O’Donnell: Feeling stuck in a broken system? Break the cycle and change your strategy.

Q: “I’ve been job searching for six months with minimal response. I’ve sent hundreds of applications, tweaked my resume endlessly, and feel stuck. What am I doing wrong — and how do I break this cycle?” — Phil

J.T: You’re not alone in this. In fact, what you’re describing is one of the most common and frustrating job search experiences I hear about. You’ve followed the traditional advice: Apply online, customize your resume and keep going. And yet ... nothing. It’s incredibly demoralizing. But here’s the hard truth: It’s not you. It’s the system, and you’re stuck in the most broken part of it.

The online job application process has become what I call the “black hole” of modern job searching. Before the pandemic, only around 3% of applicants were landing interviews through online submissions. Post-2020, that number has dropped to about 1%. So even if you’re qualified, your odds of getting noticed through an online application alone are incredibly slim. When you apply to 100 jobs and hear back from only one or two, it’s not a reflection of your skills or potential — it’s a symptom of a flawed system.

One of the biggest mistakes I see job seekers make is assuming their resume is the problem. They’ll tweak the font, add a new bullet point, rearrange sections — convinced that some perfect formula will unlock the doors to opportunity. In reality, your resume is rarely the thing holding you back. It’s your strategy.

The average job posting receives hundreds — sometimes thousands — of applications. That means your resume is sitting in a virtual pile so deep, a human may never see it. Even the best-formatted, keyword-optimized resume won’t help if you’re one of 700 people applying for the same role. The truth is, unless you do something to stand out, you’re just a number in an algorithm.

Now, that doesn’t mean hope is lost. It means it’s time to change tactics.

Instead of playing the numbers game, you need to focus on connection. That starts with identifying the companies you actually want to work for and learning everything you can about them. Then, seek out people inside those companies — former colleagues, second-degree LinkedIn connections or even employees whose content you’ve enjoyed — and start building a bridge. That bridge doesn’t begin with “Can you get me a job?” It starts with genuine interest: asking thoughtful questions, sharing relevant insight or commenting meaningfully on their posts.

This approach is often called “backchanneling.” It’s how most jobs are filled today, whether people realize it or not. In fact, nearly 85% of roles are landed through some form of networking or referral. That’s not about favoritism — it’s about trust. Hiring is expensive and risky. When someone internally vouches for a candidate, it significantly reduces the hiring manager’s risk. So your goal is to become a known, trusted entity to someone inside the company before you even apply.

Another tactic I recommend is creating what I call a “job matching matrix.” Instead of just tailoring your resume to a job description, outline — side by side — the top five to seven requirements of the job and your direct experience or evidence in each area. This tool helps you build a clear, concise narrative of why you’re the right fit. It’s also a powerful way to prepare for interviews — and, in some cases, send proactively to a hiring manager or recruiter as a follow-up.

Some job seekers I’ve worked with have taken this a step further by recording a brief video message introducing themselves and sharing why they’re excited about a role. When done right — professionally and sincerely — this kind of introduction cuts through the digital noise and gets attention. A video can convey energy, confidence and intent in a way that text on a page simply can’t.

But above all, the key is consistency. One of the most effective strategies I teach is the 15-minute job search. Instead of applying for dozens of jobs in one sitting, spend just 15 minutes each day identifying one opportunity, researching the company and crafting one thoughtful outreach. It’s sustainable, it’s targeted and it works.

Here’s what that might look like in action: One client of mine had been applying for months with no bites. After switching to this targeted outreach approach, she secured two interviews in 48 hours. The only thing she changed was her strategy. She stopped trying to beat the system and started working around it.

I know the job search can feel isolating, especially when you’re doing all the “right” things and getting no results. But you’re not powerless here. You just need a more effective method — one that plays to your strengths, not the algorithm’s.

So if you’re feeling stuck, consider this your permission to stop submitting resumes into the void. Start connecting with people. Start showing, not just telling, what you bring to the table. And remember, you’re not behind — you’re just at the beginning of doing things differently.

Keep going. You’ve got this.