Job Search Strategies

There’s a growing scam on LinkedIn, targeting job seekers when they’re most vulnerable. It starts with a message: “Hi, I’m a recruiter. I saw your profile. Can you send me your résumé?” You’re hopeful. You send it. Then they say: ❌ “Your résumé isn’t ATS-friendly.” ❌ “It won’t get past filters.” ❌ “You’ll struggle to get hired like this.” And then… surprise. They conveniently recommend a résumé writer on Fiverr or Upwork. I tracked several of these “recruiters.” The people they recommend? It’s them, different names, but the same scam. It’s fake. It’s manipulative. And it’s designed to make you feel insecure so you’ll pay them. They are not recruiters. They’re not career experts. They’re scammers using LinkedIn like a hunting ground. They’re here to make you doubt yourself and then sell you the solution to a problem they made up. ✅ You do not need to pay someone random to be job-ready. ✅ You do not need to doubt yourself because of one cold message. ✅ You do not owe strangers your résumé or your trust. If this happened to you, speak up and report them. If you know someone job hunting, warn them. Let’s stop giving these scammers room to operate.

I’ve worked for Meta and now Salesforce. I have interviewed with Google, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest so I know how competitive it can be. Here’s what they don’t tell you about landing a role at these #companies:  1. Your resumé gets 6 seconds of attention. #Recruiters skim quickly. If your key achievements aren’t visible at first glance, you’re out.  ✔️Quantify your results.  ✔️Use action verbs.  ✔️Keep it clean, clear, and concise.  2. #Networking > applying blindly. Most hires come through referrals. I landed #interviews at top companies by:   ✔️Attending events ✔️Connecting with hiring managers ✔️Reaching out to people in roles I wanted Focus on relationships, not just applications.  3. Interviews are more than just technical skills. Yes, you need to know your stuff. But what really sets you apart?  ✔��Your ability to collaborate  ✔️How you handle feedback  ✔️How well you understand the company’s challenges  4. Follow up (but don’t stalk). Sent your application? Had an interview? Follow up ✔️ A thoughtful, polite message keeps you top of mind—just don’t overdo it. Tech hiring is competitive, but if you play smart, you increase your chances dramatically.  I’ve done it, and so can you. If you’re applying to top tech roles, what’s been your biggest challenge so far? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to help! #Techcareer #Techlife #Meta #Salesforce #Linkedin #Google #TikTok #Pinterest

You're in a job interview, you get the offer—but the salary? Way lower than expected. The worst move? Accepting on the spot. The second worst? Declining outright. Here's how you can take the 'ick' out of negotiating: 1. Start with Gratitude →“Thank you for the offer.” 2. Share Excitement →“I’m really excited about the role and joining the company.” 3. Address the Salary →“Before I accept, I’d like to discuss the salary. It’s below what I believe reflects the market value for my experience.” 4. Reinforce Your Value →“I’m confident my expertise in A and B, and my contributions to C and D will drive success here.” 5. Reiterate Market Value →“Based on my research and track record, I believe a salary range of X to Y would be more in line with the industry.” Where to do research? Check salary data on sites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and LinkedIn, or ask industry peers and recruiters for real-world insights. Pro tip: Use multiple sources to get a well-rounded view and always adjust for location and years of experience. P.S. Have you ever accepted a salary because you didn't know how to negotiation? I'll go first: Yes, I have...

I constantly get recruiter reachouts from big tech companies and top AI startups- even when I’m not actively job hunting or listed as “Open to Work.” That’s because over the years, I’ve consciously put in the effort to build a clear and consistent presence on LinkedIn- one that reflects what I do, what I care about, and the kind of work I want to be known for. And the best part? It’s something anyone can do- with the right strategy and a bit of consistency. If you’re tired of applying to dozens of jobs with no reply, here are 5 powerful LinkedIn upgrades that will make recruiters come to you: 1. Quietly activate “Open to Work” Even if you’re not searching, turning this on boosts your visibility in recruiter filters. → Turn it on under your profile → “Open to” → “Finding a new job” → Choose “Recruiters only” visibility → Specify target titles and locations clearly (e.g., “Machine Learning Engineer – Computer Vision, Remote”) Why it works: Recruiters rely on this filter to find passive yet qualified candidates. 2. Treat your headline like SEO + your elevator pitch Your headline is key real estate- use it to clearly communicate role, expertise, and value. Weak example: “Software Developer at XYZ Company” → Generic and not searchable. Strong example: “ML Engineer | Computer Vision for Autonomous Systems | PyTorch, TensorRT Specialist” → Role: ML Engineer → Niche: computer vision in autonomous systems → Tools: PyTorch, TensorRT This structure reflects best practices from experts who recommend combining role, specialization, technical skills, and context to stand out. 3. Upgrade your visuals to build trust → Use a crisp headshot: natural light, simple background, friendly expression → Add a banner that reinforces your brand: you working, speaking, or a tagline with tools/logos Why it works: Clean visuals increase profile views and instantly project credibility. 4. Rewrite your “About” section as a human story Skip the bullet list, tell a narrative in three parts: → Intro: “I’m an ML engineer specializing in computer vision models for autonomous systems.” → Expertise: “I build end‑to‑end pipelines using PyTorch and TensorRT, optimizing real‑time inference for edge deployment.” → Motivation: “I’m passionate about enabling safer autonomy through efficient vision AI, let’s connect if you’re building in that space.” Why it works: Authentic storytelling creates memorability and emotional resonance . 5. Be the advocate for your work Make your profile act like a portfolio, not just a resume. → Under each role, add 2–4 bullet points with measurable outcomes and tools (e.g., “Reduced inference latency by 35% using INT8 quantization in TensorRT”) → In the Featured section, highlight demos, whitepapers, GitHub repos, or tech talks Give yourself five intentional profile upgrades this week. Then sit back and watch recruiters start reaching you, even in today’s competitive market.

I reviewed over 3,000 resumes in 4 years, here’s how you can stand out 💃🏻🕺 After reviewing more than 3,000 resumes in the past 4 years, I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the forgettable, from fresh grads to experienced hires with 40 years of work behind them. Whether it’s your first job or a dream role, here’s how to stand out: 1. Find the third door 🔑 Think of job applications like a nightclub. Everyone uses the main entrance, but there’s always a third door, a creative, non-traditional approach that sets you apart. Don’t rely solely on traditional methods. 2. Cold emails & DMs work 📧 Don’t wait for job postings. Reach out directly with cold emails or DMs to companies or individuals you admire. Many opportunities aren’t posted publicly. 3. Persistence is key 🔁 Don’t give up if you don’t get a reply right away. Sometimes it takes multiple follow-ups over time to reach the right person. 4. Seize opportunities quickly ⏳ When you hear of a job opportunity, even casually, act immediately. Timing and decisiveness can make all the difference. 5. Make it easy to say yes ✅ Simplify the decision for employers. Offering a trial period or showing how you can solve their problems makes it easy for them to say yes. 6. Lead with value 💡 Focus on how you can help the employer, not just what you want from the job. Show them how you can solve their challenges and contribute. 7. Go above and beyond 🎯 Consider adding a relevant work sample, a video, or ideas in your application. Small, extra efforts make a huge difference. 8. Show, don’t tell 📂 Build a portfolio. Showing your work, even small projects, is always better than just listing skills on your resume. 9. Avoid buzzwords 🚫 Skip overused terms like “team player” or “synergy.” Be specific about your achievements and back them up with measurable results. These tips aren’t just about impressing employers, they’re about showing you’re the right person for the job. Take that extra step and make it impossible for them to ignore you. 🚀 Below is a resume example that you can use as a reference to craft the perfect application. Share this post if you found it helpful and feel free to DM me if you need help with your resume. Happy Sunday and stay safe❤️ #ayu #resume

Job seekers- you are spending too much time on job boards. Do this instead: Use the 90/10 rule- you should only be spending 10% of your time scrolling through job boards. Spend 90% of the time on results driven activity. Things like: 👉 Reach out to people in your personal and professional network. Send an email with a few bullet points on your ideal next step and ask if they know of anything or anyone they can connect you with. People want to help people. 👉 Create a target list of companies you think you’d like to work for. Minimum of 25 companies to start. 👉 From there- jump on their website and see if there are any openings that are of interest. If there is, go ahead and apply but do not leave your fate to an ATS where your resume probably won’t see the light of day. Skip the next step and go to the following. 👉 It’s not super likely they will have something perfect posted so move to the next step… 👉 Next hop on LinkedIn and search for functional line leaders in those orgs. Connect with them AND send them an email expressing your interest in the company and would love a quick intro call (if you applied already-let them know). Preface it with even though they may not have anything right now, you’d love to make the connection should something open in the future (if they are a company of interest now, they likely will later….also if you make an impression, they may create a role!) 👉 They may not make time for it now- that’s ok. Send a follow up email (a short one!) with a few bullet points of your accomplishments and ideal next step. Attach your resume. Important- make sure you ask them to send your info to any one in their network that may have an interest. Keep expanding your list as you go through this exercise. Most reverse the 90/10 and spend 90% of their time on the blackhole of job boards. They then get frustrated/exhausted and lose hope because it’s not yielding results. Change your methods and see the difference. #jobseekers #advice #proactivesearch

My candidate landed a ₹15 LPA offer at a top MNC without even applying. No resume drop. No job portal. How? ✅ She unlocked the hidden job market that most candidates never see. So, how did she do it? Not with luck. But with a strategy anyone can use: 1. She built her brand before she needed a job. She shared her wins, projects, and insights on LinkedIn consistently. Example: Every Friday, she posted a carousel breaking down a real-life analytics problem she solved at work, tagging teammates and sharing key takeaways. This made her visible as a problem-solver in her field. 2. She reached out to industry peers, not just HR. No generic “Hi, can you refer me?” Instead, she started real conversations about trends, challenges, and solutions in her field. Example: She messaged a data scientist at her dream company, commenting on a recent paper he’d published: 👇 “Hi Raj, I loved your article on predictive analytics in retail. I’ve been working on similar models for FMCG clients and would love to exchange notes!” This led to a meaningful chat, not a cold request. 3. She gave before she asked. She offered feedback on others’ work, shared resources, and celebrated others’ milestones. Example: She congratulated connections on promotions, shared helpful webinars in group chats, and offered to review a peer’s resume before asking for any help herself. 4. She followed up, politely and persistently. After every conversation, she sent a thank-you note: 👇 “Thanks for your insights, Priya! I’ve already started applying your advice. Hope we can catch up again soon.” She stayed top of mind, not just top of the inbox. You don’t need a massive network. You need genuine connections, a clear story, and the courage to show up before you need help. If you’re still waiting for the “perfect” job post to appear, you’re already late. The best opportunities are shared in DMs, whispered in meetings, and offered to those who are already visible. Start building your presence, your relationships, and your reputation today. #jobsearch #jobopportunities #jobinterview #careergrowth

If I were looking for a job right now, I would not waste a single second on job boards. The job market is a cesspool. Hundreds of applications per role. Algorithms filtering resumes. And companies pulling “hiring freezes” mid-interview. Here’s exactly what I would do instead👇 1. I would look for the money. When companies raise funding, expand into new markets, or announce partnerships, they need leadership. Business journals, VC newsletters, industry deal trackers - they publish these updates weekly. If a company just closed a Series A or a $50M round, they’re about to hire. 2. I would track leadership changes. When a CFO, COO, or CMO exits, it leaves a hole. Executive moves are announced every single day on LinkedIn press releases and business news feeds. Those are opportunities waiting for the right person to step in. 3. I would package myself as a solution. Not a job seeker. Not “open to work.” I’d position my background around results: “I help companies cut costs, increase revenue, and scale without chaos.” The resume comes later. The first impression is ROI. 4. I would reach out directly to decision-makers. Skip HR. Skip apply here or anywhere. I’d message VPs, C-suite leaders, and investors: “I saw you’re expanding into [market]. I’ve led [initiative] that delivered [specific measurable result] at [competitor or similar company].” That’s how conversations start. 5. I would pursue fractional + board opportunities. Companies want executive-level talent without the permanent headcount. Fractional leadership and board seats are exploding especially for professionals over 45 who bring decades of experience. This is not “networking harder.” It’s about tracking the signals that show where opportunity is about to happen and getting there before a job is ever posted. 👉 On the job boards, you’re competing with thousands. 👉 In the hidden market, you’re competing with strategic job seekers. That’s the difference between waiting for a call-back… and getting introduced directly to the person who can say yes. Stop waiting for permission. If I were looking right now, this is exactly what I’d be doing today. ✨are you finding the job search completely outdated too?

5 Daily Job Search Strategies You're Not Using (But Will Score More Interviews): 1. Leave 5 Valuable Comments On LinkedIn Run a blank search on LinkedIn. Then go to “Posts” and use the “Company Author” filter to choose your target companies. Now you have a list of everyone who’s active on LI. Identify the ones who post regularly and leave thoughtful, positive comments on their posts. 2. Message One New Networking Contact Networking is most effective when it’s consistent. And the best way to stay consistent is with small, daily actions. Use LinkedIn to find one new person working in your target role at one of your target companies. Send a message to them (and do your best to focus on adding value!). 3. Engage With Company Posts On LinkedIn Did you know that employers can see if you’ve engaged with their company content on LinkedIn? That’s not all. Engaging can help: - Increase visibility with current employees - Help you stay on top of news, launches, and events - Hone your voice and narratives It’s a 4-In-1 deal. 4. Publicly Document Something You Learned We learn new things every single day. We learn about a new tool, a new process, a new trend, a new habit, etc. When you learn something, share it in a LinkedIn post, a blog post, or a video. The more specific your learnings (a certain field or topic), the better. Content creation is networking at scale. 5. Message Hiring Managers For New Roles Run a search for your target job title + “hiring” on LinkedIn. Filter by “Posts.” Set the date filter to “Past 24 Hours.” Now you have a list of all the people who have shared posts about new roles that just opened. Message them to get in touch! Pick two of these to do every day to take your search to the next level.

💡 If I were graduating today, I wouldn’t spend hours on job boards. Thousands of candidates apply every day, and most resumes get lost in the noise. Instead, I’d follow a proactive approach that actually works: 1️⃣ Track startups that just raised funding Check out venture capital firm pages on LinkedIn or their websites. Startups that recently secured funding are growing fast—and they need talent. 2️⃣ Find the founders and founding team They know exactly what their company needs, making them the ideal people to pitch. 3️⃣ Send a thoughtful, personalized message Introduce yourself, but more importantly, show that you’ve done your homework. Mention 1–2 things you genuinely admire about their product, mission, or recent achievements. 4️⃣ Show the ROI of hiring you Instead of sending a resume, explain how your skills can solve their immediate challenges or accelerate growth. Your outreach should say: “Here’s how I can add value,” not “Hire me.” Fun fact: one month before I graduated, I didn’t have a job. I got tired of applying through traditional channels, so I messaged every founder I knew, explained how I could help them grow, and landed my first Product Manager contract without a single job board application. 🔥 Opportunities don’t always come through the standard path. Sometimes, you have to create them yourself.