How to Get a Job Fast

Speed in job searching isn't about applying to more jobs. It's about applying to the right jobs, in the right way, while building relationships that lead to opportunities.

The Counterintuitive Truth About Speed

Here's what most people get wrong: they think applying faster leads to getting hired faster. It doesn't. What leads to getting hired faster is:

Focused targeting — 20 thoughtful applications beat 200 spray-and-pray
Warm introductions — Referrals get interviews 10x more often
Strategic timing — Following up effectively, not just waiting
Prepared materials — Tailored resumes that pass the 6-second scan

Week 1: Foundation (Days 1-7)

Day 1-2: Get Organized

Set up a job search tracker
Calculate your financial runway
Update your core resume and LinkedIn

Day 3-5: Target

Research 20-30 target companies
Identify decision-makers and potential referrers
Prioritize by fit and accessibility

Day 6-7: Activate

Reach out to your immediate network
Draft your "open to work" announcement
Send first batch of targeted applications

Week 2-4: Momentum

High-Impact Activities

3-5 networking conversations per week
2-3 tailored applications per day
Follow-ups on all outstanding applications
Continuous LinkedIn engagement

Low-Impact Activities to Minimize

Endless job board scrolling
Generic applications
Waiting passively for responses

The 48-Hour Action Plan

If you just lost your job, start with our Fast Job Search After Layoff prompt. It creates a structured action plan for your first 48-72 hours — the critical period that sets the trajectory for your entire search.

Why AI Helps You Move Faster

AI doesn't replace human effort — it compresses the time-consuming parts. Use prompts to:

Generate tailored resume bullets in minutes, not hours
Research companies quickly before outreach
Draft personalized messages at scale
Prepare for interviews thoroughly

The human judgment still matters. But AI handles the heavy lifting so you can focus on relationships and strategy.