How to Get an Interview: Stop Mass Applying, Start Connecting
- fullifecoaching
- Mar 14
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
In 99% of my calls with clients, I hear the same thing: "I'm just waiting to hear back on my job application” or “I’ve applied to over 200 jobs this year!”
Are you applying but not getting interviews?
Job searching can be a long, dragged-out process. But it doesn’t have to be. If you're stuck in job-search mode and can’t seem to land your next gig, your strategy is probably all wrong.
But here’s the good news: You landed here, on this blog post. If you stick with me, we’re going to set your strategy straight so that you move beyond the application process and start actually getting interviews!
The Harsh Reality of Applying Online
There’s no gold medal for mass applying, and there’s certainly not a badge of honor when your 200 applications land you just one or two interviews.
Think about it: how many of your previous jobs did you get because you knew someone at the company vs. because you hit “Easy Apply?”
Applying for a job online is like entering the lottery. When you submit a resume, you’re essentially submitting a scratch-off lottery ticket with the hopes of being selected as the lucky winner.
In other words, today's application system is built to make you fail.
Most applications get discarded by Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software before they ever reach a human’s eyes. That means all your effort—tailoring resumes, tweaking cover letters, and clicking “submit” hundreds of times—is mostly wasted.
The Solution: The 70/20/10 Model
Let’s move beyond mass applying and perfecting your resume. One of the best ways to help you land a job faster is to use the 70/20/10 Model.
I see the highest rates of interviewing from clients who spend…
70% of their job search networking
20% researching
10% applying
Spend 20% of your search time researching.
Equipping yourself with the right information is key to a successful job search. Research is about seeking out new, quality information so that you can become an informed candidate. This includes learning about jobs, industries, professionals, and companies that interest you.
Here’s the kind of research you should do:
Make a list of companies you’d be excited to work for. Think about the industries, company cultures, and missions that align with your career goals and values. Consider not only well-known companies but also mid-sized and smaller organizations. Research their reputation, employee reviews, and growth potential to ensure they are a good fit.. Aim for a list of at least 10-20 companies that genuinely excite you.
Go beyond job boards and head straight to the company’s official careers page. Many organizations prioritize internal listings before posting jobs on third-party sites. While you’re there, explore their mission statement, recent news, and any press releases that give insight into what they’re currently focusing on. This knowledge will help you craft a more targeted application and prepare for networking conversations.
Spend 70% of your search time networking.
Ready to focus on creating relationships with humans (a.k.a. networking) versus waiting on bots?
Your new goal is to act like electronic job boards don’t exist. By connecting 1-on-1 with professionals who work in the jobs, industries and companies you’re most interested in, you're putting yourself top-of-mind for people when a new opportunity arises on their team. Hiring decisions aren’t just about qualifications—they’re about relationships, trust, and personal recommendations.
And remember: Networking doesn’t have to mean walking into rooms of strangers. It can be grabbing coffee with a former coworker, commenting on LinkedIn posts, asking to have a Zoom call with someone who works for a company you’re interested in, or sending emails to hiring managers.
Here’s how to network using LinkedIn:
1. Open LinkedIn and use the People tab / Search bar to find employees working at the companies on your list.
If you already have direct connections at these companies, great! Reach out to them first. Even if you haven’t spoken in a while, you can start with a warm message reminding them how you’re connected and expressing interest in learning more about their experience working there.
If you don’t, look to see if you have mutual connections to those at your company of interest. These are called 2nd-degree connections—people who are connected to your existing LinkedIn network. A simple introduction request can help you expand your reach and create valuable new connections.
Another organic way to build up 2nd degree connections: Alumni networks. This is a powerful yet often underutilized tool in job searching. Most universities have LinkedIn alumni groups where you can find and reach out to graduates working at companies you’re targeting.
2. Then, send a message.
Ask them to connect over a 15-minute Zoom call to learn what it’s like to work for that company. When reaching out, keep your message short, polite, and specific. Introduce yourself, mention your mutual connection (if applicable), and express genuine interest in learning about their role and company culture.
Here’s a simple template:
Hi [Name], I came across your profile while researching [Company Name] and noticed that we share a [mutual connection/university background]. I’m really interested in learning more about what it’s like to work there. Would you be open to a quick 15-minute Zoom chat? I’d love to hear about your experience. Thanks in advance!
Here’s the bottom line: Networking isn’t about awkwardly asking for favors. It’s about building real connections. Authentic relationships pave the way for opportunities that no job board could ever dream of delivering. By networking and having real conversations, you become a real person in the hiring manager’s eyes, not just another resume in a stack of hundreds.
Spend 10% of your search time applying.
You will, of course, have to apply sometimes. Ideally, you’ll be applying to jobs that someone at the company invited you to apply for. (Thanks to your networking efforts!) Occasionally, you may also find an opportunity online that looks like a great fit.
The key to applying is to tailor your resume to each job posting. If your resume has been one-size-fits-all, it’s time for a reality check. Employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through applications, and if your resume doesn’t speak the same language as the job description, it’s probably the reason you’re getting ghosted.
Hear me out! Tailoring your resume isn’t as scary as it sounds. (I promise!) Highlight the keywords from the job posting and weave them naturally into your experience and skills sections. It’s like adding seasoning to a dish—a little effort makes all the difference.
But if you’re still overwhelmed, check out tools like ChatGPT to brainstorm, or you can find a second set of eyes (hint: I’m here to help with that!)
Ask for help.
Speaking of help: Let’s face it—going solo in a job search is like trying to build IKEA furniture without the manual. Frustrating, right?
No one lands their next role alone, and asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a power move.
Collaboration brings fresh ideas and new strategies to the table. Whether it’s a friend reviewing your cover letter or a career coach (hint: me, again!) helping you navigate the entire process, a little support can go a long way. Think of it as assembling your dream team—because your career deserves nothing less.
Whether you’re pivoting to a new field, dusting off your resume after a career break, or chasing that next big step, the process can sometimes feel like running a marathon with no finish line in sight. But don’t worry—with the 70/20/10 strategy.
You can do this!
Ali Goodin
Ali is a certified career coach, former Disney cast member, and creative professional turned career transition expert based in Central Florida. Founder of Ful Life Coaching, Ali helps job seekers, career changers, and growth-minded professionals confidently navigate career transitions. Whether you're pursuing a new role, switching industries, or seeking greater purpose in your work, Ali provides personalized coaching, job search strategy, and resume support to help you build a fulfilling, balanced career at any stage of life.
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