I recently sat down with a job seeker I coached who landed multiple offers and a nice raise. Here is what worked, in their own words, so you can borrow the best of it for your own search.

Joe: Thanks for joining me today to talk about your recent success in landing a job.

Job Seeker: Sure thing, happy to share my experience.

Joe: So you ended up with multiple offers, right? And a nice salary increase? Easy game! But seriously, I know it was quite a character building journey for you. What kept you motivated?

Job Seeker: I looked at it as an opportunity to re-evaluate my goals and focus on developing new skills. I also used the time to network, which was very helpful for the long run. Most importantly, I reminded myself that if I kept working hard, good things would eventually come. And that is what happened.

Joe: Tell me a bit about your job search process.

Job Seeker: At first I searched jobs on LinkedIn and sent my resume to any opening that looked the least bit promising. I was a machine, applying for 50 to 75 jobs a day. It didn’t work. I got calls for jobs I had no interest in and no calls for the jobs I did want. So I started asking for more advice. It was humbling, but so helpful. I wish I had done the second job search first!

Joe: So others can benefit from your story, what changed?

Job Seeker: I became more targeted in what I applied for, and I went to more in person events. I sent the script you suggested, the one about asking for referrals from your former bosses and people who know your work. That email script works! Link to script

Opening up to relocation was big too. I didn’t really want to relocate, but I wanted the phone to ring, and I figured I could always say no if the job was in Timbuktu.

I started working with recruiters, really picking their brains and asking for advice. And I tried to turn emails into phone calls and phone calls into face to face meetings, like you suggest in 18 Interviewing Tips.

Joe: What one thing helped you the most?

Job Seeker: I can’t really say one thing. I was pushing every button I could find. But here is one I would suggest: when you get some traction, lean into it. A few times I thought I had a good shot at a job, and when it fell apart I had to start over from scratch. That was hard, like getting a locomotive rolling from a standing start. So don’t stop, even if you’re close on an offer. Don’t stop fishing until the fish is in the boat.

Joe: Do you fish?

Job Seeker: No.

Joe: Good analogy anyway! What else worked for you?

Job Seeker: I changed how I prepared for each interview. Everyone tells you to research the company and practice your answers. But no one tells you to research the interviewer! I studied the people I was meeting on LinkedIn, and it helped me make a much better first impression. That is the one thing I would do sooner.

Joe: And how did you find the job you ultimately landed?

Job Seeker: Through a recruiter. I had hired through her before, and we had built a rapport. I think that gave me a leg up, because she really pushed for me.

Joe: Awesome. Any other advice for people looking right now?

Job Seeker: Don’t give up and don’t lose hope. Don’t underestimate the power of networking. It can be your best asset. Stay active on social, but even more so in person. Don’t judge a job by its title, and don’t decide whether to call back a recruiter or hiring manager based on one job description, because they may have other jobs. And take a long term view. You told me nobody would want to hire me for a while, and then several companies would want to hire me all at once. That is exactly what happened.

Joe: Congratulations again on finding a great job that you love, and thanks for sharing your experience with us!

Job Seeker: My pleasure. Good luck to everyone out there looking for work!

My take for today’s job search

Today AI tools make it easy to fire off hundreds of applications in an afternoon, so this story matters even more. Volume rarely wins. Targeting, referrals, recruiter relationships and real homework on the person across the table still do.

For more interviewing articles and videos, visit josephmichaels.com, or click here to watch the 18 Interviewing Tips video on YouTube.

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