Fastest Ways to Get Your Job Application Noticed
Not all job applications are created equal. Just like there are different lines to get into a nightclub, there are different ways to apply for a job.
This is part of a special series sharing insights, tips, and actions you can implement when searching for a job — whether leaving your current one or due to a recent layoff.
Imagine this. 💭
The hottest new club has just opened up. You can’t wait to check it out — especially since your favorite artist is headlining.
You have to go!
Only thing is that there is going to be a MASSIVE line just to get in. Ew. 🤢
But wait… you found out that your old high school friend is part of the headliner’s management group. Score!
You head to the event. As expected there is a HUGE line waiting to get in. And let’s be honest — those in the back aren’t getting in.
You see your friend and they take you past the line. You continue walking, even past the line for the guest list.
Where are you going?
Your friend takes you to the side of the building. No line. Just a door and a few bodyguards. They nod their head…
…and the next thing you know you’re in!
Just like there are different lines to get into a nightclub… there are different ways to apply for a job.
The Different “Lines” for Job Applications
1. Leadership or Hiring Manager Referrals (VIP Treatment)
Imagine you are the headliner coming to perform at the hottest club in town. You are going to get the VIP treatment with no questions asked.
Why? You have been vetted.
That is exactly what a referral is within a company. Companies like Meta even have dedicated recruiting teams to go through referrals.
But not all referrals carry the same level of influence. The higher up someone is within the company — or closer to being the decision maker like the Hiring Manager — the referral will carry more weight.
2. Employee Referrals (Priority Access)
Okay, so you aren’t the headliner being brought into town for everyone to see… but you are with the crew.
You aren’t going to get the restriction-free pass. But you will get priority access.
Having someone that already works at the company refer your application is still significantly valuable. Even if the company doesn’t have a dedicated referral team… these applications will typically be prioritized within the application tracking system.
The job posting may have 300+ applicants. And being first in line when the recruiter is most energized to find someone is a great place to be.
3. Direct Company Job Posting (Guest List)
Applying for a job post on the company website has a higher chance of landing in a recruiter’s lap.
To keep with the nightclub analogy… look at it like being on the guest list. It’s general admission, but just a tad more special.
Why it works:
First, you can reduce the chance that the job post is out of date. Since most company-hosted job listings are directly connected to the recruiting team’s management system… it’ll show the updates as they make them.
Second, you can use their team’s process against them! The easiest route for most teams is to start at the one place they are the most familiar with: the company-sponsored job listing.
4. Job Board Postings (General Admission)
Let’s review how we got here:
- ❌ You can’t get in through the back door
- ❌ You can’t get in through the side door
- ❌ You can’t get on the guest list
- ✅ You need to stand in general admission
Sure it’s not the fastest route inside the nightclub… but it can still get you in.
How to stand out:
Opportunity 1: Is this Job Board their primary place to post? Early-stage startups may intentionally choose specific job boards like workatastartup.com or Hacker News.
Opportunity 2: Avoid doing the minimum. Attach a cover letter. Find someone at the company on LinkedIn. A cold message introducing yourself will make the difference.
How to Skip the Line: Getting Referrals
1st Degree Relationships
Finding an overlap between people that you already know and the company you want to work at is the best case scenario.
At the end of the day, this person is doing you a favor. And it should be honored and respected like so.
Turning a 2nd Degree Connection into a 1st Degree Relationship
Any time someone makes an introduction or referral — they are attaching their own reputation with you.
After being introduced to someone new — it’s essential to build a human connection before asking for anything. Yes, that includes asking them for a job application referral.
Focus on:
- What’s that person’s unique story?
- What’s something they strive for in the future?
- What is something they nerd out about?
That last question bridges the gap of a transactional meeting to something of passion and personal interest.
Affiliations & Networks
One of the best places to find people who can help in your job search journey is through the groups and organizations that you are already a part of.
These are people that you have naturally built relationships with rather than just surface-level connections.
💡 Action Steps
A sample action plan within a one-hour time block:
- 🧱 Build (15 mins) — Create a list of job listings you’d be interested in
- 🤓 Research (20 mins) — Confirm the posting is valid; find someone in your network at the company
- 🤝 Connect (25 mins) — Reach out to potential connections for referrals
Remember: Your network is your net worth.
This article is for educational purposes and not career advice.
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