The Magnet Theory: An Approach to Job Hunting

“Be so good they can’t ignore you.”

~Steve Martin

I’ve been talking with a lot of folks who are running into the same problem: they keep applying to companies for jobs and not getting them.

I feel for these people.

They are doing all the right things. Their resumes are polished. Their LinkedIn profiles are accurate. Their online applications are filled out with precision and good intent.

Some people are even working with some of the best recruiters and a good recruiter is worth their weight in gold.

But the results have been dismal.

In my experience, there’s a better way.

Instead of reaching out to a company…have the company chase you.

That’s right: reverse the calculus.

If you’re a great writer, showcase your writing.

Great art director or designer? Do some experiments. Re-design classic movie posters. Re-art direct the ugly signs of an American city. Start an Instagram featuring your best A.I. ideas. Let’s see your stuff and show up in a lot of places.

And what if you’re not a typical creative? Well, let’s see your smarts. Start a Substack on what you know best. Give the world your point of view. Illuminate us.

When you you’re trying to get hired, you’re advertising for yourself. And like all the best advertising show, don’t tell.

This will not be easy. You will have your personal doubts. You will feel intimidated by those who will judge.

But as someone who spent more than half their career in positions where I was looking for and hiring talent, I can tell you that the people who stood out, who actually did things, they were far more likely to be hired than anonymous folks who appeared in a stack of resumes.

I call this the Magnet Theory. And guess what? You can be the magnet.