How to Job Search When You Lack Connections
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
EP 3048 This show discusses effective strategies for job seekers, particularly those lacking existing connections.
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Welcome to the Deep Dive. Today, we’re tackling something so many people run into, that feeling, you know, sending your resume out. Just into the void.
Exactly. Especially when you don’t know anyone at the company. Feels like shouting into the void.
It really does. We’ve been looking at some great advice on this, drawing from folks who really study careers and hiring. Yeah, trying to figure out how to actually get seen.
Because it often feels like, well, it’s not what you know. It’s who you know. Yeah, that old saying.
It can feel true, can’t it? It can. So our mission today, really, is to pull out some practical steps, things you can actually do to make your application stand out. Get noticed by the right people.
Right. So let’s maybe start with something that maybe people underestimate, your online presence. Oh, definitely.
It’s kind of fascinating how much recruiters are actually, well, digging around online now. They’re looking you up. They are.
It’s not just about having a LinkedIn profile anymore, is it? It’s your whole digital footprint. Everything you put out there. Yeah, and the smart applicants.
They’re kind of curating that, making sure it reflects their skills, their interests. Almost like an online portfolio, but broader. We saw mention of a resource to maxlist.org. Wow, a free course.
Yeah, apparently it focuses specifically on optimizing social media, your online stuff, to, well, impress hiring managers. So managing those accounts, understanding how it builds your network, seems crucial. It really ties into this idea that your online self is part of your professional self now.
You can use it strategically. Okay, so get your digital house in order. But the advice also really pushed beyond just hitting submit on the company website.
Yes, this is key. Don’t just fire it off into the system. Find a human.
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Exactly, take that extra step. Try to figure out who the actual hiring manager is for that specific job you want. Shows initiative, right? Shows you’re serious.
Totally, it makes you stand out from the pile of anonymous applications. How do you do that? Sounds like a bit of detective work. LinkedIn, it came up again and again.
It really is invaluable for this. Makes sense. You can usually find people in the right department, see what they’re posting, what they care about, get a feel for the team.
Okay, so you find someone, maybe the hiring manager, maybe someone on the team. What next? How do you reach out? Well, the advice was pretty clear. After you’ve applied through the normal channels, then reach out.
Send a message. Express genuine enthusiasm, but make it purposeful. Show you’re excited about that job.
Not just any job. Precisely, it reinforces your interest. And this kind of links to a bigger idea, doesn’t it? Like building connections before you even need a job.
Yeah, that proactive approach. Identify companies or even industries you’re interested in. Way ahead of time.
And start connecting. Connect with people there. Engage with what they share online.
Maybe share your own relevant thoughts. Build that familiarity. So when a job does open up.
You’re not a complete stranger. They might even recognize your name. Okay, that’s the long game.
What about reaching out for, say, informational chats, if you’re just exploring? Yeah, the guidance here was really specific. Be respectful of their time, super important. Meaning, don’t just ask to pick their brain, that’s too vague.
Or for coffee, maybe. Yeah, that can be a big ask. Instead, be really specific.
Say what you want to discuss. Maybe offer a quick 15 minute call. Or even just an email exchange.
Exactly, make it easy for them. Show you value their schedule. Got it.
Okay, let’s shift gears slightly. The cover letter. People have strong opinions on this one.
Still necessary. Well, the advice we looked at came down pretty strongly on the yes side. Even if some people think they don’t get read.
They might? They might. And when they do get read, a really good personalized one can make a huge difference. It can be the tie breaker.
So it’s your chance to explain the why. Why this job? Why this company? Exactly. Your resume lists the facts, the what.
The cover letter is the why. It connects the dots. And you can use it to explain maybe a career change.
Or highlight transferable skills. Absolutely, it’s crucial for that. But the key is personalized.
No generic to whom it may concern. Ugh, yeah. Those are the worst.
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They really signal a lack of real effort, don’t they? Tailor it every single time. Shows you’ve done your homework. Oh.
Okay, and speaking of doing things right, following instructions. Seems basic, but. But crucial.
You wouldn’t believe how many people stumble here. Really? Yeah. If the posting asks for a resume and a cover letter in PDF format, send exactly that.
Not a word duck, not just a resume. Pay attention to the details. Meticulously.
Not following directions can be an instant disqualifier. It’s like the first test. Okay, so follow the rules.
But is there room to go the extra mile? Add something extra? Carefully. The advice suggested being cautious here, especially with the initial application. Don’t overload them.
Right, step to what they ask for first. Don’t send unsolicited portfolios or huge documents right away. Maybe later in the process? Perhaps, but initially, just give them what they requested perfectly.
Show you can follow instructions. Makes sense. You don’t wanna seem like you can’t follow directions.
Okay, let’s talk networks. What if you feel like you don’t have one? Everyone has some kind of network, even if it’s small. Think former colleagues, people you went to school with.
Old classmates. Yeah. And again, LinkedIn is great here for finding those second degree connections.
People your connections know. Exactly. See who they know at companies you’re interested in.
Then ask your direct connection for an intro. Okay, but how do you ask for that introduction effectively? Be clear. Explain why you’re interested in that specific company or role.
And crucially, explain how your mutual connection knows they vouch for your work, your skills. Give them context. Yeah, and find common ground if you can.
Shared school, past company, even interests. It makes the outreach feel warmer, less cold. Right, makes it easier for your connection to actually make that intro.
And it’s not just about taking, is it? Networking. Oh, absolutely not. It has to be a two-way street, or at least aim for that.
Give and take? Yeah. Don’t just pop up when you need a job. Share interesting articles with your connections.
Offer insights if you have them. Look for ways to help them. Build real relationships.
That’s the goal. Genuine connections built over time, which leads to the idea that this isn’t just a job search tactic. It’s a long-term thing.
Exactly. Ideally, you’re always kind of nurturing your network, keeping your profile updated, even when you’re happy in your job. So you’re not starting from zero when you do need to look.
Right. You’ve already got that foundation. Okay, one last loop.
Back to LinkedIn, maybe. Any specific tips for using it strategically for this? Be intentional. Don’t just send blank connection requests.
Add a note. Always add a personalized note. Explain why you want to connect with that specific person.
Makes a huge difference. And use those suggestions. Yeah.
Like people you may know. Yeah, definitely explore that. It can surface some really relevant potential connections you might have missed.
Be thoughtful about it. Okay, thoughtful and personalized. So if we had to boil it all down, for someone starting with no connections, what’s the core takeaway? I think it’s really three things.
One, follow the application directions to the letter meticulously. Okay, non-negotiable. Two, write a personalized, compelling cover letter for every single role.
No exceptions. Very care. And three, do that little bit of detective work.
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Find a real person, a human being at the company, and reach out thoughtfully to express your interest. Follow directions, personalize the pitch, find a human. That sums it up pretty well.
Okay, so for everyone listening, the big message here is that building connections, even from scratch, it’s not magic. It’s an active process. It really is.
It takes strategy, respect for others’ time, and showing genuine interest in what you bring to the table. And maybe a final thought to leave people with. Think about the power of just one good connection.
How could spending maybe just a little time today researching one person, reaching out thoughtfully, how could that change things down the line? It’s a great question. What’s one small action you could take right now? Maybe identify one person or strengthen one connection you already have. Just start somewhere.
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
People hire Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter to provide No BS job search coaching and career advice globally because he makes job search
and succeeding in your career easier.
You will find great info and job search coaching to help with your job search at JobSearch.Community
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TheBigGameHunter
Schedule a discovery call to speak with me about one-on-one or group coaching during your job search at www.TheBigGameHunter.us.
You Need to Fix Stupid Hiring.
He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with over 2900 episodes over 13+ years.
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