I recently had a session with a client—a talented software developer—who was struggling to land interviews despite sending out dozens of applications online. Frustrated, he said, “I’ve polished my resume, tailored my cover letters, and applied through every job board I can think of, but nothing’s working.” It’s a common story in today’s job market: even skilled candidates can get lost in the sea of applications. That’s when I suggested something he didn’t expect—going “old school” with his job search.
“Old school?” he asked, skeptical.
“Yes,” I replied. “It’s time to step away from the keyboard and start building connections the way we did before LinkedIn and job boards took over.”
We spent the rest of the session exploring how blending classic job search methods with modern strategies could give him the edge he needed. Here’s why I believe these old-school techniques can make all the difference:
1. The Power of Networking (In Person)
While LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, nothing beats face-to-face interaction. Attending local industry meetups, conferences, or even informal coffee meetings with people in your field can create genuine connections that stand out in a world saturated with digital communication. When someone gets to know you personally, they are far more likely to advocate for you when opportunities arise.
In my client’s case, we identified a few local tech events and professional groups he could attend. He was hesitant at first, but after a couple of meetups, he had exchanged contact information with key decision-makers at companies he admired.
2. Knocking on Doors (Figuratively, Of Course)
This doesn’t mean walking into a company and asking for a job—although in the right setting, that might work! What I mean is going directly to the source. Instead of only relying on job boards, I encouraged my client to reach out to companies he was genuinely interested in, even if they weren’t advertising open positions. He wrote personalized emails to hiring managers, showcasing his passion for their company and offering to meet for a quick conversation.
One email led to an informal interview that eventually turned into a job offer. The hiring manager later said that my client’s initiative impressed them more than the typical online applicants.
3. Sending Your Resume Directly to Decision-Makers
One of the most underrated strategies in a job search is directly sending your resume and cover letter to the people who can hire you. Online job portals are flooded with applicants, and sometimes your application can get lost in the shuffle. By bypassing the system and emailing your resume to a key decision-maker—like the hiring manager, department head, or even a senior executive—you increase the chances that your application will be seen.
For my client, this meant taking time to research companies he admired and finding the right people to contact. He tailored each message to express why he was specifically interested in their company and how he could bring value. These direct emails resulted in meaningful conversations—and eventually a job.
4. Leveraging Informational Interviews
While informational interviews may seem old-fashioned, they are a fantastic way to get your foot in the door. By approaching someone for advice rather than directly asking for a job, you can establish a relationship that might lead to future opportunities. It’s less pressure for both parties and allows for a more authentic connection.
For my software developer client, this meant reaching out to senior developers and project leads for guidance. A couple of those conversations turned into mentorship opportunities, and one contact even passed his resume along to HR with a glowing recommendation.
5. Handwritten Thank You Notes
In today’s digital world, a handwritten thank you note after an interview is a lost art, but it’s one that can leave a lasting impression. It shows thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and genuine interest in the position. I advised my client to write a short, sincere note after his interviews. He later told me that one hiring manager was so impressed that they mentioned it during his onboarding process.
6. Tailoring Your Approach
Instead of mass-applying to dozens of jobs online, going old school means taking a targeted approach. Research the companies you admire, understand their challenges, and think critically about how your unique skills can solve their problems. Then, tailor your resume and outreach for that specific company. A smaller number of high-quality applications can often have a better success rate than flooding the market with generic ones.
The Hybrid Approach
Going old school doesn’t mean abandoning technology entirely. It’s about finding a balance between traditional methods and modern tools. My client’s job search turned around once he started integrating these classic strategies with his online efforts. While technology can make the process more efficient, the human touch will always stand out in a job search.
If you’re feeling stuck in your search, consider taking a step back from the screens and going back to basics. It might just be the fresh start you need to land your next opportunity.