The job market has become increasingly competitive, and sending out dozens of applications every day may not be the best way to find a new role. Catherine Fisher, a career expert at LinkedIn, has a name for the habit of repeatedly scrolling through job listings and applying without a clear strategy: “doomjobbing”.
In as-told-to essay published in Business Insider, Fisher said job seekers should focus less on the number of applications they send and more on making their search targeted and purposeful.
According to Fisher, many applicants are also relying on AI tools to prepare applications, making it harder for candidates to stand out. She recommends six steps for people looking for a new job.
1. Be clear about what you want
Fisher advises job seekers to first decide which location, industry and type of role they want to target.
Once they have narrowed down their choices, they should make sure their CV and professional profiles highlight the skills employers are looking for. AI literacy is one area worth considering, she said, and candidates can build their knowledge through online courses and other forms of learning.
2. Build genuine professional connections
Networking does not have to mean attending endless events or constantly asking people for job opportunities.
Fisher suggests identifying professionals in the industry a candidate wants to enter and engaging with their work. Candidates can also ask existing contacts for introductions, including through second-degree connections on LinkedIn.
When approaching someone, she recommends asking about their experience rather than directly asking for a job. Keeping the conversation short and having a few specific questions can make it easier for people to respond.
3. Show what you have achieved
A CV should explain more than a person's responsibilities.
Instead of simply saying they managed a team or have strong communication skills, candidates should give examples of what they achieved and how their work benefited an organisation.
Even when exact figures cannot be disclosed, Fisher recommends giving enough detail to show the impact of the work.
4. Do not overlook human skills
Technical skills, including AI-related knowledge, are increasingly important. But Fisher said communication and leadership remain equally valuable.
She recommends observing people who are respected in the industry and learning from how they communicate and lead others.
5. Take regular breaks
A prolonged job search can become exhausting, particularly when people spend hours each day applying for jobs without seeing results.
Fisher suggests finding a routine that keeps candidates motivated rather than forcing themselves to spend the entire day searching. This could include setting aside time to learn a new skill or making one useful professional connection each day.
Taking breaks, she said, can help prevent the search from becoming overwhelming.
6. Rethink what counts as success
Finding the perfect job immediately is not always realistic. Fisher suggests considering part-time positions, short-term contracts or roles that may not initially seem ideal but could provide useful experience and professional connections.
Even an unexpected job enquiry can be worth taking seriously, she said, as it can provide an opportunity to practise explaining your experience and develop a new connection.
The main message is simple: job hunting does not have to mean applying everywhere and hoping something works out. A focused search, stronger professional relationships and a CV that clearly demonstrates impact may offer a more productive path.
Business Insider published Fisher's advice on August 21, 2026, based on a conversation with the LinkedIn career expert.
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