Job Hunting That Actually Works: 10 Steps That Don’t Waste Your Time

Before you write a single line of your CV, pause. Job hunting isn't just about what you can do—it's about who you are and what you want. If you’re not clear on that, you’ll end up chasing roles that don’t fit, burning out, or worse—landing a job you hate.

Here’s the thing: clarity changes the game. When you know your strengths, values, and non-negotiables, you stop settling and start selecting. This isn’t about finding “any” job—it’s about creating alignment.

And alignment means:

• You're not forcing yourself to shrink or bend to fit someone else’s mould
• You’re focused on workplaces that bring out your best, not just your productivity
• You’re applying with intention, not desperation

This step is about radical self-honesty. Go deeper than just "I'm good at communication"—ask yourself:

• When was the last time I felt proud at work? What was I doing?
• What are the top 3 moments in my career or life that felt like breakthroughs?
• What kind of leadership style do I thrive under?
• What would I walk away from, no matter how good the money is?

You’re not just looking for a job. You’re making a life move. And that deserves more than guesswork.

Practical actions to build clarity:

• Journal on the above questions (no editing, just pour it out)
• Ask 3 people you trust what they see as your top strengths
• Create a "Hell Yes / Hell No" list for job offers
• Do a values sort using a free online tool (or my Clarity Workbook!)

This level of reflection might feel extra—but it’ll save you months of frustration.

✨ Freebie Alert: Grab my Clarity Workbook to get super clear on your values, strengths, and career goals before you hit apply. It is your guide to finding focus and confidence and the perfect first step toward aligned job hunting. It’ll help you stop spinning in circles and start moving in the right direction.

Scrolling through job boards is like scrolling Instagram—lots of noise, not much substance. If you’re just hitting “Easy Apply” like it’s a slot machine, you’re playing the wrong game. Job hunting isn’t about chasing whatever pops up in your feed—it’s about intentionally choosing the direction you want to grow.

Here’s how to make job searching strategic and deeply aligned with who you are and where you want to go:

• Make a list of companies you admire—not just for the perks, but for their values, mission, leadership, and how they treat their people.
• Go beyond their career pages. Read press releases, dig into their blogs, stalk their socials (professionally, of course), and notice their tone, language, and initiatives.
• Follow them on LinkedIn and set alerts. When you engage with their content, their recruiters notice. Don’t just like—comment with thoughtful insight or share why their work resonates with you.
• Check employee reviews on Glassdoor. But don’t take everything at face value. Look for patterns. Are there consistent complaints? Is leadership mentioned positively or negatively? Would you thrive in that environment?
• Use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to decode job descriptions. Ask: “What are the top 5 skills needed for this role?” Then check your alignment. You can even ask for sample interview questions or ways to tailor your CV.

🎯 Pro Tip: Reverse engineer your ideal job by choosing three dream roles and dissecting what they have in common. What skills show up repeatedly? What kind of language do they use? What’s the vibe? Now, use that as your job search compass.

🔥 Bonus tip: Reach out to someone who works there and ask them what they love about it. You don’t need a fancy intro—just sincerity. People will tell you more than a job ad ever will, and that conversation might open a door you didn’t even see.

The goal isn’t just to get a job. It’s to get a job that feels like growth, not compromise. One where your values, voice, and vision are welcomed—not tolerated. That’s fit. That’s alignment. That’s when the job starts working for you too.

Remember: The goal isn’t just to get hired. It’s to get hired where you belong.

Forget the standard bullet points. Your CV should tell a compelling story—one that shows not just what you’ve done, but how you’ve grown, led, solved, built, improved, created, or transformed. You want every line of your CV to whisper (or scream), “Here’s how I create value.”

Old way: “Responsible for managing team projects.”

New way: “Led a cross-functional team of 5 to deliver a customer feedback system, reducing churn by 30% within 6 months.”

See the difference? One is vague. The other is a mini-success story. And you want your CV to be packed with these bite-sized wins.

📌 CV Must-Haves:

• A killer opening summary (think elevator pitch—who you are, what you do best, and what kind of roles light you up)
• Quantified achievements (numbers pop! Think %, $, KPIs, timelines)
• Action verbs (ditch “helped with,” “assisted,” or “participated”—own your contribution)
• A format that breathes—use white space, clean headers, and consistency in font and layout

💡 Quick Tip: Use the “PAR” framework—Problem, Action, Result—if STAR feels too long. It’s snappy and powerful.

🧠 Think like a hiring manager: They don’t have time to decode generic phrases. If your CV feels like a list of job duties, it’s a snoozefest. But if it feels like a map of impact? You’re unforgettable.

✨ Bonus Tip: Tailor your CV to each role by tweaking your summary and top 3–5 bullets under each job. Don’t rewrite the whole thing—just align it to the role you’re targeting.

👀 Pro Insight: Use ChatGPT to help you rewrite your experience into achievement-based bullets. Give it your current job description and ask, “Can you rewrite this with more impact, quantifiable results, and action verbs?” Then tweak the output to sound like you.

Your CV isn’t your autobiography. It’s your billboard. Make it bold, clear, and impossible to ignore.

Let’s settle this—yes, cover letters matter. Especially if the job requires communication, creativity, or leadership. This is your chance to be more than bullet points. It’s your moment to make a human connection.

The trick? Write like a human. No one wants a robotic essay that starts with “Dear Sir/Madam.” And please, no more “I am writing to express my interest in the position of…” If you’ve seen it a thousand times, so have they.

🔥 Tips to nail your cover letter:

• Start with a hook. For example: “When I saw the role, I didn’t scroll—I bookmarked it.” Or, “Your company’s mission made me pause my coffee mid-sip.” That’s how you grab attention.
• Tell a micro-story. In 3–5 sentences, show how you’ve delivered results in a way that aligns with what the company values. A quick project win or transformation story works beautifully here.
• Connect your values to theirs. This is the golden thread. Show that you’re not just chasing any job—you’re choosing this one for a reason. That’s attractive.
• Close with confidence. Try: “I’d love to explore how I can contribute to your team’s success and bring fresh energy to this role.”

✍️ Structure for flow:

1. Hook (grab them)

2. Alignment (why them + why you)

3. Proof (1 strong example)

4. Call to action (invite the next step)

Example closing paragraph: “Your mission made me pause my coffee mid-sip. I love my coffee so that’s rare. I’ve spent the last 3 years building community-driven campaigns that grew engagement by over 200%—and I’d love to bring that energy and strategy to your team. Let’s connect to explore how we can grow together.”

Your cover letter is your personality on paper. Be conversational but intentional. Match their tone, but don’t mute yours. Bring your best, most aligned self to the page.

If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t write it. Be warm. Be concise. Be memorable.

If the word “networking” makes you want to disappear into your hoodie and binge watch Netflix for days..., I get it. But networking is really just relationship-building—and you do that all the time anyway. It’s not about being slick or salesy. It’s about being genuine, curious, and brave enough to say, “Hey, I admire what you’re doing. Can we talk?”

Here’s the truth: many of the best job opportunities aren’t advertised. They’re passed along in conversations, referrals, and quick DMs between colleagues. When you build authentic relationships, you get access to insights, recommendations, and doors you didn’t even know existed.

Think of it like this: instead of asking for a job, ask for a conversation. Not everyone will say yes—and that’s okay. The ones who do? Gold.

🛠️ Practical ways to network:

• Comment on someone’s post you genuinely admire (don’t just like—engage!)
• Share a relevant article or thought piece and tag someone whose opinion you value
• Send a thoughtful LinkedIn DM: “Hey [Name], I loved your post on [topic]. I’m exploring roles in [industry] and would love to hear about your experience if you’re open.”
• Join online communities or local meetups in your field—spaces where people share, not just promote
• Attend webinars and follow up with the speakers or attendees who inspired you
• Start a “Coffee Chat Challenge”: reach out to one new person a week for a virtual chat

When you do connect, don’t pitch! The objective is to connect. Ask about their journey, what they wish they knew earlier, or what trends they’re noticing in your shared field. People love sharing their experiences—and they’ll remember you for being a good listener.

I don't believe that networking should be transactional. I think that networking is about creating connections and building a community. Think of it as a seed-planting practice. Some connections bloom right away. Others grow slowly. Both are valuable.

People remember people who make them feel seen—not the ones who shove a resume in their face. Be the former. That's where the magic happens.

Interviews are not pop quizzes. They’re conversations. And your goal isn’t to get every answer “right”—it’s to show who you are, how you think, and what it’s like to work with you.

Here’s how to prep like a pro:

• Study the job description and highlight the top 5 responsibilities
• Write down 3–5 stories that showcase your skills (use the STAR method)
• Practice introducing yourself in 90 seconds
• Prepare thoughtful questions (seriously, this part matters)

Don’t try to be the perfect candidate. Be the real one who actually understands the role and shows up with clarity, curiosity, and courage.

Here’s what most people don’t realize—your interview doesn’t start when the call connects or when you walk into the room. It starts the moment someone reads your name and pulls up your profile. So your preparation needs to include presence and intentionality, not just memorized answers.

Practice out loud. Record yourself answering questions on video or practice in front of a mirror. Notice your body language, tone, and pace. Are you rambling? Sounding stiff? Fidgeting? These small things can make a big impact—not because you need to perform, but because you need to connect.

Want a game-changing mindset shift? Treat the interview like a collaboration, not an interrogation. You're not there to beg for a job—you're there to explore if this is a place where your brilliance can thrive.

Flip the dynamic. Ask:

• What does success look like in this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this team handle failure or feedback?
• What would make someone not succeed in this environment?

Interviews aren’t just about being chosen. They’re about choosing, too.

Let’s normalize this: rejection happens. It doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it means the alignment wasn’t there. Period. You wouldn't jump into a relationship with everyone who's interested in you, would you? Job searching is the same thing, not every application needs to be a success.

Rejection can feel like a slap, especially after three rounds of interviews. But it’s also a signpost. Did you feel drained by the process? Were you ignoring red flags? Did something feel off?

Here’s what most people don’t realize: behind every “no” is a piece of information that can help you refine your approach. Rejection can actually be one of your best teachers—if you’re willing to review it with a curious, compassionate lens.

Ask yourself:

• Was I genuinely excited about this role, or just desperate to land something?
• Did I tailor my CV and cover letter to speak directly to their needs?
• Was I clear on how my strengths matched their challenges?
• Did I come across as confident—or apologetic?
• What feedback (if any) did I receive, and how can I apply it?

If you’re not getting any interviews at all, that’s a strategy issue. If you’re getting interviews but no offers, that’s a positioning or presentation issue. Either way, it’s fixable.

Also, remember this: sometimes rejection isn’t about you at all. The role gets pulled. Budgets shift. Internal hires take priority. People make choices based on things you can’t control. That’s not failure—it’s reality.

Rejection is redirection. It forces clarity. It builds grit. And it nudges you closer to where you actually belong. That job you were so attached to? There’s likely a better one that wouldn’t have come if you’d said yes to the wrong thing.

Keep your head high. Take the lessons. Then move forward like someone who knows their value.

The job you didn’t get might be clearing space for the one that’s actually meant for you.

You are the CEO of your job search.

That means it’s not enough to just apply and hope for the best—you need a system that works for you, not against you. Most people lose steam in the job hunt not because they’re unqualified, but because they’re overwhelmed and disorganized. That ends here.

Start by setting up a simple job application tracker. You can use Google Sheets, Notion, Trello, Airtable—whatever feels intuitive for you. The goal is to have a bird’s-eye view of everything that’s in motion, what’s paused, and what needs attention.

Your tracker should include:

• Job Title & Company
• Date Applied
• Source of Application (LinkedIn, referral, company site, etc.)
• Contact Person (Recruiter or Hiring Manager)
• Follow-Up Date
• Interview Stages
• Feedback & Notes

✨ Bonus columns to add:

• Your excitement level (1–5) so you don’t end up in interviews for jobs you don’t even want
• Response time so you can analyze which platforms or companies get back to you the fastest

This isn’t just about staying organized—it’s about staying empowered.

A well-structured tracker:

• Helps you see patterns in rejections and responses
• Gives you clarity on where your energy is best spent
• Shows you how far you’ve come (which is so motivating on tough days)

Set a weekly calendar reminder to review and update your tracker. Use it as your reset ritual to assess progress, follow up, and refine your strategy.

Want a done-for-you system? Grab my Job Search Tracker —built to keep you organized, focused, and in flow. It's easy to use, beautifully designed, and ready to use.

You don’t need to be job-hunting 8 hours a day. That’s a one-way ticket to burnout—and burnout leads to desperation, fuzzy thinking, and applying for roles you don’t even want. What you need is a rhythm, not a grind.

Here’s the truth: your energy is your edge. When you're depleted, everything feels harder. You second-guess your worth, you rush applications, you skip tailoring your CV, and you show up to interviews disconnected and flat. But when your energy is protected, you move with clarity and confidence. That energy is magnetic.

Focus on:

• High-impact applications, not mass submissions. Two tailored, thoughtful applications a day beat 20 generic ones.
• Intentional routines. Create a daily rhythm: block a morning slot for job search, an afternoon slot for networking or skill-building, and build in moments of joy.
• Daily non-negotiables: movement (even a walk), hydration, nourishing food, good sleep, and joy (music, reading, a phone call with someone who makes you laugh).

Your confidence will tank if your nervous system is fried. Job search like someone who’s already employed and highly sought-after. That’s the energy.

🔍 Need a reality check? Studies show that most successful job seekers spend 15–25 focused hours per week on their search—not 40. The quality of your attention matters more than the quantity of hours.

Protecting your energy isn’t laziness. It’s leadership. The way you care for yourself in this season will echo into how you lead yourself in your next role.

So breathe. Move your body. Apply like you respect your time and your talents. That’s how the right role finds you.

Most candidates go silent after applying or interviewing. That’s a missed opportunity—and in a competitive job market, silence can cost you the role. Following up isn’t desperate, it’s strategic. Done well, it shows professionalism, initiative, and genuine interest.

Here’s how to stand out with grace:

• After applying: Send a brief follow-up within 5–7 days. Reaffirm your interest, express enthusiasm, and ask if there's anything additional you can provide.
• After interviews: Thank each person individually within 24 hours. Reference specific things from your conversation to make it personal and memorable. Reinforce why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute.

📨 Example: “Hi [Name], thank you again for our conversation yesterday. I really enjoyed learning about your approach to cross-team collaboration and left feeling even more excited about the role. Looking forward to next steps!”

🧠 Bonus Tips:

• Be authentic—don’t use generic templates.
• Use their name, the role title, and something specific from your conversation.
• Keep it under 200 words. Short, sharp, and confident.
• If there’s been no update after a week, it’s okay to check in again. Just don’t hound them—think gentle nudge, not pressure.

🎁 Freebie Alert: Need help crafting the perfect follow-up? Grab my FREE Follow-Up Email Template Pack—designed to help you follow up like a pro without overthinking it.

Follow-up shows initiative, emotional intelligence, and staying power. Use it wisely, and you’ll rise above the noise every time.

This isn’t about chasing every opportunity. It’s about owning your path, refining your approach, and trusting your timing. Job hunting isn’t just about the destination—it’s about who you become in the process.

Every CV you tailor, every interview you prepare for, every follow-up you send—it’s all teaching you how to stand up for your value, articulate your story, and take agency over your career journey. That’s not fluff. That’s personal power in motion.

So when the rejections come (and yes, they will), remember this: you’re not being disqualified—you’re being redirected. When the silence feels loud, return to your clarity. When doubt creeps in, double down on your strategy, your energy, and your self-belief.

You have permission to pause. You have permission to pivot. You have permission to be both wildly ambitious and deeply human.

🎁 Get the Clarity Workbook now and start your search with purpose, direction, and a system that works. [Insert ManyChat Link] It’s not just a worksheet—it’s a mirror, a compass, and your first step toward job hunting with intention and confidence.

And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or over it—I’ve got you. Coaching isn’t about fixing you. It’s about partnering with someone who sees your potential clearly and helps you bring it to life with strategy, accountability, and heart.