The Voice of Job Seekers

Mark Anthony Dyson ★ Career Writer ★ Speaker ★ Thinker ★ Award-winning Blog & Podcast! ★ "The Job Scam Report" on Substack! ★ I hack and reimagine the modern job search!

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by Mark Anthony Dyson

How to Overcome Ineffective Spraying and Praying— Do This Instead

How to Overcome Ineffective Spraying and Praying— Do This Instead

Networking is not the entire answer to finding a job, but it is often the missing piece in creating impactful gains. In today’s hyper-competitive job market, many job seekers fall into the trap of applying to as many jobs as possible in the shortest amount of time. The “Spray and Pray” approach is anti-productive for most job seekers. Spraying 50 to 100 applications a week feels like a race you’ll never win. The strategy yields diminishing returns. Anyone can do it for months without remembering it’s the job they want, not reps.

Mass Applying Is Costly.

Mass applying can become a thoughtless strategy. You can decide if it’s real work or thoughtless. Both could be true. It may even check a mental box for “putting in the effort.” The more job postings you chase without customization or research, the more you’re spinning your wheels, focusing on quantity over quality.

Even with tailored applications, sending them into the digital black hole without a connection or follow-up breeds silence. Job seekers find as they apply without prejudice, feedback is scarce. If you’re goal is “I’m trying,” your accuracy is impressive. Hiring managers identify the known, the vetted, and the referred. One hundred applied-to jobs can keep you, your name, and your qualifications in obscurity.

Strategic Networking Beats the Algorithm.

I’ve said for years now: job search is a lifestyle. While it’s not too late to effectively network, it is daunting after months of static job searching. Consistently successful job seekers understand this. They don’t rely on hope. They tap into relationships, industry presence, and targeted outreach. Instead of applying to 30 jobs a week, they may apply to only five or ten—each carefully selected, researched, and accompanied by a strategy: connecting with someone at the company, being referred, or positioning themselves as a solution to a known problem.

Here’s what strategic job seekers are doing differently:

  • Leveraging referrals: They activate former colleagues, mentors, and peers to refer them to companies as a staple of their networking. Yet, referrals are not as frequent or as common as they were years ago. Referrals are not guaranteed to get an interview for your next job. Some HR experts feel that they are no longer as valued as they once were.
  • Becoming visible: They share content, comment on industry news, or write LinkedIn posts demonstrating expertise, asking questions, and making themselves recognizable to recruiters and decision-makers. They are participating in industry organization committees, which gives a few participants an inside first look at the possibilities.  
  • Using second- and third-degree connections: The one-stop with whom they know directly can turn into key introductions. They are seeking introductions, information, and resources rather than repeatedly applying for jobs. Informational interviews are a great way to start for anyone looking to deepen their current connections and gain constructive direction.
  • Reverse-engineering opportunities: Instead of just looking for openings, they look for companies and leaders doing interesting work, then find ways to engage and offer value, even before a job is posted.

Why It Matters More Than Ever!

With hundreds of qualified candidates applying for one role, standing out through an application alone is rarely enough. It’s no secret recruiters and hiring managers pay more attention to someone introduced by a trusted source or who has already been seen in a professional context. They mostly rely on getting qualified candidates from their recruiters. The winning candidate receives the most attention when they communicate value and results.

Strategic networking isn’t about schmoozing or cold pitching. It’s about building meaningful connections and creating a reputation that precedes the resume, about showing up where the conversations happen, and being part of the ecosystem you want to join.

The Takeaway

Mass applying might make you feel busy, but not competitive. With experience, networking is an effective intentional strategy. What stands out today is those who connect with others offline, even if it’s a person-to-person phone call. Few may find success with texting or direct messaging, but regardless of the method used, the value exchange remains key.  

Filed Under: Job Search, Networking

by Mark Anthony Dyson

5 Practical Ways Job Seekers Must Combat Desperation

5 Practical Ways Job Seekers Must Combat Desperation
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I reflect on my extensive experience since 2011, emphasizing the importance of engaging with industry organizations, building social proof through online work, and being generous without expecting immediate returns.

  • Job seekers should focus on value exchange and thoughtful giving to build meaningful connections.
  • Preparation and strategic planning are crucial steps in the job search process.
  • Participate in professional communities and organizations, leveraging platforms such as YouTube and LinkedIn to showcase your skills.
  • Stay apprised of industry trends. 
  • To counter desperation, he advocates for a proactive approach, emphasizing continuous learning, networking, and adaptability.
  • Resilience is key, and be open to new job search strategies. Stay relevant and prepared in a fluctuating job market.

Tired of seeing job scams? Me too! I talk about avoiding and combating them on The Job Scam Report. Subscribe! 

Filed Under: Job Search

by Mark Anthony Dyson

Boost Your Career Now with AI Strategies and Get Found Later

Boost Your Career Now with AI Strategies and Get Found Later
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Thank you for tuning into the Voice of Job Seekers podcast. I’m Mark Anthony Dyson. I’ve been doing this podcast for nearly 12 years, and my blog has been around since July 2011. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to explore the available articles and podcasts. We’ve had over 300 episodes featuring more than 200 guests, including other content creators, career coaches, and business people.

For the first time, I’ll do a series of solo episodes to share my thoughts and gather your feedback. I’ve been exploring AI in the context of job seeking and have written articles on this topic since 2019. AI is here to stay, and I want to discuss how it impacts job searches, comparing Search Everywhere Optimization to traditional Search Engine Optimization.

I’ve written for various outlets like Recruiter.com and PayScale.com, ensuring my work is optimized for search engines. However, AI offers a new dimension by providing comprehensive profiles and citations of my work across various platforms. For job seekers, it’s essential to dominate your narrative and present a digitized reputation.

Your work must be through academic publications, podcasts, videos, or newsletters. Start building these digital breadcrumbs now to attract potential employers or recruiters. That is, if you want to enhance your possibilities.

Consistently sharing your expertise through various mediums can significantly enhance your online presence. In conclusion, whether you create video content, publish articles, or engage in thoughtful online discussions, it’s essential to establish your brand authority and ensure you’re easily searchable.

Utilize AI and SEO strategies to make yourself more discoverable. Even as an audio-centric podcast, I emphasize the power of video content for deeper engagement.

Filed Under: Job Search

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I moderated a panel on Wealth Management for executives by Black Enterprise Magazine in October 2023 in Miami.

I was interviewed on Scripps News show, “The Why!” 4/13/2023

I talked with John Tarnoff and Kerry Hannon of “The Second Act” podcast about job searching after 50 in October 2022.

I was on “The Career Confidante” podcast to talk about “boomerang employees” and “job fishing” in June 2022.

Making Job Search a Lifestyle With “Dr. Dawn Graham on Careers,” SiriusXM Ch. 132, Wharton School of Business May 2021

In May 2020, I talked with LinkedIn’s Senior News Editor Andrew Seaman on “#GetHired” Live.”

Beverly Jones, host of the NPR podcast “Jazzed About Work,” invited me back to talk job scams, job search trends, and AI tools in April 2024

WOUB Digital · Episode 183 : Job search expert Mark Dyson says beware of scams, know AI & keep learning

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