Target Companies And Industries

Stop (only) applying for jobs. I'm serious. While everyone will help, here is what actually works: ✅ Spend that time building relationships with people at companies you want to work for. Here's the math no one talks about: 100 applications = 2-3 callbacks (if you're lucky) 10 genuine connections = 5-7 opportunities How do I know? Hiring and getting hired are very similar. So far, all my hires were referrals and introductions. All my clients came through the same. I've placed hundreds of designers. The ones who got hired fastest? They weren't the ones with the most applications. They were the ones who: → DMed designers at target companies about their work (I've hired people who did this at Miro) → Commented thoughtfully on posts from hiring managers → Asked for 15-minute coffee chats, not job talk at first → Built relationships BEFORE they needed them (that's the actual gold here) Real example from last week: The designer spent 3 months engaging with the design lead's content. When a role opened up? She got a DM: "We have something perfect for you." Never even posted publicly. Meanwhile, 847 other designers are fighting over the LinkedIn posting 👹 But here's the part no one teaches you — WHO to reach out to: ✓ Someone I aspire to get to know ✓ Someone's career I aspire to have ✓ Someone who works where I'd like to work ✓ Someone who may be going through similar challenges ✓ Someone I will have lots to talk about And here's how I prioritize companies and roles: First, I map out my network: → Find all my previous colleagues — where do they work now? → Find all open roles — what's relevant and what sounds like the best fit? → What can I see about those environments from JDs and career websites? This gives me a targeted list of: ✨ Companies where I already have warm connections ✨ Roles that actually match my skills ✨ Environments I'd thrive in (not just survive) Smart networking > no applications > successful hires. Every. Single. Time. The best jobs aren't advertised. They go to people already in the conversation. So stop being application #248. Start being the person they think of first. Your time is better spent building one real connection than sending 20 applications into the black hole. Trust me on this one. 💬 How did you get your last role: application or connection? Tell me and let's do some market research together ⬇️

Struggling with the job search? Stop submitting dozens of online apps and crossing your fingers. Try this instead: Start by setting aside 2-3 days. Use that time to research the heck out of companies in your target industry. Learn about their products, customers, finances, people, and culture. You’ll cross a lot of places off your list — that’s a good thing! Work to narrow down the list until you have 15 companies you really love. Now focus 100% of your time and energy on those companies. Invest time creating highly personalized resumes and cover letters, then apply. Begin building relationships with potential referrals. Start with people you know — can anyone in your circle introduce you? Then message decision makers (hiring managers, potential peers) directly. Finally, think about how you can go above and beyond to show how much you want to work there. Can you share potential solutions to a challenge? Can you help identify a new opportunity? Can you perform a competitive analysis? Can you gather feedback on a new initiative? Package that up in a deck and lead with it (I call these Value Validation Projects). Moral of the story? Stop going 100 miles wide and one mile deep. Instead, choose a small set of companies you’re genuinely excited about and invest 100% in them.

Job searching can feel like gloom and doom—but I want you to focus on a different rhyming word instead: BLOOM. Yesterday, I attended the North Carolina Museum of Art's Annual Art in Bloom opening day. I was inspired by the stunning floral arrangements on display, and I left feeling hopeful—reminded that growth happens when you nurture what’s already there. That got me thinking about how career growth works the same way. Here’s a framework you can use to keep momentum during a challenging job search along with some free job search resources: B.L.O.O.M. B – Brainpower your career Before you dive into a job search, the thought work comes first. Jumping straight into applications without a plan is like trying to navigate a new city without a map—you might get somewhere, but it won’t be efficient or strategic. 1. Build your target company list Use tools like Crunchbase and LinkedIn to identify companies that align with your career goals, values, and desired growth trajectory. Look beyond obvious names—consider companies that are scaling, have strong leadership, or are in industries where your expertise is in high demand. 2. Identify decision-makers Once you have your list, use platforms like Hunter and TheOrg to find the right contacts—executives, hiring managers, or functional leaders—so you know exactly who to connect with. 3. Leverage your centers of influence Think about mentors, colleagues, and past collaborators who can help open doors. Share your target company list with them and ask for introductions or guidance. Strategic referrals often get you further than cold outreach alone. L – Leverage your strengths Focus on what you do best. Make sure your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews highlight your unique value—not just a laundry list of responsibilities. See comment section for a resource on how to build out result rich resume bullet points. O – Optimize your brand Your personal brand is more than your resume. Share thought leadership, highlight achievements, and make it clear why you’re the right person for the roles you want. See comments for a white paper on how to write a LinkedIn profile. O – Organized strategy Treat your search like a project. Track applications, follow-ups, and networking opportunities. Small, consistent actions add up faster than sporadic bursts of activity. M – Move forward with confidence Job searches can be slow and unpredictable. Keep taking action, stay visible, and don’t let setbacks shake your belief in your skills and potential. Make daily and weekly outreach goals. **You should not be measuring how many jobs you are applying to each day. Instead, focus on decision-maker conversations.*** When you approach your career like this, you’re not just surviving the search—you’re planting seeds for growth and opportunity, and eventually, you bloom. 🌸

How to find companies that are hiring [even before they post any jobs]: Job boards [LinkedIn, Naukri, or Indeed] show opportunities after they go public. If you want to be early in the queue, here’s how to spot companies that are about to hire: 1️⃣ Get specific first: Decide the exact role, domain, and location you’re targeting, e.g., “SDR in SaaS companies in Bangalore” or “PM in a payment fintech co in Mumbai.” The more specific you are, the easier it becomes to track the right signals. 2️⃣ Track business signals: These are small signs that usually come before hiring starts: > Press releases: Check sites like The Economic Times, Business Standard, or the company's newsroom pages. > Funding announcements: Track Entrackr, Inc42 Media, YourStory Media, or TechCrunch India. Example: Bengaluru-based quick commerce company FirstClub recently raised $23M. This means you can expect them to hire for new sales, data, and marketing roles soon. > New office openings or partnerships: Watch LinkedIn company pages or local business news portals for updates. 3️⃣ Use warm introductions. They work better than you think. Reach out to: > College alumni - They'll always have a soft spot for their college junior. > Ex-colleagues or mutual connections - People are usually open to helping when approached respectfully and specifically. A short message like, “Hi, I saw your company is expanding in Pune. I’ve worked in this space for 3 years. Could you guide me on how to best approach your team?” works far better than a cold resume. 4️⃣ Add a bit of value before you ask. If you can show initiative, you’ll instantly stand out. Examples: > Sales role: “I noticed your expansion into Hyderabad. Here are 5 leads that could help you increase outreach.” > Product design role: “Your app just got a new UI update. Here are 3 small fixes that could improve user flow.” > Marketing role: “Congrats on your funding! Here’s an idea for how you could announce it across channels to attract inbound leads.” > Data role: “Your recent product launch got good traction. I built a quick dashboard idea that could help monitor engagement.” 5️⃣ Keep your resume ready. Because when these companies do start hiring, you won’t need to chase opportunities. They’ll already know who you are. #JobSearch #CareerGrowth #Referrals

A friend of mine was recently laid off, and he reached out to ask for some advice on how to approach his job hunt. One thing I told him was that this is actually the perfect moment to pause and reassess. A layoff is painful, but it also forces you to confront an important question. What do you really want to do next? Not what is available today. Not what a recruiter happens to send you. What you actually want to do. The type of company you want to be part of. The kind of work that energises you. The teams you enjoy working with. The parts of your previous roles you loved, and the parts you never want to repeat again. Once you have that clarity, the next steps become an exercise in intentional searching instead of just taking the first job that comes along. One thing I have noticed is that many people approach their job hunt in a very passive way. They wait for opportunities that appear on job portals or from recruiters, and they choose from whatever happens to show up in front of them, instead of what they actually want. There is a better and far more intentional way to approach your career. Instead of browsing endlessly on job sites, start with clarity. Here is the approach I would challenge you to try. 1 / 🎯 List five companies you genuinely want to work for Not fantasy dream companies, but realistic ones that excite you. Companies that would hire someone with your skills today. Companies you would be proud to join. 2 / 🧩 Identify the roles that suit you best Look at your skill set, strengths, and experience, and write down the roles in each of these companies that you would be qualified for. Focus on roles you can realistically get now, not ten years from now. 3 / 🤖 Use AI to expand your list of roles Use ChatGPT or any AI tool to help uncover roles in these companies that you may not know exist. Sometimes the best fitting roles are the ones you never thought to search for. 4 / 🔍 Search LinkedIn to check availability Look for these roles on LinkedIn. If they are not open, look for people who currently hold these positions or for hiring managers who oversee these teams. These contacts can give you clarity on timing and requirements. 5 / ☕ Reach out and make your own luck Send a message, ask for a coffee, or ask if their team might be hiring soon. Many opportunities never make it to the job boards, and many people are willing people are to share information or offer guidance. Far too many people jump straight into panic mode and take the first role that appears in front of them. But your next job shapes the next few years of your life. It deserves more thought than that. If you are in a similar situation or considering a change, give yourself the space to be deliberate. Think about the companies that excite you. Think about the roles that fit your strengths. Take ownership of the process and reach out to people. Make your own luck. Build a career you actually want, rather than one that happens by accident.

🎯 Spraying your resume across job boards isn’t a strategy—it’s a guessing game. The best job seekers? They build a targeted company list—and use it to unlock the hidden job market. Here’s why this works: ✅ It keeps your job search focused ✅ It helps you network intentionally ✅ It gives you clarity and momentum ✅ It increases your chances of getting referred So how do you build a great target list? Try this simple, 4-step process 👇 1️⃣ Start with what matters to you Don’t just chase logos. Ask yourself: • What industries energize me? • Do I want remote, hybrid, or in-office? • What company culture or values are non-negotiable? • What size of company feels like a good fit? This will give your list more meaning—and help you spot the right roles faster. 2️⃣ Reverse-engineer your dream job Use LinkedIn to: 🔎 Look at profiles of people in roles you want 🔗 See where they work now—and where they came from 📌 Note companies that show up more than once You’ll start to spot patterns—and companies you hadn’t even considered yet. 3️⃣ Build a “Tiered” List Not all target companies are equal—and that’s okay. ✨ Tier 1: Your dream companies 👍 Tier 2: Solid fit, interesting opportunities 👀 Tier 3: Backup or exploratory options A good target list includes ~20–40 companies across all tiers. 4️⃣ Use Your List to Network Smarter Don’t just apply—connect. ✔ Find people in your target roles or teams ✔ Reach out with genuine curiosity, not desperation ✔ Share your interest in the company (not just the job) 💡 Example: “Hi [Name], I’ve been following [Company] for a while—I’m really drawn to your [product/culture/mission]. I’d love to hear a bit about your experience there if you're open to a quick chat.” That’s not a pitch—it’s a conversation starter. 🔥 Final Thought: A targeted company list is more than a spreadsheet. It’s a compass for your job search—and a powerful tool to build real connections. 🔁 Found this helpful? Repost to help other job seekers stop guessing—and start targeting. #jobsearchstrategy #targetcompanylist #hiddenjobmarket #networkingtips #careerclarity #jobhunt #careercoach

The best piece of advice I was given about networking: Don't give people your resume. Do this instead! When I was 38, a former colleague gave me an unforgettable piece of advice. I was starting to look for a new job after being laid off. I'd been running myself ragged trying to meet people who could help me. But, like most beginners, I was making a lot of mistakes: • Applying online for jobs and never hearing back • Going to useless networking events, and • Cold calling the wrong people, Until one day, my colleague said to me: "𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖 𝙏𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙇𝙞𝙨𝙩." That day, my whole approach to networking changed. A Target Company List (TCL) is a list of companies you are interested in learning more about. These are companies where you might want to work. It’s: • A physical, formal list. It doesn’t live “in your head” • Formatted like a resume. You could hand it to someone. • Not laminated. You can make adds and changes to it as you get feedback You create this list by thinking of the type of companies where you want to work. Ask yourself: • Which industry do I want to be in? • What size company do I want to work at? • Which companies have values that align with mine? • Which companies have job postings I’ve applied to? • Which companies are on “Best Places To Work For” lists? Once you create your professionally formatted list, you start giving it to people during networking meetings. Either hand them a physical, paper copy or send it via email. When I got this advice from my colleague, I didn’t understand why the TCL would work, but as I used it over the years, I’ve come to understand why it’s an effective networking tool. When you're in a networking conversation and the other person says, “How can I help you,” most people give them their resume. This makes you hard to help. Who should the person give your resume to? On the other hand, if you give them your TCL and ask, “Do you know anyone who works at one of these companies,” it’s easy for them to say “Yes” or “No.” If they say “Yes,” they can introduce you to the person via email. Now, you know someone at one of your target companies. If they say “No,” you can ask if there are other companies like the ones on the list where they know someone. If they do, you get and introduction at a company you have never considered. If they still don’t know anyone or any companies, let them take the list home. There’s a good chance they’ll think of someone later. The TCL forces you to get specific about how other people can help you. The more specific you are about how someone can help you, the more likely you are to get help. P.S. - This weekend, I'm sharing another tip on Being Easy To Help in 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙧. This is my weekly newsletter where I teach you to be a better networker. Not a subscriber? Sign up for FREE when you hit the link under my headline at the top of the post ☝️

The key to landing more interviews is applying to fewer jobs. In theory, more applications = more opportunities. In reality, more applications = less focus for each = unclear messaging = fewer interview opportunities. Now that we got that out of the way, let’s talk about the roadmap to making every application count toward improving your odds. 1) Get clear on your career goals The more targeted your approach, the faster the progress. Often, those who struggle most with this are those with TOO many possible directions. In theory, you are versatile and could excel in many different jobs. In practice, it’s hard to customize for more than a select few job types/directions. If this sounds like you, here are some prompts to help you get more targeted: >Do you want to continue following your current path or explore others? You can do both, but you’ll need to define a few directions to focus on and tailor your approach for each. >What work values are most important to you right now? Think about whether you want to target based on title, compensation, company type (big, small, industry), location, or schedule (including remote/hybrid) >What are some companies/organizations that interest you? Create a list of target companies to follow. >What type of work is most meaningful for you? Target by the type of tasks that will make you feel engaged (for example, managing people or building complex financial models). Ideally, you’ll come up with a max of 3-4 different job types to target. Could be similar titles in different industries or completely different roles. You can always adjust your approach — and your target list — as you go. 2) Map out your skills Next, for each of your role types, map out your relevant skills and strengths and develop your value proposition. To make the mapping easier, make a list of all of your skills and strengths. Identify which are the most relevant for each of your target role types. You may see a lot of overlap across roles. In other cases, you will want to create different versions of your resume for different target roles. For example, Version 1 may be your go-to resume while Version 2 emphasizes certain industry keywords and niche software programs that are only relevant for one of your target career paths. 3) Start applying Once you have your select list of target roles, it will be easier to cut through the chaos of the job boards to find the most relevant opportunities. You can make your search parameters much more specific and focus on only applying to jobs that are a 80% fit (or better) with what you want. Since you’re targeting fewer roles, you’ll have more time to tailor your resume and cover letter and work your network for information or even a referral. Don’t spam the Easy Apply button again — take your time and prioritize a targeted approach instead. And if you need help with 1) and 2), message me. I’d love to help you get clear on your next steps. : )

I've done lots of Recruiter and HM interviews this past month. Here's the one thing Sr-level job seeker should know about this labor market ↓ It's incredibly competitive High competition means the margins between who gets interviews, and who doesn't, is very thin. Hiring teams want Sr candidates who are: - Proven - Low risk - Able to add value quickly They don't need to take a chance on someone who's done 60% of the role, or someone trying to 'stretch' into a new position. What does that mean for jobs seekers? Look for roles where you're highly competitive. Don't treat your search like an entry level numbers game. Do this 3-step process to niche down: Step 1: Define your work criteria Pull up your last 3 to 5 roles or major projects. What work energized you? What drained you? What delivered the biggest results? What are you known for when people recommend you? -Rank your priorities -Compensation floor -Flexibility -Team size -Growth stage -Industry stability This is your work filter. It tells you where to focus. Step 2: Map who offers this work Research 10 to 15 companies that match your filter. Look for companies hiring for the work you defined. Check if your background is common there by reviewing employee profiles on LinkedIn. Find adjacent industries that value your experience. Build a shortlist of 5 to 10 target companies. (ideally where you know people) Step 3: Identify your competitive roles For each target company, find 2 to 3 open roles where 70%+ of the job description matches work you have already done. The level should align with your years of experience and scope. You should be able to name 2 to 3 recent accomplishments that prove you can do this job. Proof is the key to niching. The outcome is a focused list of 10 to 15 specific roles at 5 to 10 companies where you are actually competitive. Now you've got a target! _ _ _ PS - What steps would you add to this list?

I had a great conversation this week with an IR professional from a biotech company whose role is likely to be cut after an acquisition. Smart, thoughtful, great background. Her instinct (like most of us) was: “I’ll watch the job boards and apply to anything that looks close.” Here’s what I suggested instead: -- Build a target list of companies you actually believe in – science, leadership, runway, location. -- Lead with curiosity, not ‘do you have a job?’ Reach out with a specific reason: “I’ve followed your company because of X.” “I used to cover companies like yours when I was an analyst and would love 15 minutes to hear how you think about Y.” Ask for insight, not favors. -- People are much more willing to talk when you’re not putting them on the spot to “help you find something.” -- Use your edge. In her case, she prefers to be in the office. That’s a real differentiator when so many people want remote only. -- Let job postings be one lane, not the whole highway. Apply, sure. But spend more time creating conversations at the companies you actually want. You can’t control when a role opens up. You can control who knows you, what they remember about you, and how clearly you connect your story to their needs. If you’re job searching now, what part of this is hardest to put into practice? #CareerStrategy #JobSearchTips #BiotechCareers #NetworkingStrategies