The job market today isn’t the one you walked into ten years ago.
Roles are changing (and disappearing), applications are more competitive, and the traditional advice—“just walk in with a smile and a CV”—doesn’t cut it anymore. If your job hunt feels frustrating, it’s probably not you—it’s that the rules have changed, and a lot of people haven’t updated their approach. If you’re looking for a position but haven’t had much luck, it’s time to try something different.
1. Actually works: Customising your CV and cover letter
One-size-fits-all applications rarely get results. Hiring managers can spot generic language instantly, and if your CV reads like a template, it’s likely to be skimmed and skipped. Personalising your application for the role shows intention, and that still stands out.
That doesn’t mean rewriting your entire history every time. Just tailor the first few lines, highlight the most relevant skills, and make it easy for them to see why you’re a match. Effort speaks volumes.
2. Doesn’t work anymore: Relying solely on job boards
Job boards still have value, but if you’re only scrolling and submitting applications into a digital black hole, you’re limiting your chances. The most competitive roles are often filled through connections long before they’re ever listed publicly. Use job boards to stay informed—but don’t let them be your only strategy. Combine them with outreach, networking, and direct applications to companies you’re genuinely interested in.
3. Actually works: Reaching out to people directly (without being weird about it)
Sending a thoughtful message on LinkedIn or email to someone at a company you admire can open doors that job portals won’t. People still appreciate genuine interest, especially when it’s not just “Hey, can you get me a job?” Keep it short, respectful, and specific. Ask about their experience, mention a recent project you liked, or express interest in their team. Even if it doesn’t lead to a job, it can lead to insight—and that’s valuable, too.
4. Doesn’t work anymore: Faking it in interviews
Trying to be a polished robot who knows all the “right” answers is more likely to come across as rehearsed than impressive. Interviewers are looking for real people with self-awareness, not perfect answers pulled from a blog post. Be prepared, yes, but be human. If you don’t know something, say so and pivot to what you’re learning. Authenticity and clarity land better than polished nonsense every single time.
5. Actually works: Keeping your LinkedIn up to date
Recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn all the time to find candidates, even for jobs you haven’t applied to. A complete, active profile increases your chances of showing up in searches and makes it easier for people to reach out. You don’t need to become a content creator. Just keep your profile clean, current, and include a short headline that actually reflects what you do or want to do. It makes a bigger difference than you think.
6. Doesn’t work anymore: Listing every job you’ve ever had
More isn’t always better. Listing ten unrelated roles from the past fifteen years doesn’t show experience—it shows a lack of focus. Employers aren’t looking for a full autobiography. They’re looking for alignment with the role at hand. Highlight the most relevant positions and make space to show what you actually contributed. Clarity beats quantity, especially when time-pressed recruiters are scanning dozens of applications a day.
7. Actually works: Focusing on transferable skills
If you’re pivoting industries or applying to a role that’s a bit of a stretch, don’t apologise for it—connect the dots. Show how your past work sharpened skills that still apply, whether it’s project management, communication, or problem-solving. Recruiters want to know if you can bring value, not just follow a traditional path. When you highlight how your experience can carry over into new territory, you give them a reason to take a second look.
8. Doesn’t work anymore: Waiting to be 100% qualified before applying
If you’re holding off until you tick every box on the job listing, you’re probably missing out. Most employers write “wish list” ads, meaning they don’t actually expect someone to have it all. Confidence and potential matter just as much as perfect qualifications. Apply when you meet the core requirements and can make a strong case for how you’ll grow into the rest. Companies know that smart hires learn fast. What they don’t want is someone who underestimates their own value.
9. Actually works: Following up (once, politely)
If you’ve had an interview and haven’t heard back, a short, respectful follow-up email is completely acceptable, and often appreciated. Just don’t badger or sound entitled. Keep it simple: thank them for their time and gently ask about next steps. Following up shows professionalism and interest. It keeps you in their mind without crossing boundaries. Just once is enough, then let it go if you don’t hear back.
10. Doesn’t work anymore: Sticking only to traditional 9–5 thinking
The way people work is changing. Hybrid roles, freelance work, portfolio careers—these are all legitimate options, especially if you’re struggling to find something full-time that fits. Holding out for the “classic” job setup might be narrowing your search more than you realise. Stay open to flexibility. Sometimes a freelance contract or part-time role is the stepping stone to something more permanent—and it gives you space to earn while still exploring.
11. Actually works: Using your network without shame
Asking for job leads or intros doesn’t make you desperate—it makes you proactive. Most jobs are still filled through referrals and quiet connections, not public ads. If people like you and know you’re looking, they’re often more than willing to help. Let friends, ex-colleagues, mentors, and even old classmates know what kind of work you’re looking for. You’re not asking them to hand you a job—you’re asking to stay on their radar. That’s how opportunities usually start.
12. Doesn’t work anymore: Waiting for motivation to kick in
The job hunt is tiring. There’s rejection, silence, and days where it all feels pointless. However, waiting to “feel motivated” before you send another application usually leads to inaction. Momentum comes from showing up anyway, not from waiting for the perfect mood to strike. Make it manageable. Set a timer, apply to just one job a day, or spend 20 minutes researching. Do the small thing that keeps you moving. Motivation often shows up after you’ve started, not before.
