How to Get a Job (or a Better One)
Related Posts:
If you’re not sure what the shape of your life should look like: Seven Essential Life Principles and Short Term Emotions vs. Long Term Planning
On taking action:
Give Yourself Permission to Suck (this is a podcast, also available on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts, and YouTube)
Over the years, I’ve had a ton of different jobs. I’ve been a server, bartender, teacher, dating coach, and now I do sales and account management. In the past three years alone, I’ve worked for three different companies, each time substantially increasing my compensation. This post shares the strategies that helped me successfully transition from teaching to the private sector and continue to advance my career.
The hardest part was making that initial transition from teaching to the private sector. Most companies looked at my resume and saw no relevant experience, despite the fact that as a teacher, you develop nearly all the skills needed to succeed in business—communication, organization, leadership, problem-solving, and more.
My career progression demonstrates what’s possible: When I first started in sales, I was making around $50K base salary (not counting commission), which was actually less than I made as a teacher. My next job paid $70K, and in my current role, I earn around $125K depending on commission—with potential to earn even more.
So, if you want to get a job, or a better job, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Write or Update Your Resume
Your resume should be clean, well-formatted, and highlight your achievements. Employers want to know why you’re the best person for their job. Focus on your skills and relevant accomplishments, not just job duties. Here’s what part of mine looks like.
Key resume tips:
Quantify achievements where possible (increased sales by 27%, managed a team of 12)
Use action verbs (led, created, implemented) instead of passive language
Customize for each application by emphasizing relevant experience
Keep it to 1-2 pages maximum
Have someone else proofread it
AI tools like Claude or ChatGPT can help you refine your resume, but make sure the final version sounds like you and accurately represents your experience. I love Claude! It helps me edit my posts, and helped me with this one.
Step 2: Write a Cover Letter
Even if not required, a strong cover letter can set you apart. Your cover letter should:
Express why you’re interested in the specific company and role
Highlight 2-3 key qualifications that make you a great fit
Include a strong opening and closing that encourages further conversation
Be concise (no more than one page)
I posted my resume to Claude and asked it to write a cover letter template. The initial draft was somewhat robotic, so I edited it to sound more like me. When applying, I customized it with the specific company name and role details. Here’s what the start of mine looks like.
Step 3: Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Update your LinkedIn profile using elements from your resume. Make sure you have a professional headshot and a compelling headline. Your LinkedIn should:
Include a detailed “About” section highlighting your value proposition
Feature recommendations from colleagues and supervisors
Showcase relevant skills and endorsements
Include your full work history with accomplishments
Connect with people in your target industry. If you’re currently employed and don’t want your employer to know you’re looking, adjust your settings accordingly. Don’t explicitly note you’re “open to work” in this case—recruiters will still find you if your profile is robust and relevant. This is how I got my current position, and headhunters still contact me regularly—not planning to move anytime soon, but it’s flattering!
Step 4: Leverage Your Network
Tell everyone in your professional circle that you’re looking for opportunities. Be specific about the roles you’re targeting so they can help effectively.
Ask them directly:
Do you know of any openings at your company?
Can you introduce me to your hiring manager or HR team?
Would you be willing to refer me for a position?
If you don’t have industry connections, build them on LinkedIn. Research shows that employee referrals are often the most successful way to land a job. People are generally willing to help, especially when it comes to their profession—it makes them feel valued as an expert.
Step 5: Apply Strategically and Consistently
Make job applications your daily priority. My goal was to apply to 5-10 jobs every day. With your resume and cover letter templates ready, each application should take between 10-30 minutes.
Without a direct connection, job hunting is a numbers game. You might need to apply to hundreds of positions to get a few interviews. Be persistent—in life, you can overcome bad odds through volume and consistency.
The best job sites in my experience:
LinkedIn
Welcome to the Jungle
Indeed
ZipRecruiter
Glassdoor
Target companies directly too. Identify organizations you’d love to work for and check their career pages regularly. For example, if you want to work for Adidas, go to their site and see what they’re hiring for. Then when applying, mention why you specifically chose their company—this will help you stand out to recruiters.
Step 6: Follow Up Strategically
If you don’t hear back within a week of applying, follow up professionally. This demonstrates your interest, organization, and persistence—all valuable traits to employers.
A simple email like: “I wanted to confirm receipt of my application for [position] and reiterate my interest in joining your team. I’m particularly excited about [specific aspect of the company].”
Step 7: Help Others in Their Job Search
Networking is reciprocal. As you progress in your career, help others find opportunities. I’ve helped multiple colleagues get jobs at my current and previous companies. It’s the most rewarding thing in my professional life I’ve done. I love helping people.
This creates a positive reputation and expands your network of people who may help you in the future. Companies value candidates who can attract other talent.
Step 8: Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Once you land interviews, preparation is crucial:
Research the company thoroughly (recent news, culture, products/services)
Practice common interview questions and develop concise, compelling stories
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer
Plan your attire and test any technology for virtual interviews in advance
If you have social anxiety, here’s how to overcome your fears.
Step 9: Negotiate Your Offer
Never accept the first offer without discussion. Research salary ranges for similar positions in your area using sites like Glassdoor and PayScale. Ask for a reasonable salary based on your experience and talents.
When negotiating:
Express enthusiasm for the role while still advocating for yourself
Consider the entire compensation package (benefits, flexibility, growth potential)
Be specific about your salary expectations based on research and experience
This approach has helped me increase my compensation from $50K to $125K+ in just three years.
Remember, job hunting can be frustrating and full of rejection, but persistence pays off. Each application and interview is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to your next role—possibly one that dramatically improves your career trajectory and compensation.
If you want help, please hit me up! Happy to help. I hope this has been a valuable step by step analysis of how to get a job, or a better one.
Namaste my job hunters!
If you want to get in touch, DM me on Substack, or drop a comment below. If you like what I’m doing, please share this with a friend or family member who needs to GetBetterSoon, and if you really like what I’m doing, consider becoming a paid subscriber. This will give you access to all of my posts and podcasts, and a free hour consult on anything you want to talk about. Thanks again for your support!