Never Apply for a Job Again!

Break the Rules, Cut the Line, Beat the Rest

Career Press, 2012

15 min read

10 take-aways

Audio & text

What's inside?

Use the power of “career tribes” to find your next job.

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Longtime career-industry coach Darrell W. Gurney removes the mystique and uncertainty of networking by teaching the difference between “overt” job hunting and a “stealth” job campaign. He offers 10 time-tested principles for making connections with people who can help your career. Some readers might consider Gurney’s backdoor approach to landing a job a bit devious. But it nonetheless offers a viable mechanism for those willing to invest the time and energy it requires. Before you hand out another business card, getAbstract recommends that you consider the possibilities of implementing a stealth job campaign.

Summary

“Rules to Start Breaking”

The “stealth approach” to career development requires adopting new tactics and attitudes. For this approach, it really is OK to talk to strangers – the person standing in line with you at the grocery store might be your next business partner. Learn to take your turn instead of waiting. Hiding your special skills is “a damn shame and an outright crime.” Boast about your talents.

“Overt” versus Stealth: “Why Applying for a Job is Dumb”

A company’s human resources department receives numerous applicants for every opening and eliminates all but a few worth interviewing. Often, employers already have candidates in mind for most openings listed on job boards or company websites, and current employees and stealth job seekers already have picked through those listings, leaving only the “dregs.”

The “overt” job-search approach screams “desperation and need.” Conversely, the stealth method sets you apart. With stealth, your goal is to meet and get acquainted with as many people as possible, in all walks of life, whether they are in a position to offer you a job or not. Using stealth methods lets you “proactively prime the hiring pump” ...

About the Author

Darrell W. Gurney, founder of CareerGuy.com, is a career-industry coach, speaker and workshop leader.

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S. H. 1 decade ago

I tend to agree with the others posted and what they posted here. The concepts of networking for life are good but often difficult to cultivate due to busy schedules, however, the tips provided may help, i.e. Holiday updates. It would be nice to see what else the author has to say.
B. O. 1 decade ago

Some of these points seem to be rather obvious (e.g. it is never so difficult to find a job until you don't have one). But the concept is interesting. I think it rather limited to certain personality types. Introverted personality types will have a difficult time with the "small talk" approach of keeping oneself on someone's mind.
M. O. 1 decade ago

Interesting topic but narrow view of global culture, where your next job maybe.

Darrell W. Gurney