Transform Your Job Search: Think Like a Marketer, Act Like a Salesperson
Let’s be honest: starting a job search can feel like a huge, overwhelming task. I’ve coached hundreds of job seekers, and one thing I see all the time is people diving in without a clear plan. Most sit down at their computers with a ton of energy but then fall into the same trap—scrolling job boards, setting up alerts, and shooting their resumes into the void. It doesn’t take long for that excitement to turn into frustration and burnout.
Here’s the thing: job searching isn’t just about applying to every job posting you see. If you want to stand out, you need to approach it as a marketing and sales endeavor. It’s about showing the world what you’re great at, connecting with people, and making opportunities happen. Sound daunting? Don’t worry—We’ve got you covered.
Be Your Own Marketing Department
When you think of marketing, it’s all about visibility. The same goes for your job search. You’re “selling” your skills and expertise, but not in a fake or pushy way. The goal is to authentically share what makes you great at what you do.
Start with Your Personal Brand
Your personal brand is what people think of when they hear your name. So, what do you want them to associate you with?
- Is it your problem-solving skills?
- Your ability to lead teams?
- Your expertise in a specific field?
Once you’re clear on your brand, start showcasing it. LinkedIn is perfect for this. Post about industry trends, share your accomplishments, or write a quick tip about something you know really well. This shows people that you’re knowledgeable and active in your field—and it keeps you on their radar.
Show Up Online
LinkedIn isn’t the only place to get noticed. Think about where people in your industry hang out online. Are there groups, forums, or other platforms where you can join the conversation? The key is to be consistent. Even small things, like commenting on posts or sharing articles with your own take, can make a big impact.
Leverage Your Network: Meet Your Job Search Ambassadors
One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they have to go it alone. You already have a secret weapon: your network. Friends, former colleagues, mentors—they’re all part of your team. I like to call these folks your Job Search Ambassadors.
What Do Job Search Ambassadors Do?
They help you get your foot in the door. Maybe they know someone at a company you’re interested in, or maybe they can give you insider advice about an industry. The best part? They already believe in you.
- Be clear about your goals. Don’t just say, “I’m looking for a job.” Let them know what kind of roles or companies you’re targeting. Talk about the kinds of problems you like to solve. They could be people/team problems, systems problems or making order out of chaos.
- Make it easy for them to help. Share your resume, LinkedIn profile, or even a quick pitch about what you bring to the table. Help them talk about you in a way that perpetuates your personal brand.
- Keep them updated. Did you land an interview thanks to their intro? Let them know! Gratitude goes a long way.
Networking doesn’t have to be awkward or transactional. Most people genuinely want to help—it’s just about giving them the tools to do so. This is a great opportunity for you to listen to ways you can add value to your network. This isn’t a one-way help street.
Avoid the Resume Roulette Trap
When people first start job searching, they tend to fall into what I call Resume Roulette. This is where you fire off applications to every job that catches your eye, hoping something sticks. Spoiler alert: this doesn’t work. Here’s why:
- It’s too random. Without a strategy, you’re spreading yourself too thin.
- It’s passive. You’re sitting back and waiting for a response instead of taking control.
- It’s invisible. No one knows you’ve applied, so there’s no opportunity to stand out.
Instead of spending hours applying to 50 jobs a week, shift your focus. Apply to fewer jobs, but follow up, network with employees, and find ways to get noticed. Quality over quantity is the name of the game.
Take Back Control with a Job Search Plan
When you approach your job search like a marketer and a salesperson, you’re in the driver’s seat. Here’s how to make it happen:
01
Define Your Goals
What kind of job do you want?
What companies or industries are you excited about?
Having clear targets makes everything else easier.
02
Plan Your Weekly Activities
Divide your time between:
- Networking with people in your target industry.
- Staying visible on LinkedIn (posting, commenting, sharing).
- Following up on job applications or leads.
Consistency is key here. Even small daily actions add up over time.
03
Follow Up
When you apply for a job, don’t stop there. Reach out to someone at the company—a recruiter, a hiring manager, or even a potential coworker. A quick message on LinkedIn can go a long way.
04
Celebrate Progress
Job searching can be a grind, so don’t forget to celebrate the little wins. Did someone connect you with a hiring manager? Did you get great feedback after an interview? Take a moment to acknowledge those successes.
Shift Your Mindset:
From Lost to In Control
Job searching doesn’t have to feel like a black hole where resumes go to die. When you treat it like marketing and sales, you’re actively creating opportunities for yourself.
The truth is, you’re not just looking for a job—you’re building connections, telling your story, and showing people why you’re the perfect fit. That kind of energy and focus? It’s a game-changer. So take a deep breath, get out there, and start making your job search work for you. You’ve got this!
