If you’re applying cold, you’re playing the hardest game.

Systematic relationship-building with people at or above the level you’re targeting is the real key. It took me 15 months to land my current role at Microsoft, an old coworker finally made the intro that led to an offer. That didn’t happen by accident—it happened because I stayed visible, relevant, and in motion.

Getting hired isn’t about having a perfect resume. It’s about removing friction and making it easy for someone to say yes.