95 Applications, 7 Interviews, 1 Job: The 24-Hour Rule That Changed Everything

Here’s what worked for me. I hope some of these tips help you too:

After applying to ~95 positions, landing 7 interviews, and making it to the final round with 3 organizations, I’m thrilled to share that I have a new job, successfully pivoting from international business development to private sector business development.

I am Kelley Laird and for those navigating the tough job market right now, here’s what worked for me. I hope some of these tips help you too:

Speed Matters: Apply Early

• Apply within 24 hours of posting. I noticed a significant increase in interview invitations when I prioritized newly listed roles. In fact, 6 of 7 interviews I had were for jobs applied within 24 hours. I spoke to various recruiters who have validated this approach and have said that they stop shortlisting resumes when they have 20 excellent ones, so if you aren’t in the mix early, your resume may not be looked at. Here’s a LinkedIn hack to find jobs fast.

Be Strategic About Career Shifts

• Switching industries OR functions is hard. I focused on roles where my skills transferred, even if the industry was new. I developed 3 “candidate market fit” profiles, encapsulating the last 17 years of my international development career, including for proposal development, project management, and grants management.

• Network smartly: While I didn’t “network” into my current job, a pre-interview chat with an employee clued me into the behavioral interview format, which helped me prepare.

Resume Tweaks That Made a Difference

• Shorten bullet points: I reduced mine from 5 to 3 per role—clearer and more scannable.

• Use corporate language: I adapted my USAID international development focused resume using Wayan Vota’s pivoting tools to align with private-sector terminology.

• Use the words from the job description: For example, if the job description says preference for PMP, make sure under your certifications you list PMP. Even if you don’t have it, say working toward PMP or PMP-equivalent experience (as long as that is true). If a job description says knowledge of Smartsheet or some other technology, take a free course online to become knowledgeable and list it in your resume. Don’t let the AI be a gatekeeper.

• Maximize 2-page resume real estate: I shortened my resume to 2 pages and it was grueling! I kept a section at the end for education (removed my dates of graduation), certifications, and technology. I pulled out early career employment, and included a shortened section for it.

• Try tools like Teal for resume version control and analyzing your resume versus the job description for Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compatibility.

• Use AI: Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool. Use it to analyze the job description and pull out the key skill sets to highlight. It can develop a cover letter and your short bio and tailor your examples to include the jargon/key language from the job description. Be sure to check for hallucinations, and make sure you are accurately representing yourself.

Self-Care in the Process

• Set up a neighborhood solidarity group. We set up a Solidarity Group, and met 2 times a week. Monday to co-work using Pomodoro methods, and Friday to commiserate, share tips, network, etc. This group has been pivotal to maintaining my mental health during this journey and for networking.

• Take breaks from applying—I stopped sending in stretch applications for unrealistic roles to avoid burnout.

• Give yourself grace – We are in unprecedented times with great uncertainty given the extinction event in our sector. That said, we have many transferable valuable skills, and beyond what we offer the world, we are valued at home by our family and friends. Remember your value, beyond your employment situation, and give yourself grace and room to feel all the feelings during this roller coaster ride.

Be Open to New Sectors

My employer’s values (like many private-sector companies) can overlap with international development—so don’t overlook them! For example, my company espouses respecting culture and ensuring belonging, sustainability, and human rights.

Additionally, it is bringing jobs to communities all over the United States and worldwide, and I see this job creation as development work as well. If you see a role there that fits, feel free to reach out. I can internally recommend you for positions.

The job search is grueling, but small adjustments can make a big difference.

You’ve got this.