The job search can feel endless.
Applications. Rejections. Ghosting.
I’ve been through it all.
Over the course of 12 months, I went through more than 25 interviews with top companies—Atlassian, Amazon, Microsoft, Me&U, and JobAdder.
Some said no.
I turned down a few myself.
And finally, I had two offers on the table:
▶︎ A hypergrowth startup
▶︎ Atlassian
I had:
🚫 No referrals.
🚫 No insider connections.
✅ Just pure strategy.
And in the end?
I landed my dream role at Atlassian—with a $40,000+ salary bump.
So, how did I do it?
I stopped following outdated job advice.
And I built a repeatable system to get in front of the right people—without relying on luck.
Let’s bust a few job search myths 👇
❌ “The ATS keeps rejecting me!”
Not true. Most Applicant Tracking Systems just scan for basic keyword matches. The real issue? Generic resumes that don’t align with the job.
✅ Fix: Tailor your resume to each posting. Use the right keywords. Strategy beats automation.
❌ “80% of jobs are never posted!”
Also false. Yes, networking is powerful—but jobs are posted. The real challenge is standing out in a sea of applicants.
✅ Fix: Focus on three levers:
• A standout resume and LinkedIn profile
• Real, intentional networking
• Positioning yourself as the solution to a specific problem
My Proven Job Search System
Instead of playing the numbers game, I used a focused approach:
✔️ Strategic Networking & Referrals
40% of hires happen through referrals. I made it my mission to get inside that pipeline.
✔️ Optimized LinkedIn Profile
I made my profile searchable, compelling, and value-driven.
✔️ Targeting Decision-Makers, Not Just HR
I reached out to hiring managers and team members directly—with messages that showed I did my homework.
✔️ Created a Value Validation Project (VVP)
Instead of asking for a job, I showed how I could help.
Step 1: Find the Right People
Online applications = the crowd.
Direct outreach = the spotlight.
📌 Use LinkedIn to find hiring managers, peers, or former colleagues.
📌 For a Product Manager role, skip HR—reach out to the Director of Product or a Senior PM.
Example script:
“Hi [Name], I came across your work at [Company] and was really impressed by [specific project]. I’m exploring [role] opportunities and would love to hear about your experience. Open to a quick chat?”
How I got into Atlassian’s interview loop:
I reached out to an ex-colleague who had joined Atlassian.
We reconnected casually on LinkedIn—just catching up, no pressure.
When the timing felt right, I asked if he’d be open to referring me.
He said yes.
Fast forward 3 years…
I’m still at Atlassian, with two promotions and a ton of growth behind me.
▶︎ Referrals aren’t about cold asks. They’re about rebuilding warm connections.
Step 2: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
✅ Use job title & skill keywords – Recruiters search by them.
✅ Quantify your wins – Swap “responsible for” with measurable impact.
Example:
“Achieved 35 hires, including 16 Principal Engineers, exceeding the target by 84% and driving team growth.”
✅ Be active – Post, comment, engage. Visibility = inbound interest.
Step 3: Send a Standout Cold Email
When LinkedIn messages don’t get traction, try email.
Cold email template:
Subject: Quick Question
Hi [Name],
I found your profile while researching [Company] and loved your work on [specific project].
I’m exploring [role] opportunities and would appreciate your insights.
No pressure—if you’ve got 10 minutes for a quick chat, I’d be grateful.
P.S. Coffee’s on me next time ☕
✅ Short. Friendly. Easy to say yes to.
Step 4: Create a Value Validation Project (VVP)
Want to stand out? Don’t tell them you’re a great hire—show them.
Pick a real challenge they’re facing, and demonstrate how you’d solve it.
Example for a Software Engineer:
• Suggest code improvements from their open-source repo
• Propose a scalable architecture shift
• Pitch a new feature with a basic implementation plan
✅ This alone can put you ahead of 90% of applicants.
Step 5: Follow Up (Yes, Really)
Most people stop after one message.
Don’t be most people.
Follow up in 5–7 days with something like:
“Hey [Name], just following up on my message. Would love to connect if you have time!”
You won’t always get a reply—but those who stay visible are the ones who get noticed.
TL;DR → Take Control of Your Job Hunt
🚀 Stop relying on cold applications. Start doing this instead:
✅ Tap into the referral pipeline
✅ Make your LinkedIn recruiter-ready
✅ Lead with value, not asks
✅ Stay persistent and consistent
You deserve a role that excites you—and pays you what you’re worth.
Let’s get to work.
Eli
Careersy Coaching