The magic formula for job applications

Inspiring Careers: The Podcast!

I’ve been racking my brains for months on how to really move the needle for job seekers who want to be taken seriously.

And recently, I came across an email had I sent to the cofounder of Circle.so, which got a great response and earned me time on the phone with him. (Listen to hear what the email said, or go here)

Andy’s not the only one — I got the same results for almost every email I sent.

So what’s the magic formula for job outreach? Here it is:

1. A simple, timely email, focused on your shared vision/purpose (what you have in common with the company)
2. A link to a thoughtful “pitch” sharing more about yourself & why you fit the role (this is the one I sent)
3. An easy way to connect further (like a free Calendly link)
4. Sent directly to the founder or primary decision-maker

In my experience it converts nearly 100% of the time, even if they were already in the final stages of interviewing other candidates, like in this case.

It just. Makes people. Want to know you. 😀

How inspiring.careers helps you with this

As some of you know, I’m really trying to productize & gamify this formula to give us all a better way to form strong career connections. The first version is live at inspiring.careers — every application you submit on the website turns into an email similar to this one!

But, I think now I need to turn applications into Notion pages instead, to simplify the email. It’s really important that the email body itself is very simple. (And, I’m guessing, the video thumbnail image I included probably helped!)

So if you’re considering your next career move right now, and want to build your network, drop an application at inspiring.careers/companies and I’ll be in touch very soon.

Have a great week! 👋