Ever feel like you're shouting into the void with every online application you submit? It’s like your resume disappears into a black hole, never to be seen again.
Phyl Terry, author of "Never Search Alone," has spent years studying what actually works in job searches, and spoiler alert: it's not submitting hundreds of applications online. Terry's method has helped job seekers across the globe land roles through support groups and strategic networking. They recently joined Glassdoor's Hot Seat to share insights on building connections, navigating the hidden job market, and why asking for help might be the most important career skill you're not using.
Here are five key questions Terry answered about transforming your job search.
1. If you could give your younger self one work-related tip, what would it be?
"I would say: ask for help more. My mother modeled asking for help and started the first Council back in 1960, but I was a slow learner. We all 'learn' in school that asking for help can be cheating, so it takes time to unlearn that. And that was true for me, too."
2. How do I stand out among tons of applicants?
"The big problem/opportunity is that 85%+ of jobs come through the 'hidden job market' — that is, through word-of-mouth, networks, etc. This is why I do not advocate 'spray and pray' — where you submit hundreds or thousands of applications online. That will generate the result you have achieved: not much. And that is just hard and demoralizing to you.
If you have a non-traditional background, then it's all the more important to understand what I call your 'Candidate-Market Fit' — i.e., to understand both what you want and how the market sees you. You do that by what I call a Listening Tour, or a kind of market research. When you are in the job search, your skills and experience are a 'product' that you are bringing to market. You need to better understand your product and focus it on your fit."
3. How do I dedicate enough time to my job search without burning out?
"If you have a clear focus — i.e., what you know as 'Candidate-Market Fit' — then your focus should be on doing as much networking as possible. Most people do NOT love networking. And networking can be particularly hard in this moment. So make that your primary focus, but then pepper it with everything else: classes (definitely AI), make sure you pick several nights a week to be out at events (even if early if you have kids at home), and add some volunteer work in there (either business-focused or community-focused)."
4. Should I lower my salary expectations with so much competition?
"Unless it's a deal-breaker, I recommend a softer approach. If, for example, you were expecting $150K and they came in at $135K, you might say, 'I'd like to talk about compensation. I was expecting something more like $150K. My last role was at $145K, and I was hoping to be more in that range or a little higher. Are you open to considering that?' That has worked really well, and especially in a down market, it feels easier for candidates like you to pull off. And guess what? It often results in more money even now."
5. What's one thing that really strengthens connections between coworkers?
"The most important thing: start a listening tour. Check in with colleagues — tell them you want to understand their roles and how your work can support theirs. Build relationships. Build a village of support. Then, keep it going: Send personal, handwritten thank-you notes. Remember birthdays and celebrate them. Notice what people care about. If they love a sports team, send a Slack when something big happens. Small moves, done consistently, build deep trust."