So I've been trying out some #jobsearch hacks (keep DMing me your favorites!), but my early read is that hacks don't really matter.

I gave Claude Cowork access to my recent email history to scan for applications, rejections, indications of a warm-body referral (yeah, I had to provide some context on referrals manually, too). The evidence is damning - hacks like role-specific resume optimization, deep-cut cover letter research, cold outbound to recruiters or hiring managers, are all largely worthless unless you have someone in your network vouching for you.

So if you're like me and trying to "hack" the job search, maybe just forget it? Instead do the harder work of tapping your network for advice and insights to companies and roles they have a connection to. Some of those conversations will lead to referrals (others won't, and that's ok!).