Ditch the Job Boards: 3 steps to get the job or promotion before it is posted

Ever feel like your job is fine…but you’re ready for something more?

That’s where my friend Sam was.

He wasn’t burned out or miserable. But he did want something more challenging and more visible. Maybe even outside the company.

So Sam hired an executive coach to figure out his next move.

He thought the coach was mostly useless—except for one piece of advice:

“Stop scrolling the job board. Start having two conversations a week.” 

With people inside his company.
Outside his company.
Across his industry.

Anyone who could give Sam a new perspective—or open a door he didn’t know existed.

Why? Let me say something that might rattle a few cages:

The best jobs don’t get posted.

They get offered.

The Problem

We’ve been taught to job search like it’s 2011.

Update your resume.
Click “Apply.”
Hope someone gets back to you.

But if you wait until the job is posted, you’ve already lost your best shot.

Most great roles are filled through quiet conversations—before they ever go public.

Leaders keep mental lists:

– Maternity leave backfills
– Stretch assignment candidates
– A bench for future managers
– Trusted people for the next high-visibility project

If you’re not on that list?

You won’t hear about the opportunity until it’s too late.

The Big Small Thing

Stop relying on job boards. Start managing relationships.

Here’s your new 3-part strategy:

Step 1: Get on someone’s list.

Leaders are always making mental notes. Make sure you’re one of them.

Even if you’re not job hunting right now, let people know what you want.

• Tell your manager you’d love a shot at leading the next cross-functional project
• Ask a skip-level leader what skills they’re looking for in future leaders
• Share that you’re interested in product, comms, analysis (whatever lights you up)

Steal this script: “I love what I’m doing now, but I’d be excited to stretch into X. I’m looking for opportunities to grow in that direction. Putting it on your radar.”

You can’t be considered if you never say what you want out loud.

Step 2: Actively job searching? Talk to 2 people a week.

Not actively job searching? Talk to 1 person per month.

If you’re relying on job boards, you’re applying too late.

Instead, build what I call your “Dynamic Dozen.”

It’s your small, trusted network of people who:

– Know what you’re good at
– Know what you’re looking for
– Think of you when something opens up

Not sure who to reach out to? Try:

• A former manager you admire
• Someone already in your dream role
• A past colleague who moved to a company you respect

Steal this script: “I’d love to learn more about how you made the transition into [X role]. Would you be open to a 15-minute chat in the next couple weeks?”

Step 3: Treat networking like normal human connection.

Most people don’t like “networking.” But they do like people.

So skip the awkward pitch.

Ask good questions.
Be curious.
Be nosy.

Be a real human.

You’re not asking for a job.

You’re getting on the list before the job exists.

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How This Helps You Get What You Want

Whether you want to change roles, chase a promotion, or lead something new…

…the job board won’t get you there.

But being top of mind will.

So skip the scroll.

Make the call.

And let people know what you’re chasing.