How to Develop a Job-Hunting Strategy

Editing by Rachel Cromidas, editor at LinkedIn News.

TL;DR: In a competitive job market, job-hunting requires strategy. Job hunters can't guarantee that hiring teams will actually see their applications, but they can increase their odds. This article covers the top strategies that job seekers who struggle to land interviews can use to improve their chances of getting hired, including tailoring their resumes and cover letters to each role, preparing thoroughly for interviews and maintaining an active, professional presence online.

1. Job-Hunting: How to Start

In a LinkedIn Learning course on the basics of job searching, learning strategist Oliver Schinkten says candidates should assess their goals before jumping into applying for jobs. 

"Setting some clear, simple goals will keep you from endlessly scrolling and applying to roles that aren't the right fit,"  Schinkten says. "It also makes everything you do next, like searching, filtering and connecting with others, more focused.”

Questions job searchers should ask themselves include: 

• What specific roles am I targeting?
• Which industries line up best with my prior experience or education?
• What salary range do I expect?
• What type of workplace (i.e. on-site or hybrid) do I prefer?

2. Send Out Fewer Job Applications — But Make Them Better

Some job seekers may think sending out their resumes to multiple positions could boost their chances of getting invited to interview with at least one company. But career coaches often advise taking a more targeted approach.

“When you’re applying to anything and everything, your value gets watered down," LinkedIn Top Voice and job search coach Ashley Watkins Thomas says on LinkedIn. "Job searching is about alignment, positioning and knowing how to build a strategy that gets results without the guesswork.”

Job seekers should take the time to tailor each resume and cover letter for each role, and aim for quality over quantity.  “Strong resumes don’t have to be lengthy," Linda Spencer, a former Harvard University career advisor, writes. "Your cover letter should be one page, highly customized to each position you’re applying for.”

3. Use Technology to Ease the Job Search

Job seekers should make the most of job search portals like LinkedIn, and ideally check several regularly. Upload an updated resume and create alerts to get notified when relevant positions are posted on these platforms.

Use AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to structure or provide feedback on each resume and cover letter. They can also help generate practice interview questions. The LinkedIn Learning Blog suggests asking a chatbot to accurately identify the key skills and experiences relevant to each job posting. Doing so can make it easier to customize each job application with important terms and keywords that are more likely to catch the filter of an automated tracking system.

“The more you understand what the applicant tracking system is looking for, the better equipped you're going to be to structure your resume in a way that has you sail right on through that software and move forward in the process," Jenny Foss, a career strategist, says in her LinkedIn Learning course on the subject.

Applicants can also create spreadsheets to track the status of multiple job applications at once, including sections for each job title, company name and any needed follow-up actions.

4. Networks Lead to Job Offers

"People get people jobs," job search strategist Madeline Mann explains in her LinkedIn Learning course. Job seekers can connect with professionals from their industry on social platforms like LinkedIn. These professionals may be able to refer the applicant directly for the role, increasing their chances of getting an interview. 

The same goes for recruiters.

“Knowing and leveraging recruiters in your journey can make all the difference to job search strategies for 2025,” career consultant Amanda Miller says on LinkedIn. 

Instead of waiting for a recruiter to reach out at their own pace, contact recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn or via email. Search for a recruiter’s work email address in the job description or their company's website and connect via email. “Introduce yourself and suggest a conversation about how your talents might align with their clients’ needs," Miller says. "If you’ve already applied, reach out and introduce yourself for that specific role. Recruiters do enjoy when job seekers are proactive."

5. How to Prepare for Each Job Interview

Practice mock interviews and prepare detailed, structured answers to general and technical questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action and Result).

Job seekers should highlight relevant past wins and back them up with numbers that show off their talents. Hannah Morgan, LinkedIn Top Voice and job search strategist, shares her key interview tips on LinkedIn:

• "Preparation = confidence." Applicants who prepare will be capable of telling relevant career stories using the STAR structure, even if they get a surprise interview question thrown at them.
• Don't rush through the STAR method; pause before getting to the results. Slow down to let the impact sink in for the interviewer. 
• Keep in mind that interviewers are human. Most interviewers aren't trained how to interview. They're busy managers who don't always love conducting interviews.

“The best interviews feel like genuine conversations," Morgan says. "It’s not just about answering questions. It's an interaction where both sides explore the possibility of working together.”  

6. Create a Job Search Routine to Beat Burnout

Job hunting can be a long process; scheduling a routine around when to apply to jobs and network with contacts can help save time and stave off burnout. Most importantly, don't let the job search come before mental health. Digital marketer Romina Massa writes on LinkedIn that she interviewed for 22 roles before finally getting hired — and she benefited from pacing herself. 

“Your job search is important, but so are you. Pace yourself, protect your mental health and keep going," she says. "Don’t let the 'no's' shake your confidence. They’re not a reflection of your worth; they’re a reflection of the market.”

That said, it can be tough to stay motivated, "even for the most confident person," according to a LinkedIn Learning course published by Careercake. "Having regular activities like spending time with family and friends and doing exercise and sufficient sleep can keep your morale up while developing the confidence and skills you need to stand out to employers.”

Final Thoughts

Job seekers who tailor their applications, maintain a structured tracking system and connect with their professional connections are more likely to land interviews. Candidates should keep their resumes updated and treat networking as a daily habit. Use tools like LinkedIn, Gemini and ChatGPT to customize each job application and prepare ahead of interviews. Don’t forget to celebrate small wins, whether it’s a call for an interview, a response from a LinkedIn connection or an invitation to the next hiring round. Every step counts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Job Hunting

• How many job applications should I send per week? Aim to send out 10-12 highly-targeted applications, rather than sending out as many as possible.
• How fast should I apply after seeing a job post? As soon as possible; early candidates can significantly increase their response rates.
• Do I still need a cover letter? Yes, cover letters can help a  job application stand out. Keep it to one page, and mention the specific job opening at hand.
• How often should I follow up after applying? If a job applicant hasn't received a response in 5-7 business days, they can send a short message to the point-of-contact or hiring managers letting them know they're still interested.
• Should I apply for a job if I don’t meet 100% of the requirements? Candidates should consider applying to a job whenever they meet at least 70% of the requirements in the job description.