Did you know over 70% of jobs are never posted publicly, and 80% of hires happen through networking?

And yet most people looking to land a new role submit dozens of applications online, only to hear crickets.

It's frustrating, defeating and worse, keeps you stuck.

In the past few weeks alone, 3 of my clients landed offers without submitting an online application. How? They tapped into a smarter, faster way to land their next role and skipped the line entirely.

If you want to avoid the dreaded “We regret to inform you…” emails, stop relying on luck and start using strategies that actually work to set you up for success. Here’s how.

5 ways to land better roles without applying online

1/ Turn your LinkedIn into a recruiter magnet

Most candidates treat LinkedIn like a resume.

Peak performers use it as a lead-generating personal brand machine. Here's some steps to follow:

→ Craft a headline that clearly states what you do and the value you bring (not just your job title).
→ Use your About section to tell a story: who you are, what you’ve achieved, and where you’re headed.
→ Share 1–2 posts a week that celebrate leaders, companies, or trends in your industry and tag the people behind them.

Here's one of our client examples who we supported in updating her LinkedIn banner and headline. These changes attracted inbound DMs and helped her secure her new role as Director, Technology Delivery.

2/ Use content to build credibility fast

Creating content gives you control over how others perceive your expertise.
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It can also put you directly in front of key decision-makers for the role you want.
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​→ Post short insights or lessons from your experience, especially challenges you’ve overcome or results you’ve driven.
​→ Make your profile look like a high-performer: feature top posts, add a link to your portfolio or even include a 60-second intro video.​
→ Don’t wait for a job to show your value. Prove it now with what you share.

​Our client below does this extremely well. Leading up to landing her new role, she was consistent in her content and demonstrated obvious value which attracted the right attention. And still now, her content posts are informative, insightful and value-driven.

3/ Build relationships, not just connections

Networking isn’t about cold DMs asking for a job. It’s about earning attention over time.

→ Start by identifying 10 leaders in companies or roles you're targeting.
​→ Comment on their posts. Share their work. Send a short note with genuine curiosity or praise.
​→ Ask for informational interviews, not jobs. Use my “past, present, future” structure to guide questions:

• What are they most proud of (past)? - Shows what matters to them.

• What are they focused on now (present)? - Shows what they’re prioritizing.

• What are their top goals (future) - Shows where you can support and add value.

Bonus tip: Recap the conversation in a LinkedIn post and tag them. You’ll build goodwill and visibility in one move, while showing gratitude for their time.

And, if you're looking to land a new internal move at your company, use this script as inspiration:

"Hi [Name]. I really admire the work your team is doing on [X area of the business]. It's something I'm quite interested in too and pairs nicely with the projects I've been leading in my department. I’d love to learn more about your priorities and how I can contribute in the future. Would you be opposed to having a quick coffee chat?"

Or if you're reconnecting with a former boss or mentor, use this script as inspiration:

"Hey [Name], it’s been a minute since we last connected. I saw [a recent update about them i.e. your recent promotion to Director], huge congrats! How's that been going for you so far? I’d love to hear what you’ve been working on and see if I can further support you in that. I've always admired the way you led your teams. I can see myself benefitting a lot from working more closely together given my career goals at [Company]. Would you be opposed to grabbing a quick coffee or hopping on a call next week?"

4/ Show up where others don't

Events, webinars, panels, or live industry meetups are often where the real hiring conversations begin.
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Check out LinkedIn Groups, LinkedIn Events and even sites like Eventbrite to find local events to attend.

And a few pro tips to keep in mind:

→ Don’t just attend, participate actively. Ask questions. Take notes. Be memorable.
​→ After the event, post a 2-minute Loom video or LinkedIn recap and tag the panelists.
​→ Message new contacts something thoughtful: “I appreciated what you said about X. Here’s what it sparked for me…”

Most attendees disappear after the event. You’ll be the one who stays top of mind.

Bonus tip: Use this LinkedIn hack to connect instantly with those you meet live.

5/ Treat your search like a campaign

Your search for a new role shouldn't be left to chance. You want to position yourself strategically as the best choice.
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​→ Define your value proposition clearly. Think of your value proposition like a headline on a campaign poster. It should instantly tell someone: what you’re great at, who benefits from it and why it matters.

Here’s a strong example that's specific, outcome-driven and instantly communicates expertise.

“I help consumer brands turn customer data into personalized marketing campaigns that drive 20–30% higher retention, without spending more on media.”

Pro tip: Use this in your LinkedIn headline, outreach messages, and intro in calls.

Repetition = recognition. Recognition = more opportunity.

→ Keep a running list of people who’ve engaged with your content or responded to outreach. Follow up monthly to stay top of mind. Also, go back in your inbox to see any old messages you may have received from recruiters or Hiring Managers. This is a great moment to get back in touch with them.

“I hope you're doing well! You reached out to me a few months back about potential opportunities at [Company Name], and at the time I wasn’t exploring new roles. I’m now in a place where I’m open to the right next step and your message came to mind right away. I’d love to reconnect and see if there are still roles that align with my background in [insert relevant field or skill set]. Would you be open to a quick chat sometime this week or next?"

→ Stay consistent. It’s not one viral post, it’s a series of actions that stack up.

Remember, no one gets hired from being forgettable. Your next opportunity won’t be posted online. It will come from being proactive, visible, and valuable, often before the role even opens.

You've got this!