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Why does it sometimes happen that a person with qualified skills needs to apply to 500 jobs to land one?

The system looks broken, but those who fault the system often lack the ownership to admit that it might be their fault for not knowing how to find a job more effectively.

It’s hard to admit something you can’t realise… Let’s dig into how this can be solved.

The signal-to-noise ratio.

Signal is being able to reach the people who make the choices.

Noise is getting stuck in the process and the competition.

It’s often not about someone’s inability to perform the job.

It’s about the inability to communicate their skills and potential properly, and to connect with the right person to get the message across.

If you had a whole spectrum of job application strategies, the lowest end would be sending a LinkedIn application. Thousands of people do it. Your chances of getting noticed are minimal.

Fighting with the mightiness of your CV is a dead-end too—unless your CV is spectacular. And if it is, chances are you already know people with similar CVs who can connect you to your next employer.

PBD said it wisely: If you get fired today and can’t get a new job in 30 days, you need to improve your network.

It’s painful, but he’s right. So let’s break down the path if you’re struggling and your network’s weak.

If you’re unemployed—or know someone who is—what’s your move?

Focus on getting your message seen by the right people. And make sure it affects them emotionally. That’s how you convince them you’re the right person for their brand.

Best case? Someone with authority recommends you.

Second best? Create an opportunity to meet your potential future employer and emotionally connect.

Whether face-to-face (networking events) or indirectly—like sending a personalised gift to their assistant—you’ve got to make an impression.

One of the most effective strategies is the sniper method.

Instead of applying to 100 jobs, apply to 5—properly.

Analyse their mission and culture. Record a 3–5 minute video explaining why you’re a perfect match.

If the head of people watches it, it should resonate enough to make them want to hire you.

It should not be begging, or needy. You don’t need them. They need you.

Then use email hunter platforms to find corporate emails and cold DM them your video. It only takes one.

One “yes” changes everything. But it takes guts to be different and bold.

Always think creatively. Ever tried targeting companies that just closed funding rounds?

Go to websites that show you the companies that just closed funding rounds.

They’re likely hiring. Fresh money = new growth.

If the job hasn’t been posted yet, that’s can be a blue ocean too.

You just need to convince the decision-maker you’re a smart choice for their money.

Maybe they have someone in their team they want to fire, but they’re too busy to go look for a better person.

All it takes is good vibes and great expertise—delivered in a way that gets to the decision maker.

If you’re introverted or shy, practise. Record yourself 3-5 minutes per video, 5 times a day for 30 days.

Your first 20 videos might be cringe. Your first 50 might still suck. Who cares? You’ll get better.

Practise makes progress.

If presenting your expertise is hard, focus on quantification and mental models. That’s what executives love.

First principles thinking, opportunity cost, 80/20…

Did you help close a $100K deal? Worked 2 years straight without taking a single day off? Are you that proactive person who can leverage their free weekends to invent a new MVP for your CEO’s brand?

Use quirky, memorable facts and achievements in your pitch.

Successful people don’t have time. Make your pitch short, bold, and unforgettable.

Make sure that when the random employee you sent that video to said “Wow, I gotta forward this to our HR / CEO to take a look.”

Make sure that when the COO watches your video, they’re still thinking about it hours later.

They go home to their family and say:

“Did that guy really say that? And somehow found a way to reach me? They were confident too. That’s how it’s done. I might give them a chance.”

Best,

Maxi | The Warrior’s Newsletter