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📖 How to Get a Job — Part 3

I Applied to 100 Jobs.
Now What?

it's a numbers game everyone talks about. here's why you can't win it playing by those rules.

1
the goal — one job, not 100
2
apps per hour beats 10
0
callbacks from spray & pray
scroll to find out
The Reality Check

it's a numbers game you can't win

So many folks on the internet mass apply to jobs thinking it's a numbers game, and in a way it is a numbers game, but you can't win it.

The point is to get one job, not 100. Focusing on those few jobs that are a perfect fit, really inspire you, or you have an "IN" with is important. If you have an hour to apply for jobs, I would recommend applying to 2 jobs, not 10.

×10
spray & pray
generic resume, no connection, no follow-up — one more number in a pile of 250
vs
×2
focused & intentional
tailored resume, connection sought, real follow-up — you stand out
If you just submit your application, and there are 10 other folks actively reaching out to management, hiring managers, and really trying to connect with the business, you've already lost.
The Playbook

our step by step guide to standing out

three phases. before, during, and after you hit apply.

Phase 1

Before You Apply

look for a connection or a way in — see our other blog post here

Phase 2

When You Apply

make sure your resume, job title, responsibilities, all match and Do not half-ass the cover letter

Phase 3

After You Apply

find your way in — it may be the CEO, owner, VP, manager, recruiter, it doesn't matter — reach out to everyone you can at the company.

The Reach-Out

don't be annoying — add value

Don't be annoying — "hey I applied and would like to schedule an interview" — well duh everyone who applied wanted to schedule an interview — add value

✗ Bad · anyone / everyone
"hey I applied and would like to schedule an interview"

here's what actually works:

if I'm applying at a restaurant
"Hey John, I'm a huge fan of the ribs here! I had such an incredible experience with the water Jennifer the last time I was here, it seems like a great place to work and I've got some ideas for some rib flavors I'd love to share in an interview!"
if I'm applying at a fortune 100 company
"hey Mike, I saw the last earnings report specifically called out the small business divisions growth, congrats! I helped grow our SMB growth over at costco and would love to share what worked for us, I applied to the growth marketing position last week and am free for an interview anytime on Thursday or Friday."
the casual / local vibe
"Hey John! Just applied to this position, really love what yall are doing with AI, I'm local and would love to grab some coffee sometime if you're up for it let me know."

It doesn't really matter too much what you write — just be yourself — people hire people not resumes, you're humanizing your resume with the reachout — on linkedin it has your picture, the goal is to stand out and be likeable.

Make It Easy

make it easy to say yes to your interview

The Close
"hey I'm free for an interview next week Thursday and Friday, shoot me a text if it make sense to chat — 123-456-7890"
Give them specific days and your number. Don't make them work to schedule you. Remove every possible friction between them and saying yes.

track every application and follow-up

Higher Income's job tracker keeps your pipeline organized so you never forget to follow up with the right person at the right time.

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The Hail Mary

the in-person resume drop off — why not?!

HAIL MARY

It's a great reason to follow up —

"hey I dropped off my resume and had a nice chat with Sue at the front desk, it's apparent you hire some really great people and I would love to join the team."

Good luck out there!

stop guessing.
start earning more.

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