Why Sitting Behind a Computer Won’t Help You Find a Job (No Matter How Hard You Try)
We’ve all been there: glued to our screens, scrolling through job postings like a zombie, clicking “Apply” like it's a competition, and pretending we’re making progress. But here's the hard truth—job hunting isn't about sitting behind a computer and waiting for the magic to happen. Newsflash: Your computer isn’t hiring you. If you're spending all your time online, you’re missing out on the real opportunities to actually stand out and land that dream job.
Here’s why—and what you should actually be doing instead.
1. Networking Isn’t Just a Buzzword. It’s Actually How Jobs Happen.
The "hidden job market." Ugh. Can we just retire that term already? Here's the deal: Jobs aren't hidden—they're just filled by people who know people. And those people talk. A lot. If you're not networking, you're not in the loop. Networking doesn’t have to mean awkwardly chatting up strangers at a conference while avoiding eye contact. It can look like:
Sliding into DMs (professionally, of course) to catch up with old colleagues or mentors.
Scheduling casual coffee chats or Zoom calls with folks in your dream job field.
Actually engaging on LinkedIn (shocking, right?) by commenting on posts or sharing your expertise.
Think of networking as building relationships, not begging for favors. Your next opportunity could come from someone you’ve genuinely connected with—no cold emails required.
2. Your Resume is Cute, But It’s Not Enough.
We know, we know—your resume is beautiful. But guess what? So is everyone else’s. Employers are going to check out your LinkedIn, your portfolio, or your personal website to see if you’ve got more than just the basics. Have you:
Updated your LinkedIn profile with a fab headshot and a killer “About” section?
Shared interesting articles or written posts showing off your expertise?
Created a portfolio that screams, “I’m amazing at what I do”?
Pro tip: Your digital presence is like a professional handshake—don’t make it limp and forgettable.
3. Stop Mass Applying. It’s Not a Numbers Game.
If you’re blasting out the same resume to every job you see, stop. Just stop. Hiring managers can spot a generic cover letter from a mile away. Instead:
Do some homework on the company and the role.
Highlight how your skills are exactly what they need (yes, they need you).
Personalize your cover letter so it doesn’t sound like you copy-pasted it from a template.
Quality > quantity, always.
4. Action > Waiting for Something to Happen.
It’s way too easy to get stuck in the endless cycle of “Apply, rinse, repeat.” But news flash: job hunting is an active process. Try:
Volunteering or freelancing in your field to gain experience and meet people who can help.
Attending webinars, workshops, or industry events to learn and network.
Reaching out directly to companies you admire, even if they don’t have an open role posted yet.
Every small action moves you closer to that dream job. No more sitting and waiting.
5. Your Mindset is Everything (So Don’t Let It Tank).
Sitting behind a computer for hours can feel like a slow, painful death of hope. Instead of burning yourself out, try mixing in activities that keep you motivated and feeling good, like:
Setting daily goals like “Reach out to three new contacts today.”
Celebrating the little wins, like finally getting a reply to that email or scoring an informational interview.
Taking regular breaks (yep, really) to recharge your brain and come back with a fresh perspective.
P.S. A Little Blame on COVID.
Somewhere along the way, I blame COVID. We all got way too comfortable not interacting with each other. Digital relationships? Sure, they’re easier—but they aren’t always real, and they definitely aren’t deep. So get out there, get talking, and get connected. Trust me, your job search will thank you.
The Bottom Line?
Finding a job takes more than just hitting “Apply.” It’s about being strategic, building relationships, and showing off what makes you unique. So, close that job board for a hot minute and ask yourself: What can I do today to make my job search actually work?
Ready to make your job search a whole lot more exciting and way less frustrating? Let’s work together. I’ll help you create a strategy that actually gets results—no endless scrolling required. Book a free consultation and let’s make your next career move your best one yet.