job at United Airlines, I'd mention that I was a 1k for 6 years, and have taken over 500 United flights and will go out of my way to book United. If I were applying for a job at OpenAI, I would talk about how I use ChatGPT daily, and how I'd used it in my own application process. If I were applying for a job at Notion, I might talk about my enthusiasm for their new calendar launch. These are things that aren't going to show up on my resume, but can differentiate me from people who aren't as familiar with the company, product, mission, etc. And the upside of having a cover letter handy is that even if it's not required to apply, it's something you can quickly edit and send to a recruiter or hiring manager and gives you a reason to reach out - of course I wouldn't do this for every job, but it may make sense for those jobs that fall in the "dream job" category.

  • View profile for Joel Lalgee

    HR Executive Recruiter - Globally Known Headhunter - Podcast host - 900k followers @therealestrecruiter

    267,367 followers

    “Recruiters aren’t responding to me…” “I’ve applied to thousands of jobs and haven’t heard back…” “I’m tired and disappointed…” I’ve seen more and more posts with job seekers burned out from arduous job searches… Here are some thoughts/tips from my end as a recruiter… 1. Connect and find recruiters that specialize in your field. Build a list and start to reach out to them, treat it like you're in sales and the product you’re selling is yourself. 2. Be persistent and polite. I’ve noticed people reach out to me once and then I never hear from them again. Due to the sheer amount of messages I receive, I only respond to qualified candidates or those that have followed up. 3. Apply for jobs you are qualified for. Once you have the job, you can continue looking for something better, it’s easier to find a job when you have a job. 4. Talk to recruiters and network when you have a job, not when you need a job. View it as an investment or insurance plan. 5. Ask for interview feedback and preparation help from recruiters and act on it. Lastly don’t give up and get down on yourself, unfortunately, job searching can be extremely challenging and it gets harder the longer it goes. #recruiterlife #jobseekers #hiring2023

  • View profile for Jessica Hernandez, CCTC, CHJMC, CPBS, NCOPE
    Jessica Hernandez, CCTC, CHJMC, CPBS, NCOPE Jessica Hernandez, CCTC, CHJMC, CPBS, NCOPE is an Influencer

    Executive Resume Writer ➝ 8X Certified Career Strategist for Executives ➝ LinkedIn Top Voice ➝ Your Career Story, Powerfully Positioned: Book A Call Below ⤵️

    235,844 followers

    I’m an introvert.  Socially awkward.  And I hate small talk. I will feel stressed for weeks before attending a conference even though I already know half the people attending! I also hate the word networking. Networking implies I have to ask for help, engage in small talk (which I’m terrible at), and ask questions that feel forced and self-serving. No wonder it has that icky feeling. But, let me tell you what I have found I love: - Supporting other people.  - Cheering them on.  - Encouraging them.  - Sharing what I know with them.  - Adding my own thoughts to the conversation.  - Learning something new from other people. I easily do this on LinkedIn every day by simply commenting on other people’s posts. My network consists of colleagues in my industry (other career experts) and job seekers (the people I serve). That kindness of supporting their content increases their visibility on the platform and my visibility on the platform. It benefits us both. And, when you repeatedly show up, people start recognizing your name and your face. They appreciate your support of their work. Eventually, they will reciprocate and support what you post. I can’t tell you how many colleague relationships I’ve developed this way with people I would have otherwise never met. All of this comes from simple kindness. Taking 10 minutes of my day to say, “I see you, I value your work, and I appreciate what you’re doing.” If commenting seems overwhelming, start small. Find 3–5 experts in your field, and comment on their posts 3 days a week. Keep this up until you’re comfortable expanding your circle. #LinkedInTopVoices #networking #careers

  • View profile for Aminah Aliu

    CHI 2025 🇯🇵 | CPO @ Paragon | KP Eng Fellow | CS @ Princeton | Incoming @ Apple | 2x Hackathon Winner

    13,988 followers

    Steal my networking hack for introverts: It’s Friday, which means it’s time for #interininsights! 💡 The Hack 💡 Start conversations with people you don’t know by complimenting them! 🚘 An Example 🚘 I did this a bunch last summer. It made networking feel like less of a high stakes thing. In elevators, after lunch or a coffee break, I’d turn to the person next to me and compliment them. The elevator arriving is a natural exit point for the conversation. It gave me just enough time to compliment them, ask what they do, and mention that I’m an intern. At the end of the conversation, I’d ask for their name / Slack handle and follow up with them that way. 💯 The Benefits 💯 Doing this allowed me to meet random people which was great for going beyond my immediate circle of software engineers. I met people on the business side of the company, APMs, building security workers, etc and had a few more familiar faces around the office. ⚠️ Some Caveats ⚠️ 1️⃣ Be emotionally aware. If someone looks stressed, it’s probably not the right time to try to talk to them. 2️⃣ Make sure the compliment is genuine lol. The elevator ride was sometimes so short that all I got to say was the compliment, and I would still consider that a successful interaction. 3️⃣ Go beyond physical compliments!! This is something I’m still working on, just takes a bit of creativity. 💁🏾♀️ Examples of non-physical compliments: 1/ “You have good energy.” 2/ “The coffee you ordered looks delicious, what did you get?” 3/ “You seem like a kind person, is that a fair assumption?” Any other introverts out there have tips on how to network? ‘till next week ✨🌚— ~aminah. —— #interninsights, a weekly series, is dedicated to sharing my experiences (and, eventually, the experiences of others) along with key insights from past tech internships at top companies. Like what you read? Drop your questions below and follow me so you don’t miss out on the next installment!

  • Another day, another conversation with an underpaid woman who wants advice about negotiating her salary. Each conversation is different, but there are two recommendations I always emphasize. First, you are a detective, not a magician. Approach the conversation with curiosity to understand how the other person sees the situation. At the end of the day, you can't make a person pay you more if they don't want to. What you CAN do is figure out WHY they are resisting and see if you can remove the barrier. For example, if you get clues that the person doesn't think your performance warrants more money, you can work to change that perception - perhaps by talking about your wins more broadly or asking others to do that for you. If you sense that the person thinks you're already paid at market, then you might need internal or external market data (perhaps from a competitor). Second, if the conversation ends with a "no" or "let me look into it," you should ask one or both of these questions before you leave the meeting: 1. What would it take for this no to become a yes? This forces the person to verbalize the barriers, and gives you information you can use to get a different answer in the future. 2. When should I follow up with you about this? You want the next move to be in your control. You don't want to sit around for six months wondering if the person is actually looking into your situation, waking up each day hoping that today is the day they get back to you. The waiting will feel much better if you know that you have permission to reach out again at a certain date. If you needed this advice today, I'm sorry. But I am here cheering you on, reminding you that you are worth more. And no matter what happens in the conversation, you will be glad you had it. You got this! #bestadvice #careers #money

  • View profile for Carlos Gil
    Carlos Gil Carlos Gil is an Influencer

    Social Media OG (ex-LinkedIn) | Bestselling Author & Keynote Speaker | Fractional CMO Driving Revenue Through Email, Social & GTM Strategy

    40,075 followers

    If you're tirelessly sending out job applications and wondering why you're not getting interview calls, it's time to rethink your strategy. Here's a reality check: I applied for a role that was posted just yesterday, and the hiring manager revealed they had already received over 500 applications. Sounds daunting, right? But here's a twist: I didn't wait to be discovered in that massive pile. Instead, I took a proactive step that made all the difference. The game-changer? Connecting directly with the hiring manager and the most senior person in talent acquisition. Here's how you can do it too: Research and Connect: Use platforms like LinkedIn to find the hiring manager and senior talent acquisition personnel for the roles you're interested in. Don't just send a connection request; personalize it: Share briefly why you're reaching out and express genuine interest in the company and the role. Follow Up with Value: Once connected, send a follow-up message that makes it easy for them to see your potential fit. Example: "I have 15+ years of corporate social media experience for global brands and am ready to immediately help drive meaningful growth." Make Their Job Easy: In your communications, be clear, concise, and compelling. Help them see why you're worth a closer look. If this proactive approach helps even one job seeker break through the digital black hole of applications and land an interview, then it's a win. Remember, job hunting is not just about waiting to be found; it's about making yourself impossible to overlook. #OpenToWork #JobSearchTips #CareerAdvice #HiringNow

  • View profile for Ana Goehner

    Career Coach & Strategist | LinkedIn Learning Instructor 14K+ Learners ● Guest Speaker ► Introvert & Job Searching? I help you optimize your LinkedIn profile and become visible to recruiters ► LinkedIn Quiet Strategy

    13,359 followers

    Introvert-friendly networking tip: Start your event connections before the event begins. If walking into a room full of strangers makes your stomach flip, here’s a quiet strategy that can make in-person events feel less intimidating, and more intentional: 💡 Connect on LinkedIn before the event. Look up the event page, RSVP list, or hashtag. Identify a few people, maybe a speaker, a fellow guest, or someone you admire. Then send a short, friendly note like: 👉 “Hi [Name], I saw you’re also attending [Event Name] this week. I’d love to connect here and hopefully say hello in person!” I’ve used this approach myself, attending events alone and still managing to create real conversations, on my terms. Why it works: - You walk in with familiar faces instead of total strangers. - You have a built-in conversation starter (no forced small talk). - You control the pace of connection—before, during, and after the event. 💜 And here’s a bonus: If you don’t get to meet them in person, you still have the connection to follow up later with a kind note or reflection on the event. You don’t have to “work the room” to network well. You just have to be intentional. And that’s where introverts shine. Have we met? 👋 Hi, I’m Ana, a career coach and strategist for introverts. If you are a professional who wants to improve your LinkedIn presence and become visible to recruiters without spending hours job searching, then follow along! #NetworkingTips #introverts

  • View profile for Pamela (Walters) Oberg, MA, PMP

    Strategic Ops, AI, & Leadership Consulting for SMBs in Growth Mode | Business & AI Alignment | Relentlessly Curious | Founding Member, #SheLeadsAI Society | Board Director | Founder, SeaBlue Strategies

    3,781 followers

    Let's talk about the unsung hero of job searches—your calendar! In the chaotic world of opportunities, deadlines, and interviews, your calendar is a critical resource. Why? Because it's not just a tool; it's your personalized roadmap to success. Ever find yourself caught in the whirlwind of a job search, feeling like time is slipping away? (Hint: every job seeker does!) But, here's the secret sauce to overcoming that feeling—strategically plan your time, and you'll take control of your job hunt (and feel more productive)! I personally love Time Blocks. Block out periods for specific tasks and treat these blocks as sacred appointments with your future success. When you respect your calendar, you respect your goals. Consider using a Power Hour time block, devoting a focused, uninterrupted hour each day to a specific, advantageous aspect of your job search. Whether it's refining your resume, reaching out to contacts, or scouting new opportunities, this dedicated hour is your daily dose of progress. A weekly Strategy Session to zoom out and plan your week strategically is another opportunity. Set aside a dedicated block each week to evaluate your progress, adjust your strategy, and set new goals. It's like having a weekly meeting with your career coach—you! Finally, hold yourself accountable! Share your goals with a friend, mentor, or fellow job seeker. Having a support system keeps you on track and provides that extra boost of motivation when the going gets tough. We’ve all said it - a job search isn't a sprint; it's a marathon. By mastering your calendar, scheduling activities, and staying accountable, you transform your journey into a strategic, fulfilling adventure. Remember, every tick of the clock is an opportunity to get one step closer to your dream job. Seize it! #leadershipinsights #jobseekers #strategicplanning

  • View profile for Chris Mannion

    I design and run Headcount S&OP so leaders stop firefighting and hit plan without layoffs.

    6,489 followers

    As a candidate, I HATE negotiating salary. But a $10k bump in starting salary is $55k more cash over five years. Assume you are offered a role with a median salary of $100k; the negotiation range may be from $95k to $105k. If pay increases by 5% yearly, the $95k starting salary will grow to $115k over the next five years. The $105k starting salary will grow to $128k over the same period due to compounding. Over ten years, the compensation difference will grow to more than $15k, with the higher compensation earning $126k more. That’s a $126k return for a few hours of negotiation (not a bad hourly rate). Once you’re an employee, renegotiating base pay is much more challenging, especially at large companies with standardized pay bands. The secret is that most hiring managers care more about closing a great candidate (you) than continuing to search for someone who will accept a lower salary. Conversely, I’d much rather pay someone a competitive salary and keep them for ten years than backfill the role every two years when that employee leaves for a higher-paying position. Those four backfill roles would cost $250k+ once you factor in lost productivity while hiring, ramp time, and cost per hire. Twice the cost of just paying a competitive salary from the start… So candidates (and hiring managers) take the long view next time you negotiate compensation… #hiring #compensation #negotiation

  • View profile for Betsy Robinson
    Betsy Robinson Betsy Robinson is an Influencer

    Empowering organizations with the right talent to drive growth and innovation | CEO of Tier4 Group, a 6x Inc. 5000 Company | Women in Tech 2025 Board President | LinkedIn Top Voice | 2024 Inc. Female Founder Honoree

    16,022 followers

    Raise your hand if you like to be rejected? 💁♀️ Nobody. Nobody likes to be rejected. But in the job search, this is a reality that almost every candidate faces (and news that every recruiter and hiring manager dreads giving). But... how do you respond to that rejection? Especially if the reason for rejection is not a no forever, but a no right now? This is not the time to show a low EQ. Or to lash out. Or to bash the company online for not hiring you. Or to say something snotty to the team that recruited you, even if you disagree with the feedback. Recently, we were recruiting for a development position and we had a wonderful candidate, a referral, who did very well in the interview process. But this applicant was missing a critical skill for the job and the team simply did not have the time to train and meet the project deadlines they had. We provided the feedback to the applicant, who was naturally disappointed. But this person wrote a wonderful note outlining their desire to work at this company, their work they had already done towards learning that skill, and asked that we share it with the hiring team. We assured the candidate that this no was not a no forever and encouraged that person to keep lines of communication open and that we would think of them if anything changed. Fast forward and less than 2 months later a new headcount was approved. The hiring managers did not want to conduct another full search or interview process. They wanted to go straight to this candidate (if they were still available) and make the offer. Both candidate and company were thrilled it worked out. While this is a best case scenario, and I acknowledge many don't always have two months to wait, imagine how this would have played out if the candidate had reacted to the rejection differently? As a leader who hires myself and as someone who has been responsible for thousands of placements in my career, I see all too often when rejection gets the better of people. And their reaction to that rejection changes a "not now" or "not the right time" response to a hard no. And rightfully so. Just because one position didn't work out for you at that time, doesn't mean that another one at that same company won't be a fit. Or that as soon as the next role opens, that they won't immediately think of you and call you first for that next opening!