500 applications and 0 replies isn't a strategy. It's panic. And I understand the panic. But sending the same CV to everyone tells every employer the same thing: you didn't really look at them.
Do this instead
- Pick ONE role. Don't mix sales, HR, marketing and support in one week.
- Shortlist 30 companies that hire for that role.
- Find the decision makers. 1 or 2 people at each company on LinkedIn: HR, the team lead, or the owner of a small business.
- Tailor your CV to each job. Same truth, different emphasis.
- Apply, then message a person. Send your CV to HR, then message them on LinkedIn too. Go further and message the hiring manager directly.
- Follow up on Day 3, Day 7 and Day 14 until you get a YES or a NO.
Not 100 random applications a day. A few targeted ones.
One targeted application takes about 10 minutes
Read the job post twice and underline the 5 key requirements. Research the company for 3 minutes. Tailor your CV and save it as a new version. Apply through the official channel. Message one person. Log it in your tracker the same minute.
Four of these a day is about 100 a month. That's the same number as the panic approach, but every single one has a real chance.
Let AI do the research, not the thinking
Use a free AI tool that searches the web and shows its sources to build your list of current job posts and target companies. Always click the links. The job guide has a ready-made prompt for this, with a copy button.
Get the research prompt and the full Step 6 →
If you get stuck anywhere, message me on Instagram or TikTok at @aiandzakria, or on LinkedIn. I read my messages.