Job Hunting Help That Actually Works

Skip the generic advice. Here is what to do this week to move your job search forward — plus when to automate the grind.

Your 5-step checklist for this week

Most job search advice is vague. "Network more." "Tailor your resume." "Apply to more jobs."

Here is what to actually do in the next 7 days:

Step 1: Define your target role clearly

What to do: Write down 2-3 specific job titles you are targeting.

Why it matters: You cannot scale applications if you do not know what you are looking for. Vague targets lead to vague applications that get ignored.

Red flag: If you cannot name specific titles, stop applying and do research first. Look at job descriptions for roles that interest you and see what they have in common.

Step 2: Update your resume for that target

What to do: Review your resume against 5 job descriptions for your target role. Add missing keywords and remove irrelevant details.

Why it matters: Generic resumes get ignored. ATS systems and recruiters scan for keywords that match the role. If your resume does not match, you are filtered out.

Red flag: If your resume has not been updated in 6+ months, it probably does not match current job descriptions.

Step 3: Set up job alerts on 3 major sites

What to do: Create saved searches on LinkedIn, Indeed, and one industry-specific board. Set alerts for daily emails.

Why it matters: Speed matters. Jobs that get 200 applications in the first 48 hours are harder to stand out in. Apply within 24 hours of posting.

Pro tip: Use specific search terms, not broad ones. "Senior Product Manager" not "Manager."

Step 4: Apply to at least 10 relevant roles

What to do: Submit 10 applications to roles that match your target. Track them in a spreadsheet.

Why it matters: Job search is a numbers game when your conversion rate is 2-5%. You need volume to get interviews. 10 applications per week is a reasonable pace for an active search.

Reality check: If 10 applications feels like a lot, you might benefit from automation.

Step 5: Follow up on applications from last week

What to do: Check status on any applications older than 5 business days. Send a polite follow-up if you have a contact.

Why it matters: Silence is not rejection until they say no. Some companies are slow. A follow-up can move your application forward.

What to say: Keep it short. "I applied for [role] on [date] and wanted to confirm my application was received. I am very interested in the opportunity."

What is probably slowing you down

If you have been job hunting for a while without results, one of these is likely the bottleneck:

Not enough applications going out

Symptoms: You apply to a few jobs per week. You spend more time browsing than applying.

The fix: Batch your applications. Set a time block and apply to 10-15 jobs in one sitting. Or automate the repetitive part.

Applying too late to new roles

Symptoms: Jobs you apply to already have 200+ applicants. You find good roles after they have been posted for a week.

The fix: Set up daily alerts. Apply within 24-48 hours. Or use automation that monitors continuously.

Inconsistent effort

Symptoms: You apply heavily one week, then skip the next. Your job search is reactive, not proactive.

The fix: Schedule dedicated time. Treat job hunting like a job. Or remove yourself from the loop with automation.

How automation can help

If the bottleneck is volume and speed — not strategy or resume quality — automation can help.

What automation does:

Monitors job boards 24/7 for new postings
Applies to matching roles automatically
Runs while you sleep, work, or take a break

What automation does NOT do:

Fix a resume that is not working
Help you figure out what role you want
Guarantee interviews (that depends on fit)

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Automation is a multiplier. If your targeting is clear and your resume works, it scales your reach. If those are broken, it just sends more bad applications faster.

When automation is NOT the answer

Be honest with yourself:

You are not sure what role you want — Figure that out first. Automation cannot help with strategy.
Your resume is not getting responses — Fix the resume before scaling applications.
You only want 2-3 specific companies — Networking and referrals beat volume for this.

If automation is right for you

Careery is a cloud AI agent that applies to jobs for you 24/7 on company career sites.

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Runs in the cloud

No browser extension needed. Works while you sleep.

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Company career sites

Applies on Workday, Greenhouse, Lever — not just Easy Apply.

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Precise targeting

You set titles, locations, salary, seniority, and exclusions.

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Complete tracking

See every application: what, when, and status.

Try Careery

How they got hired

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a recruiter?

No. Recruiters work for employers and show you roles they are paid to fill. Careery is automation that works for you and applies to any job matching your criteria.

Do I need a finished resume first?

Yes. Automation amplifies what you have. If your resume is not working, fix it before scaling applications.

How many applications should I be sending?

For an active job search, 20-50 per week is a reasonable target. With a 2-5% interview rate, that means 1-2 interviews per week. Automation makes this volume sustainable.

What if I am getting zero responses?

The problem is not volume. Go back to your resume and targeting. Get feedback, make changes, then test again. Scaling a broken approach does not help.

How fast should I apply to new jobs?

Within 24-48 hours of posting is ideal. Jobs that sit for a week already have hundreds of applicants. Speed matters.

Can automation hurt my chances?

Only if done poorly. Spray-and-pray bots that apply to everything get flagged. Targeted automation that applies to matching roles at reasonable rates is safe.

Bogdan Serebryakov•Founder & CEO

Founded Careery in 2020 to help job seekers automate the grind and land interviews faster.

Tired of the job hunting grind?

If your targeting is clear and the bottleneck is volume, let automation handle the repetitive applications.