The 105: Free Job Search Strategies That Work
by Laurie Ruettimann
Since October 2024, I’ve offered free career coaching to people who lost their jobs. This week, my 105th client landed a new role. Some journeys were easier than others, but I saw clear patterns among those who were hired.
Before we talk tactics, remember that losing a job brings a flood of emotions: betrayal, surprise, grief. The people who returned to work fastest faced those feelings early, so they didn’t get stuck later. Every strategy here starts with that foundation. If you skip the emotional work, the practical steps won’t help.
Write a Manifesto
It might sound cliché, but do it anyway. Write down who you are, what you believe about work, life, spirituality, and what grounds you emotionally. Also write what you don’t believe in, which can matter even more. Include what you’ve experienced and what you won’t repeat.
Be completely honest. Don’t worry about typos or editing.
Share Your Story (As Much As You’re Comfortable With)
I asked every client to share what they felt comfortable sharing. I heard stories you might not expect: family backgrounds, tough times, and good memories too. People talked about what a healthy workplace looks like, their hopes, and what they want next in life.
We sorted everything into a framework: which jobs and organizations were ideal, which were must-haves, and which to avoid. Your history is valuable information. Use it.
Study the Person Doing the Job You Want
We made lists of target companies, but I also encouraged people to find someone on LinkedIn who already has the job they want. Study that person’s profile. Notice what they have that you don’t, including their connections and education.
Then reach out. Say, “You have my dream job, and I’d love to connect with you to learn how you got there.” Most said yes to the connection request. (Although very few of my clients were brave enough to make that meeting happen. Boo.) I know it’s hard to believe that random requests on LinkedIn work, but the economy is tough. Even workers with good jobs worry that they’re one nightmare scenario away from being homeless. People are kind!
Fix How You Show Up on Screen
This advice might not be popular, but I’m sharing it anyway.
With permission, I took an honest look at how people present themselves online, especially from the waist up. Biases exist, so I wanted to make sure their appearance says “I’m here to work, solve problems, and contribute.”
I paid close attention to details with people. I know you want to be yourself. Me too. But if you’re aiming for a six-figure job at a company that expects you in the office, you need to show up on screen looking like someone who would come to work dressed for the office. You can do this audit on yourself without being cruel.
Talk to 3 to 5 People a Week
I had a mandatory goal with clients: have three to five conversations each week. It could be a virtual coffee or a quick chat with a former coworker. This step is essential.
You’re building your communication and listening skills. More importantly, you’re getting out of your own head and helping others. That combination makes a big difference. Everyone who did this shaved months off their job search.
Get Out of the House
Why volunteer when the world has been cruel to you? Volunteering gets you away from your computer. New opportunities often show up when you volunteer. This is backed by career books, my coaching experience, and my own life. When you volunteer, good things happen. Ignore this advice and you might stay unemployed much longer.
But it’s not just about volunteering. You also need a third place, like a church, gym, group class, senior center, or a free coworking space. Go somewhere regularly so people start to recognize you.
Don’t wear headphones. Make eye contact. Be curious and ask good questions. Think about how you can help others. If there’s no one to talk to, read a book instead of scrolling your phone and look up now and then. Notice how the room feels. If someone new seems lost, offer help. The more you engage with people, the more likely you are to find a job.
Stop Overthinking Your Resume and LinkedIn
There’s already a lot of advice online about resumes and LinkedIn profiles. I discussed both with every client, and I won’t repeat it here because the industrial resume optimization industry has probably made you feel bad enough. Join communities, check out Reddit, and follow best practices to create a resume that tells your story. Then move on. People like you are not hired by old ATS technologies. They’re hired by second- and third-degree connections.
Cap Your Internet Time at Three Hours
Limit your job search to three hours a day. Don’t spend more than a few hours on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, or niche job boards. Spending more than three hours can leave you feeling down. You also need time to write thoughtful applications and emails. These websites track your activity, waste your time, and rarely lead to results.
Schedule your time on job boards, but also make time for breakfast, a walk, and lunch. No one solves big problems on an empty stomach or by eating breakfast off their toddler’s plate. Taking care of your mind is your secret weapon in the job search.
Spend an Hour or Two a Week Learning
We’re all so dull from the internet. Go learn something new. This could be a free LinkedIn Learning course, a YouTube video, or a class at your local community college. All learning is valuable, and it gives you something to mention in interviews when people ask what you’ve been up to. You don’t want to come across as someone who’s spent all day just refreshing LinkedIn or sharing TikTok memes.
Interview for Jobs You Would Never Take
I wrote about this in my book, and I’ll repeat it here. If you’re searching for a project manager job, there’s nothing wrong with interviewing at restaurants or for executive assistant positions.
It’s not unethical. You never know where it might lead, and it’s all good practice. You’re not wasting anyone’s time by showing up as your talented self and sharing your story. You’re also helping them learn how to interview candidates.
What This All Adds Up To
If you look at everything above, it’s not just a job search strategy. It’s a way to live while you’re looking for work.
My program is based on four things: taking care of your mind, building emotional connections, staying active in the world, and using your internet time wisely. The people who found work again didn’t do all of these perfectly, but they did most of them regularly. They wrote their manifesto, had real conversations, got out of the house, and ate breakfast at a table instead of standing over the sink scrolling job boards.
The main thing I saw among 105 people is this: those who found work faster connected with others, not just for networking, but in a real, human way. They made eye contact, asked thoughtful questions, and stayed curious about the world, even when things were tough.
I’ve wrapped up this free coaching work because, according to my husband, I need to earn a living now. Okay, also because I enjoy nice things. But I also care about you and want you to get back to work, too.
Let me know if any of this speaks to you, or if you have anything to add. Learning from each other is how I built this framework in the first place.
Laurie Ruettimann is a keynote speaker and author who lives in North Carolina. For more information on her talks, please visit laurieruettimann.com/speaking