Instead of just sending a resume, prove your value upfront by delivering something tangible and useful. This could be a report on a website bug, an analysis of API documentation, or a suggested performance improvement. This 'helping' act immediately shifts the dynamic from applicant to proactive contributor.

Instead of cold calling, ask a target executive for a 10-minute interview for an article you're writing on an industry topic. This non-salesy approach grants access, positions you as an expert, and initiates a relationship on collaborative, not transactional, terms.

Tim Hortons' CMO secured her first agency job by researching firms that had recently won large new clients. She proactively reached out for coffee, pitching herself as a solution to their immediate and obvious need for talent to service the new business.

When conducting cold outreach to hiring managers or other employees, your primary call-to-action should not be a request for a meeting. Instead, make the ask a low-lift action: 'Please forward this resume to your recruiting partner.' This drastically increases the likelihood of reaching the right person.

A Prof G Media research lead secured her first role after attending a software engineering career fair, not to get a job, but to practice her elevator pitch without pressure. This low-stakes environment unexpectedly led to a valuable referral and a job offer.

Twice in her career, including for her role at Descript that led to her becoming CEO, Laura Burkhouser landed a job by simply finding a product she fell in love with as a user and cold-emailing to ask for a job. Instead of optimizing for title or money, she optimized for learning and passion, which ultimately led to greater success.

Instead of cold-emailing high-profile individuals for advice (a "take"), create a platform like a podcast. This reframes your request as an opportunity for them to gain publicity, making them far more likely to engage with you. You become a "giver" instead of a "taker."

Orlando Bravo didn't get a return offer from his internship. Instead of giving up, he sent 500 resumes and cold-called firms, landing his pivotal role just two weeks before graduating. It shows that persistence, not a linear path, is key to breaking into competitive fields.

Instead of sending a resume into a pile of 200 applicants, identify a specific problem an organization has and offer to solve it pro bono. Providing value upfront—like fixing a design flaw or improving a process—demonstrates competence and commitment, often bypassing the formal hiring process and leading directly to employment.