How to get the job you want — even now
I’ve been studying Axios’ “Smart Brevity.” Here’s a shot at an insight, presented in that format.
The state of play: The job market feels like hell. AI writes resumes, screens candidates, even “interviews” on Zoom. Ghosting is rampant. Recession chatter rises; hiring freezes spread.
Why it matters: If you rely on cold applications and keyword-stuffed resumes, you’ll lose to algorithms—or silence.
The big truth: I never “applied” for the best jobs. Not in 1974 radio—20 people clawing for one part-time slot—and not later. Every win came from relationships: finding the real decision-maker, solving their problem, earning the shot.
The playbook (run it like a campaign):
Start with Why. What’s your purpose? What work lights you up? What talent can you level up so your personal brand becomes irresistible?
Define the What/Where. Target cultures that match your values. Learn their near-term pains and long-term bets. What’s keeping your future boss up at night?
Master the How. Bypass the gatekeeping bot. Map the org. Get warm introductions. Bring a one-page diagnosis + three concrete solutions. Then deliver.
Ditch generic. “I’ll do anything” signals “I’ll do nothing special.” Aim surgical, not spray-and-pray.
Measure what matters. EBITDA is an effect. Leaders often can’t define success—help them. Propose inputs and leading indicators you will own.
Reality check:
Some big companies let mediocrity hide. Shame on them for weak accountability.
Shame on candidates stuffing AI prose into resumes instead of demonstrating value.
The employer-employee compact only works when leaders define success clearly—and you hit the metrics.
Timeless rules (stolen from Tom Hanks, amended):
Show up early. Know your lines. Bring an idea. Do more than expected. Dress a notch above the room. Always arrive with solutions, not just problems.
Scenario-plan your career:
If your market tanks… if a new boss rewrites the playbook… if tech rewires your role—how will you still be indispensable five years out? Invest now in skills and relationships that travel.
Tactics that cut through:
5-sentence value prop: Who you are, which mission you serve, the pain you fix, proof you’ve done it, how you’ll do it here.
30/60/90 plan: Inputs, owners, metrics. Short, specific, shippable.
Problem inventory: From earnings calls, job posts, user reviews, and employee chatter—translate into solution briefs.
Warm intro or bust: One credible referral beats 100 portal clicks.
Close with contribution: Zig Ziglar had it right—you get what you need by helping others get what they need.
Between the lines: AI can mimic words; it can’t replace judgment, taste, hustle, or earned trust. That’s your edge.
The bottom line: Treat your job hunt—and your career—like a well-run strategy: clearly defined purpose, precise targeting, crisp execution, ruthless measurement. Rewards follow contribution. Build a plan. Run the play. Deliver.