how do you get the job

[MacJoanna]

I landed my current role by focusing on targeted networking and building a strong online portfolio. Here’s the honest playbook: After months of sending generic applications into the void, I realized that over 70% of jobs are never publicly posted. So I shifted my strategy. I identified 10 companies I genuinely wanted to work for, then used LinkedIn to find hiring managers and team leads. I sent personalized messages—not asking for a job, but asking for a 10-minute chat about their team’s challenges. That led to three informational interviews. One of them turned into a referral.

At the same time, I revamped my portfolio to showcase measurable results—like increasing email open rates by 40% for a previous client. I created a simple one-page website and linked it in my LinkedIn bio. When I finally got the interview, I could point to real examples.

Method	Success Rate (based on my personal network)
Cold applications	2% interview rate
Networking + referral	50% interview rate
Portfolio + direct outreach	75% response rate

The key was persistence without being pushy. I followed up once a week until I got a yes or a clear no. It took 6 weeks from the first message to the offer. That’s how I got the job.

[LeMadelyn]

I got the job by completely switching industries and investing in a certification. I had been in retail management for 8 years, but I wanted to move into tech. So I took a 3-month online course in data analytics, built a few sample projects, and put them on GitHub. Then I applied only to roles that specifically mentioned “career changers welcome.” I landed a junior analyst position at a mid-sized company. The certification got my resume noticed, and the projects proved I could do the work.

[AnnieAnn]

My current job came through internal mobility. I’d been at the same company for 6 years in a support role. When I heard about a new project management opening, I reached out to the hiring manager directly. I highlighted my institutional knowledge and cross-team experience. They gave me a shot without a formal interview because I already knew the systems. So if you’re already employed, look inside first—it’s often the fastest route.

[LeviDella]

I got my job through a specialized recruiter who reached out to me on LinkedIn. I had updated my profile with keywords like “supply chain optimization” and “vendor negotiation.” The recruiter matched me with a role I hadn’t even seen posted. We had a quick call, she prepped me for the interview, and I got an offer within two weeks. Building a recruiter relationship is like having a free agent in your corner—they know the hidden market.

[ColeAnn]

I got the job by creating a personal brand that made recruiters find me. I started writing short LinkedIn posts about my field—marketing analytics—sharing tips and case studies. After about 3 months, a hiring manager from