How to source jobs

Sourcing jobs is a pretty straightforward, step by step process. Your goals here are to cast a wide net, find lots of options, and then narrow and prioritize which jobs you actually want to apply for.

Setup your template.

Here's the template that I typically use. You can use it too, just remember to make a copy of it. Do not request edit access, it won't be granted.

Make a list of the sites you want to pull jobs from.

I've had the most success with LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, and BuiltInSeattle, but there are certainly many others consider.

Next you need to generate a list of keywords to use for your searches.

Usually, these will be variations on the job title you're looking for. For example, if you're looking for a job as a Product Manger, you might consider the following keywords:

1. Product Manager
2. Product Owner
3. Technical product manager
4. Digital product manager

Now it's time to start searching.

Using your keyword list, search the first job site on your list.

E.g. type in "product marketing manager"

Filter by date posted.

You want to be reasonably fast with your job applications. It might be obvious, but jobs posted more recently are more likely to still be taking applicants, and are more likely to actually see your submission. If a job was posted two weeks ago and already has 300 applicants, they probably will find someon to fill the roll before your application is even read. This isn't always the case, but we're playing a game of numbers here. So, unless it's a dream job or a company you really want to work for, I wouldn't bother applying to something over 2 weeks old and/or with over 100 applicants.

Review the results page.

Skimming is key! You don't want to spend a lot of time on anyone one job at this point.

Look for jobs that roughly fit what you want and/or are at company's that are interesting.

Be fairly open minded during this phase. The listing page can be a little lacking in information so it's best to lean yes.

Open all jobs that fit the skimming criteria above in new tabs (CMD click on Mac, Ctrl click on PC)

Go through 3-5 pages worth of results

You should have 10-30 jobs open (whew lots of tabs!)

Time to filter.

Go through each job you opened with a slightly deeper skim. Here's the criteria I use:

1. Am I qualified? Generally if I'm missing more than 2+ years of experience (e.g. I have 5 years and they want 8), I'll cut it. Tab closed!
2. Does the job actually fit what I want to do? Sometimes job titles and initial descriptions aren't quite right.
3. Does the salary, if available, match what I'm looking for?
4. Does the company seem legit and/or does it sound like a company I'd want to work for? There are lots of scammy companies out there and you can usually tell by how well written the Job Description is.
5. Double check the companies websites for more info. Is it a field you want to be in? If the job seems worthy, add it to the Tracker!

Rinse and repeat for each job site.

You should now have a list of 30 - 50 jobs on the tracker, time to prioritize.

How to prioritize.

This is really up to what you value. Generally I consider the following in my priorities:

1. Salary (if available).
2. How likely am I to get the job? Do I have the experience they're looking for (or can I fudge it)? You generally shouldn't prioritize jobs you don't think you have a reasonable shot at getting.
3. Work style (e.g. remote, hybrid, distance of commute).
4. Company size/type. Do you want to work in an agency or in house? In a small, medium or large business? In an established company or startup?
5. Excitement - sometimes jobs can be exciting! If they sound exciting boost it up. If it sounds like you'd hate it, push it down.

I like to use the following scores for jobs:

1. Hell yes - I would love to have this job.
2. Yes - I would be satisfied with this job.
3. Maybe - if I have time it's worth applying.
4. No - not actually interested after further review.

Once you have your list of prioritized jobs, it's time to start applying.

Checkout the How to apply documentation here

Before you go, one alternate approach to consider.

Instead of leveraging job boards, you can look for companies you're interested in working for. This approach is slow. You have to:

1. List companies you're interested in.
2. Find each companies job board.
3. Review the job board for roles you're interseted in and/or qualified for.
4. Log it.
5. Repeat for all companies.
6. Prioritize.

It's a totally valid approach, and I've had some success going that route. Just keep in mind it's a little more laborious, so I don't usually recommend it.