Most job searches stall because they are reactive. Waiting. Applying. Hoping.

If you want better results, apply a targeted strategy to your job search AND consistently take action. 

Here’s what that looks like in practice.

A strong job search is intentional, visible, and relationship-driven.

4 Things My Client Did To Be More Intentional In Her Job Search - David Hannan

Here’s how David helped his client land an offer for a $265 marketing role: 

1. Clearer, more specific career direction
2. Cohesive resume and LinkedIn branding
3. Targeted engagement/networking strategy

But #4 has been the wildest unlock of them all ↓

4. Consistently posting authority-building content

There was a clear plan to highlight her expertise! 

Free Tools for Job Seekers and Career Changers - The Job Hopper

You don’t always have to pay for tools to use during your job search. Alison Doyle and Jen Luckwaldt have created a list of free resources for you to check out. 

How Job Search Works In 2026. And Why Old Advice Fails - Jan Tegze

There’s a lot of information here. Don’t just skim through. Use this information to conduct a smarter, more purposeful search. 

The Referral Advantage - Jessic Hernandez

Numbers speak and tell an important story, like these: 

📊 𝟰𝟴% 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 (AshbyHQ data)
📊 You're 𝟱𝗫 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝘆 to get the job with a referral
📊 Compared to job boards, you're 𝟭𝟬𝗫 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲𝗹𝘆 to be hired through a referral
📊 𝟭 𝗶𝗻 𝟲 referred candidates get hired (Erin, 2025)
📊 Referrals are hired 𝟭𝟬 𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿

Learn how to tap into the power of being a referred candidate!

I used ChatGPT Voice to prep for a job interview — and it helped me land the job - Elton Jones, Tom’s Guide

In case you didn’t know about this free option or how to make it work for you, this article explains how ChatGPT Voice Mode works and how to set it up. 

LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2026 - LinkedIn

These are 25 roles in the US that saw an increase over the past 3 years. It does not mean there are a lot of jobs currently available. What you want to look at are the skillsets and scopes of these roles. Are you positioning yourself to meet the next era of jobs?

LinkedIn Research: Nearly 80% of people feel unprepared to find a job in 2026, as two-thirds of recruiters say it’s harder to find quality talent - LinkedIn Corporate Communications 

Within this press release are links to some free job seeker resources offered by LinkedIn. 

16 Harsh Truths About Why Your Career Has Stalled - Sarah Baker Andrus

As we start a new year, take control of your career! This is a long-term checklist and reminder of all the things YOU can control when it comes to your career. 

How to Job Search Like a Headhunter (A Recruiter’s Playbook) - Kelli Hrivnak

Kelli lays out 6 steps job seekers should take and why, from a recruiter’s perspective. I guarantee you’ll walk away with at least one new insight about how recruiters work and what you can do to get on their radar.  

Last chance to sign up for the waitlist. 

Each Monday at 12pm ET, you’ll bring your real challenges to the group to get unstuck fast and leave with specific actions to take. 

Spots are limited to 12 mid-to-senior level professionals with a clear career goal.

Join the waitlist now to get first access when dates are announced!

Waitlisted people will be offered discounted pricing (under $300 for 5 weekly sessions). The price will increase the next time! 

Are you doing everything possible to get a job?

Let’s talk about how to get referred!

🚀 PROACTIVE APPROACH

Before a job is posted, contact people who work inside companies you are interested in working for. (Create a target list of companies.)

Start reaching out to people you already know who work inside these target companies. (They are more likely to have a conversation with you because they already know you.)

Even if the person you know isn’t in the right department, they still have opinions about what it’s like to work for the company. Once you’ve had a conversation, you can ask if they will introduce you to someone who works in the department you are interested in.

Remember, your objective is to speak with people inside companies to learn what it is like to work there. (You are not asking them to find you a job!)

So what do you do if you don’t know anyone inside the company?

You can reach out via email or through LinkedIn and ask someone who works in the role or department you are interested in if they have time for a 15-minute call with you so you can learn about their experience with the company.

Since the person does not know you, the odds are a bit slimmer that they would take time to speak with you. Look for and mention things you have in common such as:

• Cities
• Organizations
• Schools
• Companies

⚙️ REACTIVE OPTION

The second way to get referred happens after you’ve found a job opportunity.

Before you apply, find employees you know. Use your in-person network, LinkedIn, or social media. (Former employees are also a good source of information!)

Always tap into your existing network first when you find a job. Ask the people you know the best steps to take to get referred (and who you can speak with to learn more about the role).

It’s easier and faster to reach out to the people you know and ask them to refer you for the job than to try to build new relationships with employees you do not already know.

I call this the two-step! Try it!

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