Job Seekers : "Taste like chicken" is not a compliment

    13-Feb-2026
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Nick Kossovan
Contd from previous issue
Recruiters and employers are increasingly relying on referrals and their networks to avoid being inundated with applications and having to weed out mostly irrelevant applications. Get serious about networking with individuals in your industry and profession, as well as at your target companies. One strong conversation with a decision-maker outweighs sending hundreds of generic applications.
Engage strategically:
As I mentioned, your LinkedIn profile is a 24/7/365 living portfolio of your work and, more importantly, of how you think. Beyond optimising your profile, you must actively engage with your network. Engage daily with 2-3 key posts related to your industry or profession. Focus on thoughtful commenting rather than just liking, aiming for 15-20 influential, relevant connections. Use a 3x3x3 approach daily to enhance your visibility: engage with 3 posts, 3 people, and 3 comments. This’ll go a long way toward helping you appear in searches and be top-of-mind with recruiters and employers.
By taking the proactive steps outlined above, you’ll gain visibility that far surpasses most job seekers’. However, for the most part, you’ll still “taste like chicken,” making you easy to dismiss in today’s job market. It’s crucial to offer something more, something all employers crave beyond finding a candidate who’ll merely get the job done. Today, employers are especially hungry for fresh ideas and perspectives, which is why I recommend presenting an idea when applying. To be contd