The Easy Apply Button Isn’t Your Friend: It’s Time to Get Strategic

Stop Applying to 100 Jobs a Week—Here’s What to Do Instead

When I first became a homeowner—a very impulsive decision, by the way, but thankfully it worked out—I stumbled across a concept that stopped me in my tracks during one of my late-night Zillow scrolls: the idea of a buyer’s market versus a seller’s market.

Stay with me. I promise this is going somewhere.

A buyer’s market is when the buyer holds the power. There’s more inventory than people to purchase it, so buyers can take their sweet time, ask for concessions, and negotiate deals on their terms.

A seller’s market flips the script. There are fewer homes available, so sellers set the pace—and the price. They can pick and choose who they want to work with because demand is high, and options are limited.

Now, let’s apply that logic to the job market.

What This Means for Your Career

Right now, we’re in a seller’s market—and you, my friend, are the buyer.

Gone are the days when job seekers held all the power. Employers are calling the shots, and candidates are facing more competition than ever. It doesn’t mean you’re not amazing. It just means you need a better strategy.

Because the “spray and pray” method?

🚫 It’s tired.

🚫 It’s chaotic.

🚫 It’s costing you interviews.

You get one shot to make a great first impression. And 100 rushed applications sent through LinkedIn Easy Apply won’t get you there—it’ll just bury your brilliance under a pile of sameness.

So What Should You Do?

Instead of applying to anything with a halfway decent salary and remote option, try this:

Your Strategic Job Search Roadmap

Step 1: Pick your lane.

Decide what industry you actually want to be in. Not what sounds good on paper—what you’d be happy waking up for each day.

Step 2: Research like it’s your job.

Stalk company pages. Look at employees. Check out their events, values, and vibe. Could you see yourself there?

Step 3: Identify your winners.

From your research, figure out which companies are thriving, align with your values, and do work that excites you. Put the others on the back burner.

Step 4: Know your “ideal workday.”

What kind of work do you want to do every single day? Public speaking? Data analysis? Coaching? Writing? If you’re unsure, take inventory of what energizes you.

Step 5: Tailor everything.

Now—and only now—start applying. Update your resume. Refine your LinkedIn. Set up job alerts that actually match your goals.

Because 5 thoughtful applications > 100 generic ones. Every time.

You don’t need to outwork the system. You need to outsmart it. And being strategic isn’t about settling. It’s about taking back control—one aligned application at a time.

The Importance of Networking

One crucial element often overlooked in job hunting is networking. No matter how good your resume is, personal connections can set you apart.

Build Your Network

Reach out to professionals in your desired industry. Attend networking events, seminars, or workshops. Engaging with others often leads to hidden job opportunities.

• Informational Interviews: These are excellent for getting insights on companies and industries.

• Online Networking: Don’t underestimate the power of platforms like LinkedIn.

  
  

If you’re serious about standing out, I can help you:

• Craft a résumé that’s actually tailored

• Build a LinkedIn profile that gets noticed

• Make smarter decisions, faster

  
  

Put It All Together

Now that you have the tools, it’s time to put them into action. Begin with tailored applications. Remember, quality trumps quantity.