You’ve applied for 87 jobs.
You’ve heard back from three. One was a scam. One ghosted you after the first interview. The third sent you a rejection email that was clearly written by a bot.
You think the answer is applying to more jobs. But here’s what I’ve learned after helping hundreds of students: you’re already spending hours every day on this, and it’s burning you out.
The answer isn’t doing more. It’s doing things differently. Here’s what actually works: spending 20 focused minutes on the right activities.
Spend 20 Minutes Clarifying Your Skill Story
Spend 20 Minutes Networking with Alumni
Spend 20 Minutes Following Up
Spend 20 Minutes Clarifying Your Skill Story
Before you hit Submit on one more application, pause. You’re applying without a clear story about what you bring to the table, and that’s making it harder for employers to see your value.
You need to answer this: What skills do you actually have, and how have you used them?
Not “I’m a hard worker” or “I’m a team player.” Employers hear that from everyone. A skill is something you can DO, and you need a specific example of when you’ve done it well.
Here’s what a real skill story sounds like:
“One of my core skills is writing. I developed it as a staff writer for my college newspaper, where I wrote five articles a week on tight deadlines. That experience taught me how to research efficiently, adapt content for different audiences, and edit my work quickly. It strengthened my ability to communicate clearly in a fast-paced environment.”
You don’t need to have done something extraordinary. You just need to articulate what you’ve done with confidence.
Take 20 minutes and write out three of your core skills with specific examples. Once you have this, you’ll stop feeling like you’re throwing applications into a void.
Spend 20 Minutes Networking with Alumni
I know networking feels intimidating. But here’s the truth: most jobs are not filled through online applications. Jobs are filled by people who know people.
You’re not going to out-apply the competition. There are hundreds of other students with your major and similar experience. The way you stand out is by having someone who can say, “I know this person. They’re solid.”
Alumni want to help you. Most people remember how hard this process was.
Use 20 minutes to find five alumni from your school on LinkedIn who work in a role or company you’re interested in. Send them a short message:
Katie, I’m a fellow Penn State alumna with a degree in communications. I’m interested in learning more about your role as a marketing director at VaynerMedia. I’d appreciate connecting! Sara
Once they accept, ask for a 15-minute conversation. You’re NOT asking for a job. You’re learning how this industry works and what skills really matter.
Ten conversations like this will do more for your job search than 50 online applications.
Spend 20 Minutes Following Up
This is where a lot of students lose momentum. You’re tired. You’ve already put yourself out there. Following up feels pushy.
However, here’s the truth: following up professionally demonstrates your genuine interest. Hiring managers are overwhelmed. If you send one email and disappear, they assume you found something else.
Here’s a solid follow-up example:
Dear [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I really appreciated learning more about [Company] and your focus on [specific area]. Our conversation reinforced my interest in the role and how my skills can support your objectives.
I was especially impressed by [specific detail]. I believe my experience and work ethic would allow me to add value as you work toward [company goal].
Thank you again. I look forward to staying in touch and will follow up next week.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
And here’s the thank you note template. If you don’t hear back, follow up every 7 to 10 days. Try this phrase: “Please pardon my persistence.” It’s polite and shows confidence. And add value by sharing a podcast, article, or piece of content that shows you are thinking about contributing to the organization.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
The job market has changed. There are now two applicants for every entry-level job. Companies use AI to screen resumes. Ghost jobs are everywhere.
You’re stuck in the middle, trying to figure out what you’re doing wrong. And the truth is, you’re probably not doing anything wrong. You just haven’t been taught the strategies that work right now.
Landing a job comes down to three things: clearly communicating your skills, building relationships, and following up consistently.
That’s exactly where coaching makes the difference. We work with students like you every day who are smart and capable but need someone to show them what actually works.
Want to talk about how we can help you move from stuck to hired? Call us at 973-577-6161 or schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with an Advisor HERE.
You’ve got this. You just need the right roadmap.
