Job Search StrategiesJanuary 15, 2025
A Job Search Strategy That Actually Works for Beginners
Stop applying randomly. Use this structured 4-week plan to organize your search and get results.
Week 1: Preparation
Do not apply to a single job this week. Instead:
- Finalize your resume and cover letter templates.
- Update your LinkedIn profile (Headshot, Headline, About).
- Clean up your social media presence.
- Identify your top 10 dream companies.
Week 2: The "Warm" Market
Reach out to people you know. Alumni, professors, friends, family. Ask for referrals. Referrals are 10x more likely to get hired than applicants.
Week 3: Targeted Applications
Apply to 5 jobs per day, but tailor each application. Quality over quantity. Use job boards like LinkedIn, Naukri, and specialized sites like Wellfound (for startups).
Week 4: Follow-ups and Iteration
If you haven't heard back in 1 week, send a polite follow-up email. Analyze your data:
- No callbacks? Fix your resume.
- Failing first rounds? Fix your technical skills.
- Failing HR rounds? Fix your interviewing skills.