Hey friends,
This is the fourth email in our series “The 4 Horsemen of a Career Apocalypse.” We’ve talked about how Money, Approval, and Trauma can derail your career.
But this final trap? It’s sneaky—and it’s the one I see the most:
👉 Ignorance of how today’s job market really works.
Ignorance is the 4th horseman you’ve got to be on the look out for if you want to survive in today’s competitive job market.
If you’re still applying to jobs online, waiting to hear back, and feeling less and less confident with each passing week, I’ve got news:
You’re not being ghosted because you’re unqualified or not good enough.
You’re hearing crickets because you’re relying on outdated strategies in a game that’s evolved.
AI filters out your resume.
Thousands of laid-off workers flood every opening.
Hiring processes are messy and unclear.
Yet, most job seekers keep doing what feels “productive”: applying online.
Over, and over, again.
💡 What works now? Human connection.
💥 Applications rarely lead to interviews.
💬 Conversations do.
It’s time for a human-centered job search.
If you are fed up with a job search that’s going nowhere, here’s what’s working in 2025:
1. The 80/20 Approach:
20% Whatever time you have available to job search, only 20% should be spent customizing your resume & cover letter and applying to jobs online.
80% The other 80%? Connecting with real humans.
While investing in building the relational bridge to where you want to go next doesn’t feel as productive, this is where the real action happens.
2. Get embedded:
This is no longer optional: Join industry meetups, alumni events, webinars, and networking groups. Show up consistently. Think of this like planting seeds you have to nurture over time. You’ve heard that your network is your net worth? This has never been more true when it comes to landing that next role.
3. Create a target list:
Pick 15–20 companies you admire.
Look up people working in your target department or role on LinkedIn. Reach out and request a short conversation.
Not sure what to say? Try “I saw you company is hiring for __________, and I’d love to learn more about your experience there. Would you be open to connecting?”
4. Referrals are your golden ticket:
Don’t apply to a role unless you’ve tried to connect with someone inside the company first. This might be the only way you’ll get human eyes on your resume! Bring yourself to the top of the stack by getting an internal referral. This may not get you the job, but it will certainly be your best chance at landing an interview.
5. Maximize LinkedIn:
Update your tagline with your target role + value you offer.
Make sure your profile is sharp, compelling and on-point.
Post at least once a week around your expertise.
Engage with your target companies’ posts and show up in the conversation.
6. Diversify:
Use platforms beyond LinkedIn—like Slack communities, alumni networks, professional orgs, community groups, and referrals from friends and former colleagues.
Let’s be honest—online job boards feel safe. They make you feel like you’re doing something.
But clicking “apply” 100 times a week won’t get you unstuck.
It’s not more effort that will get you hired. It’s smarter effort.
Effort that puts you in front of real people. Effort that turns you from a stranger into a known quantity.
The good news? You’re not powerless.
Don’t work harder, work smarter.
And smarter means more human.
