Surprise! I got a job.
After six years, thousands of applications, and almost shutting down all my businesses, I found a job. It’s a massive relief off my shoulders. What struck me about my job hunt was that the advice everyone gave me didn’t actually work very well.
More specifically, major work institutions like LinkedIn and Indeed did not work for me. Quite the contrary, they made my life hard and made me question my sanity. In my opinion, both LinkedIn and Indeed are the worst venues for people who just want to find a job quickly.
You basically need to turn your LinkedIn into a full-time job to get legitimate job offers off there. While I understand the importance of having a clean-looking social media presence, I also see the point where it’s just not worth it. Sometimes, you need to have a backdoor to the career world. Let’s talk about it.
#1: Networking Events
Yes, networking events are 90 percent people looking for jobs and 10 percent of people hiring. However, you shouldn’t turn your nose up at it. Sometimes the people who you meet there might actually be looking for someone with just your qualifications.
Realistically, speaking, every event is a networking event if you’re willing to work your magic. Go in there, be upfront about who you are and what you do, then let them bring up a little bit about what they’re looking for.
Always bring a card and your “A” game when networking with professionals. Even if it’s a job fair, you never know who you’ll run into.
#2: Nightclubs and Outings
Nightclubs? As part of a job hunt? Believe it or not it can happen more often than you think. A lot of the most well-connected people I know go to clubs and small events as a way to network and find new opportunities.
The key here is to be natural about it. Don’t be the person who corners someone at the bar with your elevator pitch. Instead, make genuine connections, have fun, and let conversations flow naturally. When people like you as a person first, they’re more likely to think of you when opportunities arise.
I’ve seen people land consulting gigs, creative projects, and even full-time positions through conversations that started over cocktails. Just remember: read the room and don’t be pushy.
#3: Cold Outreach (But Make It Personal)
Forget mass-sending generic messages through LinkedIn. Instead, do your research and send personalized emails directly to company founders, hiring managers, or department heads. Find their actual email addresses through company websites, industry directories, or tools like Hunter.io.
Write a brief, specific message explaining why you’re interested in their company specifically. Mention something recent they’ve done, a challenge they’re facing, or how your skills could help them. Keep it short, genuine, and focused on what you can offer them.
If you want to turbo-charge this, do a little phone-pounding. Telemarketers still make a lot of money because they work. If you spend a full-time week doing nothing but cold-calling, you likely will get at least one or two “bites,” even if it’s only for a sales thing.
This approach has a much higher response rate than LinkedIn messages because it shows effort and genuine interest. The problem is? A lot of us (myself included) find doing direct outreach to be a major “nails on a chalkboard” experience.
#4: Industry-Specific Communities and Forums
Every industry has its own online communities where professionals actually hang out and discuss real issues. Whether it’s Reddit communities, Discord servers, Slack groups, or specialized forums, these spaces often have job boards or opportunities shared casually.
Join these communities, contribute valuable insights, and build relationships. Don’t immediately start asking for jobs—instead, become a helpful member of the community. When opportunities arise, people will think of you first.
#5: Temporary and Contract Work
Sometimes the best way to get a full-time job is to start as a contractor or temp worker. This gives you a chance to prove your worth without the company making a huge commitment upfront.
Check out staffing agencies, freelance platforms, or reach out to companies directly about project-based work. Many of my friends have turned temporary gigs into permanent positions by simply being indispensable.
#6: Alumni Networks and School Connections
Obviously, this didn’t work for me because I dropped out. However, I have seen this work wonders with people. Your college, trade school, or even high school alumni network can be incredibly powerful. Reach out to fellow graduates who work in your field or at companies you’re interested in.
Don’t just ask for a job—ask for informational interviews or advice. Most people are happy to help a fellow alum, and these conversations often lead to opportunities down the road.
PRO TIP: I’ve heard that sororities and fraternities are LEGENDARY for giving you great connections. If you belong to one of those societies, use those Greek letters to your advantage.
#7: DIYing Your Own Brand
So, this is a classic that I have learned to deal with as a content creator and writer. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to build your own business and turn yourself into a brand.
Being branded and having your own portfolio as a business allows you to charge a premium price. Ask me how I know!
#8: Social Media Beyond LinkedIn
Twitter, Instagram, and even TikTok can be powerful job search tools if you use them strategically. Follow industry leaders, engage with their content thoughtfully, and share your own insights.
I know people who’ve landed jobs by responding to tweets, sharing helpful content, or even sliding into DMs with valuable insights. The key is to be genuine and provide value, not just ask for opportunities.
#9: Walking In (Yes, Really)
In some industries, showing up in person still works. This is especially true for retail, hospitality, small businesses, and local companies. Dress professionally, bring copies of your resume, and be prepared to have a conversation on the spot.
How do I know? Oh, this is how I got a job when I was in my early 20s. I saw a “Now Hiring” sign at a local paralegal office in Newark, and then I got in there. I was able to work my way into a job and one friendship that still remains somewhat intact today.
The important thing here is to not insist on an in-person interview. Just gently nudge them to ask what their hiring process is like. Even if they’re not hiring immediately, making a personal impression can put you at the top of their list when a position opens up.
PRO TIP: If you notice instant disinterest or disrespect, don’t be afraid to walk off a job interview or cut things off like I’ve done.
#10: Volunteer Work and Community Involvement
Volunteering is an underrated way to meet professionals in your field and demonstrate your skills. Board positions, committee work, and charity events often involve successful business people who could become valuable connections.
Plus, volunteer work shows character and initiative on your resume. Many employers value candidates who contribute to their communities.
The Real Secret: Consistency and Authenticity
Here’s what I learned from my six-year job hunt: the strategies that work are the ones that allow you to be authentic and build real relationships. LinkedIn and Indeed turn job searching into a numbers game where you’re just another application in a pile.
The approaches I’ve outlined above let you stand out as a real person with unique value to offer. They require more effort upfront, but the connections you make are more meaningful and more likely to lead to opportunities.
My Final Advice
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use a combination of these strategies and be patient. The right opportunity often comes from the most unexpected places.
Also, remember that every “no” or non-response gets you closer to a “yes.” I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. The key is to keep putting yourself out there in authentic ways without it coming off as desperate.
Most importantly, don’t let the traditional job search process make you question your worth. If LinkedIn and Indeed aren’t working for you, that doesn’t mean you’re not valuable—it just means you need to find a different path.
Good luck out there. Your next opportunity is closer than you think.
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