How I'd Get a Job in 30 Days

I knew better, and I still panicked.

When I was made redundant during COVID, I did exactly what I tell job seekers not to do. I added my latest role to my old CV, opened the job boards and applied for anything that looked vaguely suitable.

I got some rejections and a lot of silence. I even interviewed for jobs I'd never have accepted.

I eventually found my next role through my network. It changed how I think about looking for work: applications matter, but they're only one part of finding a job.

This book is the plan I'd follow if it happened again. What I'd do, why I'd do it and how you can do it yourself, in the order I'd do it.

This book is for you if

• You've lost your job, or think you might, and need a plan quickly
• You're sending applications and hearing nothing back
• You want to know what recruiters and hiring managers actually look for
• You'd rather spend an afternoon doing something useful than a week ticking boxes

What's inside

Ten steps, in the order I'd tackle them, plus the tools I'd keep beside me:

Work out what I actually want

Decide which jobs are worth pursuing before you spend days chasing the wrong ones.

Get my CV ready to win interviews

Make it easy for an employer to see what you offer.

Make LinkedIn work for me

Help recruiters find you when they search, and make sure your profile makes sense when they do.

Find jobs in more places than the obvious ones

Search techniques you can copy, beyond the same adverts everyone else sees.

Speak to recruiters, hiring managers and people I know

Use every sensible route into the market, including the people who already know your work.

Apply strategically, then keep track

Fewer, better applications, and a simple tracker that shows you what's working.

Prepare properly for interviews

Match your experience to what the employer actually needs.

Decide whether I actually want the offer

Check the job against what you need before you say yes.

Negotiate salary and understand the whole offer

Research the market early, know your range, and look at more than the salary.

Keep momentum and change what isn't working

What to change when nothing seems to be happening.

Messages and worksheets

Example messages for recruiters, hiring managers and former colleagues, plus five ready-to-use worksheets.

About Lee

Lee Harding has worked in recruitment for more than 20 years, building talent teams and making hiring decisions. He knows what happens on the other side of an application, and he's been the candidate too. He writes for hundreds of thousands of followers as The Introverted Recruiter.