Stop Fueling the Broken Machine

Why real, intentional job search strategies outperform the “easy apply” culture and help you stand out.

Author

Dominic Imwalle
November 13, 2024

In partnership with

It’s a funny occurrence when we throw rocks at a hiring culture that we fuel constantly through our approaches to job searching.

Below I’m breaking down how to fuel your tank, instead of the system’s…

  1. Fueling a process we despise

  2. Questions for progress

  3. #PrescribedByDx - Raw Thoughts

Most job seekers flood the system with noise; here’s how to cut through and make hiring teams take notice.

We throw rocks at the current hiring process 24/7. Ghosting, automatic rejections, or recruiters who don’t care. Whatever it is, we should ask one question -

Are we giving this system fuel to exist?

  • “Easy apply” on LinkedIn = Fuel

  • 15 job applications per day = Fuel

  • 100% AI-generated resumes = Fuel

  • 100% AI-generated outreach = Fuel

How can we continue to throw rocks when we give hiring teams all the more reason to live in the above? Here are a few activities that don’t fuel the current process:

1. Spending time with people in the role we want.

- We want the role, why wouldn’t we hang around these people? Understand the tone of the room, opportunities available, and current market pain points that we need to attack!

Template for kicking off that conversation with someone you know —

Hi [FIRST NAME],

I noticed the [JOB TITLE] position at [COMPANY NAME] and thought I’d reach out.

It’s been a while since we last connected, and I’d love to hear more about what you’ve been working on and your experience at [COMPANY NAME] so far.

Hope all is well with you and your family.

- [YOUR NAME]

2. Carving out an hour to sit down and answer the difficult questions

- What are you known for? Or, what do you want to be known for?

- Where do you light on fire? What work excites you?

- What could you talk about w/o a script for 10 mintues?

3. Developing champions of our search and value as a professional.

- Who is willing to talk highly on your behalf to the hiring team or the business?

- What work have you already put in that you could show to a champion?

These items aren’t pretty, this is the work that shines in the moments we hear about all so often. The interview, the resumes, and pitches to the business. Investing time in these early and getting feedback from those in the role you want will help you attract hiring teams toward your candidacy.

Ps) This is a moment where you zig while everyone else zags.

Questions for progress in the right area

  • What’s the leading indicator that this is the right work for me?

  • Where have I received feedback in the last 2 weeks?

  • Where am I having fun? How do I double down on it?

#PrescribedByDx

I heard a quote that scared me from a creator of mine this past year - it was about building a profile online.

“I felt like I had to start living up to in private, the things which I was saying in public”

I’m not sure why this hit home but it did. Last week I realized that I have no problem living out what I talk about every day, Conversations > Applications.

Don’t listen to me, take Shelley’s word for it ✌🏼

In-person meet-ups, always worth it

TL;DR

  • Don’t throw rocks at what you’ve created.

  • Check-in on what you’ve committed to - is it correct?

  • Whatever you’re chasing - have a ton of fun while you do it.

Before you leave…

If you’ve enjoyed this, send it over to another professional. The goal is to equip people to build a career they enjoy showing up to!

I’m excited to hear about the questions you’re asking.

Dominic

P.S. When you’re ready to conquer your fear and stretch out for that next opportunity, check out my Conversations > Applications program.

I teach the exact framework I use to help job seekers attract hiring teams and show up to a career that they enjoy.

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