The Job Hunt Hacks I Wish I’d Known

I believed my portfolio spoke for itself.

Big mistake.

There’s a whole other layer to job hunting — salary tricks, interview tactics — and I was completely in the dark.

This realisation hit me hard, leading to many moments of frustration and regret. I wasn’t prepared to showcase my true value, and as a result, I missed out on opportunities, undersold myself, and lost at the salary negotiation game.

So, to avoid those same mistakes, here’s what I learned about finding the right opportunities.

Where to find jobs: Research deeply, build genuine connections

Instead of putting out your application and getting lost in the sea of applications. Try to change your perspective:

If I were the recruiter for this company, what would I want to get for this role?

Normally, they are written in their job description. Focus on high-potential matches by comparing your skills, and tailor your CV, cover letter, and portfolio to each opportunity:

• Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role.
• Use keywords from the job description. This helps Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) more effectively identify you as a match.

So what’s next? I used to send out applications on LinkedIn and quietly wait for answers, anxiously hoping for a reply. Nowadays, I can easily find out who your connections are working in your interested company, have a cup of coffee to learn more about the company culture and get their help to improve your portfolio and CV. This approach offers valuable insider insights, builds genuine connections, and allows you to tailor your application with direct feedback.

Not knowing anyone from the company? You can still search for people with a similar background or common interests. But remember to…