Why cold outreach gets you hired faster than job boards
98% of job applications never lead to an interview.
If you’ve spent hours tailoring your resume, filling out online applications, and waiting for a response—only to hear nothing—you’re not alone.
The reality is, a human never sees most job applications. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter out 75% of resumes before a hiring manager even looks at them.
That’s why I stopped relying on job boards—and started using cold outreach to land interviews instead.
Why Traditional Job Searching Doesn’t Work
If you’ve ever sent out dozens (or hundreds) of applications without hearing back, here’s why:
You’re competing with thousands of applicants.
Every job post gets flooded with applications. Even if you're qualified, your resume gets lost in the crowd.ATS filters out most resumes.
Companies use algorithms to screen applications before a recruiter even sees them. If your resume doesn’t match the exact criteria, it’s auto-rejected.The best jobs are never posted.
Many roles are filled before they ever hit a job board. The best way to access these hidden opportunities? By reaching out directly to decision-makers.
How Cold Outreach Works (And Why It’s More Effective)
Instead of waiting and hoping, cold outreach puts you in control of your job search. Here’s how it works:
You bypass the ATS.
Instead of getting stuck in a system, your email lands directly in a hiring manager’s inbox.You get seen before a job is even posted.
Many managers are always open to great talent—even if they haven’t listed a role yet. A well-timed email can create an opportunity before anyone else knows about it.You stand out from the crowd.
While most job seekers spam applications, you’re starting real conversations.
A Simple Cold Outreach Strategy You Can Use Today
Want to try cold outreach? Here’s a simple 3-step process:
Step 1: Find the Right Hiring Managers
Don’t email recruiters. Instead, reach out to the person who would be your boss or teammate.
Use LinkedIn or company websites to find managers in your target field.
If you can’t find their email, use tools like Hunter.io or ContactOut to locate professional emails.
Step 2: Write a Short, Direct Cold Email
Your email should be short, and specific, and show how you can add value. Here’s a simple format:
📧 Subject: Quick Question
Hi [First Name],
I came across [Company] and was impressed by [something specific about their work].
I’m a [your job title] with experience in [relevant skills]. I’d love to learn more about [team/project] and explore whether there’s a way I can contribute.
Would you be open to a quick chat?
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Best,
[Your Name]
Key Takeaway: No attachments, no long paragraphs—just a short, value-driven message.
Step 3: Follow Up (Without Being Annoying)
Most hiring managers won’t respond to the first email. That’s normal. Follow up 3-4 times over 2-3 weeks.
A simple follow-up could be:
Subject: Following up
Hi [First Name], just wanted to check if you had a chance to see my last email. Let me know if you'd be open to a quick chat.
🔹 Why it works: Most people give up after one email, but 80% of opportunities happen after follow-ups.
Want a Proven System? Get the Cold Outreach Toolkit
If you want ready-to-use cold email templates, a complete outreach strategy, and a system to track your responses, check out the Self-serve toolkit.
Includes:
The exact cold email scripts that get hiring managers to respond
A step-by-step outreach playbook
A Google Sheets job search tracker
Bonus: Custom domain & email setup guide
Preorder now & start landing interviews faster.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to keep waiting for job boards to “work.” Take control of your job search today.
Cold outreach works—if you do it the right way.
If you need help implementing this, check out the Job Search Accelerator Course or the Done-For-You Outreach Service.
🔗 Want to chat? Connect with me on LinkedIn!
Want to skip the job board black hole?
