Introduction
In today's hyper-connected, technology-driven world, many job seekers believe that blasting out resumes or maximizing their LinkedIn connections is enough to land the next big opportunity. But according to recruiter Jennifer Star, real success in the 2025 job market requires a far more intentional, human approach.
From building meaningful relationships before you need them, to mastering the art of gratitude, to understanding how recruiters and hiring managers truly operate — Jennifer shares powerful insights that can give you an edge over the competition.
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The Power of Focused Networking
Networking has always been a vital part of professional success, but Jennifer emphasizes that in today's landscape, focused networking is what sets successful candidates apart.
Before you start reaching out blindly, you must first understand your goal. Are you aiming to build a pipeline for future opportunities? Are you targeting a specific company or industry? Knowing the answer helps you be strategic with every interaction.
Jennifer advises creating a list of the top 20 companies you would love to work for. Follow them on LinkedIn. Engage thoughtfully with their posts. Get to know the people who work there — even if they aren't hiring managers.
This passive engagement builds familiarity over time. When you finally reach out to introduce yourself, you're no longer a stranger. You've already planted the seeds of recognition, making it far more likely that people will be receptive to your future applications or referrals.
Networking isn't about making asks from strangers. It's about building recognition and trust before you need anything. If you want even more detailed strategies on building authentic career relationships, check out our guide How to Network Effectively (Without Feeling Fake).
How to Build Relationships Before You Need Them
One of Jennifer’s key points is the importance of patience and timing. The biggest mistake job seekers make is waiting until they desperately need a new job to begin networking.
Instead, Jennifer recommends starting six months — or even longer — before you plan to make a move.
Here's how:
- Identify the decision-makers, influencers, and recruiters at your target companies.
- Engage with their content respectfully and consistently.
- Send connection requests without immediately asking for favors.
- If appropriate, send light, thoughtful messages around milestones (like work anniversaries or major company announcements) to stay on their radar.
By the time you're ready to actively apply, you’ve already built familiarity. You're not an outsider — you're someone they've seen, interacted with, and possibly even appreciated from afar.
This relationship-first approach dramatically increases your odds of landing opportunities that may never even be posted publicly.
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Why Gratitude Still Matters in a Digital Job Search
In an era where communication is increasingly fast, transactional, and automated, Jennifer stresses the enduring power of simple human gratitude.
The thank you note — whether handwritten, emailed, or sent via LinkedIn — remains one of the most underutilized tools in a candidate’s arsenal.
Why does it matter?
- It leaves a positive final impression after an interview.
- It differentiates you from candidates who fail to follow up.
- It shows respect for the recruiter's and interviewer's time.
Jennifer points out that gratitude is not just about politeness — it's about standing out.
Even when an opportunity doesn’t work out immediately, thanking someone for their time keeps you top of mind for future openings. It builds bridges rather than burning them.
In a world where few people take the time to say “thank you,” doing so becomes a competitive advantage.
Building a Positive Reputation Through Engagement
Social media has made it easier than ever to build a professional brand. But it has also created landmines for job seekers who don't manage their engagement thoughtfully.
Jennifer offers a critical piece of advice: Always engage with positivity and respect.
Disagreeing is fine. Healthy debate can be constructive. But public antagonism, criticism, or correcting others in a condescending manner can seriously damage your reputation — often without you even realizing it.
Recruiters and hiring managers check your online behavior. They notice how you interact with others, even in comment sections. They want to work with people who lift others up, not tear them down.
If you disagree with someone's post or notice an error, Jennifer recommends reaching out privately with kindness, not calling it out publicly for points.
Professional engagement should always reflect the kind of colleague you aspire to be — supportive, thoughtful, and growth-oriented.
Strategies for Approaching Talent Acquisition and Hiring Managers
Many job seekers make the mistake of treating recruiters and hiring managers as interchangeable. Jennifer explains that while both are crucial to the process, they have different priorities — and should be approached accordingly.
Before an interview:
- Research who you’ll be meeting.
- Review their LinkedIn profile to learn about their career path, professional interests, and any shared connections or commonalities.
- Reference this research subtly during the conversation to build rapport.
During the interview:
- Assume the recruiter is your advocate and guide, helping you navigate the process.
- Assume the hiring manager is evaluating your technical fit, cultural fit, and long-term potential.
Afterward:
- Send personalized thank you notes to both.
- Acknowledge their specific role in your interview process ("Thank you for guiding me through the process" vs. "Thank you for sharing insights into the team's vision").
Small gestures of personal connection can tip the scales in your favor — especially when candidates are otherwise evenly matched.
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Targeted vs. Mass Job Applications: Why Focus Wins
Jennifer pulls no punches on this topic: Mass applying to hundreds of jobs is a recipe for disappointment, frustration, and missed opportunities.
Targeted applications win — every time.
Here's why:
- Tailored applications resonate more deeply with hiring managers.
- Customized resumes and cover letters show effort, attention to detail, and genuine interest.
- Targeted networking increases your visibility within the company, making your application more likely to be noticed.
When you blast your resume to hundreds of companies without customization, you dilute your message, confuse your audience, and lower your chances.
Instead:
- Study the company’s mission, culture, and challenges.
- Mirror the language of the job description in your resume and cover letter.
- Engage with the company online before applying to build recognition.
Mass applications feel productive but often yield nothing but burnout. Strategic, focused efforts may take longer upfront — but they yield faster, more meaningful results in the end.
Final Reflections: Embracing Technology to Accelerate Growth
Jennifer’s final piece of advice is deeply personal: Embrace technology — early and often.
Even for seasoned professionals who excel at relationship-building, leveraging technology smartly can streamline processes, expand reach, and uncover hidden opportunities.
From mastering LinkedIn algorithms, to using digital calendars, to automating parts of the application process without sacrificing personalization — technology isn't replacing human connection. It's enhancing it.
The future belongs to those who combine timeless human skills — empathy, gratitude, relationship-building — with modern digital tools.
Jennifer’s career is a living example of this balance. Her advice reminds us that in an increasingly complex world, the fundamentals of respect, curiosity, and thoughtful engagement still open doors — sometimes even faster than technology itself.
Conclusion
In 2025, career success won’t belong to the loudest, the most aggressive, or the most "connected" in terms of follower count. It will belong to those who build real relationships, practice authentic gratitude, remain strategic about their goals, and embrace technology as a tool rather than a crutch.
Jennifer Star’s insights offer a simple but powerful blueprint:
- Focus your networking efforts.
- Build relationships before you need them.
- Always lead with gratitude and respect.
- Engage positively online.
- Target your applications precisely.
- Embrace technology thoughtfully.
You have everything you need to stand out. You just have to use it — and you have to start now.
Watch the full interview with Jennifer Star here.
Things You Need While Searching for a Job
Once you are armed with the knowledge about what kind of job will make you happy, there are core things to get lined up for a job search. Let's look at a few.
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What to Look for in a Job
Fun fact, most people will have about 12 different jobs in their working lifetime. This goes to show that finding a job that you love enough to hang onto takes some forethought and possibly a bit of trial and error. Just the same, you can make some plans in advance, helping you land in a position that leaves you perfectly content. Check out a few things to look for when looking for that perfect job.
