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Or is going it on hard mode where an app follows hundreds of hours of networking and outreach before actually applying.

aftoprokrustes 3y ago
Not necessarily. I am in the same case as OP. Basically I am a specialist with a PhD in a niche topic. There are at most a handful job postings per year that fit my profile perfectly, but then I have virtually no competition. If you have a generic profile ("frontend developer"), you get hundreds of opportunities per day, but are alao in competition with hundreds of similar applicants. My position is comfortable, but if interest in my particular combination of skills decreases, things could get quite difficult.
tester756 3y ago
Hundreds of hours of networking? what? Who does that and why? Are we talking about political jobs? or nepotism?
- tstrimple 3y ago
  Not typically hundreds of hours networking for a single position, but it's difficult to overstate the value of that network when you're looking for a job. Anything at all you can do to skip the HR resume filter will put you in a much better spot than 95% of other applicants. All of my major career advancements have come because of a combination of what I know and who I know. I can't see myself ever applying for a role using the HR provided application mechanisms. Any future job will be a referral, just like the last few have been.
- zamadatix 3y ago
  Hundreds of hours of networking is an average of 1 (actively networking) hour per week over 5 years. I.e. every couple of weeks go to a short event or get together for the afternoon. It's not something you do for 2 months straight after losing your job. I mean, you could... but it's significantly less effective that way. If you do this sanely you get more out of the event than just networking as well. Generally it's a great way to learn about new or different things you may not see at your company.
- prepend 3y ago
  I’ve done that for every job I’ve gotten in the past 20 years. I’m not sure if everyone does it this way, but I identify an org. Then I look for people who work in that org or near it and find authentic ways to connect with them to learn about the position. And I just work toward a hiring manager until I’m able to spend time with them and demonstrate value. And then eventually, if it’s a match, they have a position that I apply to and usually their decision is made before I apply. This seems pretty common in how I hire as well as it’s really useful to be able to meet and identify people who will be a good fit. It’s much harder to sort through tons of applicants.

Not necessarily. I am in the same case as OP. Basically I am a specialist with a PhD in a niche topic. There are at most a handful job postings per year that fit my profile perfectly, but then I have virtually no competition. If you have a generic profile ("frontend developer"), you get hundreds of opportunities per day, but are alao in competition with hundreds of similar applicants. My position is comfortable, but if interest in my particular combination of skills decreases, things could get quite difficult.

tester756 3y ago

Hundreds of hours of networking? what? Who does that and why? Are we talking about political jobs? or nepotism?

tstrimple 3y ago
Not typically hundreds of hours networking for a single position, but it's difficult to overstate the value of that network when you're looking for a job. Anything at all you can do to skip the HR resume filter will put you in a much better spot than 95% of other applicants. All of my major career advancements have come because of a combination of what I know and who I know. I can't see myself ever applying for a role using the HR provided application mechanisms. Any future job will be a referral, just like the last few have been.
zamadatix 3y ago
Hundreds of hours of networking is an average of 1 (actively networking) hour per week over 5 years. I.e. every couple of weeks go to a short event or get together for the afternoon. It's not something you do for 2 months straight after losing your job. I mean, you could... but it's significantly less effective that way. If you do this sanely you get more out of the event than just networking as well. Generally it's a great way to learn about new or different things you may not see at your company.
prepend 3y ago
I’ve done that for every job I’ve gotten in the past 20 years. I’m not sure if everyone does it this way, but I identify an org. Then I look for people who work in that org or near it and find authentic ways to connect with them to learn about the position. And I just work toward a hiring manager until I’m able to spend time with them and demonstrate value. And then eventually, if it’s a match, they have a position that I apply to and usually their decision is made before I apply. This seems pretty common in how I hire as well as it’s really useful to be able to meet and identify people who will be a good fit. It’s much harder to sort through tons of applicants.