What would you do to land your dream job? [your procedure or advice]
Getting a job is becoming increasingly difficult – many applicants (high competition), automation and the replacement of tasks with artificial intelligence...
Now it's a miracle if someone opens your email.
How would you differentiate yourself from others if you wanted to get the job of your dreams, and what would you be capable of?
Feel free to share a story about how you got yours if you have some interesting.
It seems that having a polished CV and portfolio is no longer enough to stand out. Based on conversations with others, the most effective way to differentiate yourself is through a referral from someone within the company. I've come across stories of people flying across countries just to meet in person to show up (unsolicited invite) :D, or in one case, a programmer demonstrated his skills by "hacking" the company’s database to prove he is worth it. 😅


Replies
minimalist phone: creating folders
@rodrigo_soviero I would wish to be this true, but some people are silent and resistant to this :D
@busmark_w_nika The current job market is brutal. Honestly, your best shot is reaching out directly. Send a thoughtful connection note to someone on the team via LinkedIn. If your skills are a fit and you catch a bit of luck, you might land an interview. I did this for a few months before landing my current job in late 2024. It’s not instant, but it works better than cold applications alone.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@chaosandcoffee What is your current job and where? :)
@busmark_w_nika Sorry missed this. I am a product manager at a product development agency in DC!
minimalist phone: creating folders
@chaosandcoffee All good! :)
I would start by polishing up my LinkedIn profile. I would list all experience, detail every previous position, all side projects. Linkedin, for all its power, is very mediocre at finding candidates, but it's important to know that it's also the source of data for many sourcing platforms, and that's where your next job offer may come from.
minimalist phone: creating folders
@michael_vavilov that could be a problem because if I make my profile private, any recruiter as the 3rd connection will not be able to read it. 😅
@busmark_w_nika I think it's a good idea to make the profile public at least during the job search.
Pokecut
Thanks for sharing these thoughts, Nika! I completely agree that landing a dream job nowadays requires more than just submitting a resume. To stand out, I focus on building a strong personal brand—showcasing not only my skills but also my passion and unique perspective through projects, a well-curated online presence, and genuine networking. Tailoring each application to the company’s values and needs is crucial, as is demonstrating adaptability in the face of automation and AI changes. For example, when I landed my current role, I spent time understanding the company’s challenges and proactively proposed solutions during the interview process, which really made me memorable. Ultimately, persistence, continuous learning, and authentic connection make all the difference. Would love to hear how others have navigated this too!
Pokecut
Absolutely agree — the job market is tougher than ever! 😅 With so many talented people applying and AI automating tasks, standing out can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. 🎯
For me, the key was authenticity and showcasing real impact. Instead of just listing skills, I shared stories about projects where I made a difference — numbers, challenges overcome, and lessons learned. 📈💡 Also, I personalized every email and LinkedIn message, making sure it wasn’t just another generic note. People appreciate effort and genuine interest! ❤️
One time, I sent a creative video introduction to a company I loved, highlighting how my passions aligned with their mission. That little extra step got me noticed and eventually hired! 🎥🚀
My advice: focus on what YOU uniquely bring to the table, combine that with creativity, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. The dream job is out there — sometimes you just have to make it impossible for them to ignore you! ✨🔥
Would love to hear how others cracked the code too! 🙌
Pokecut
Maybe I'm a very superficial person. My dream job is not to work. Haha