Applying to online job postings is only one part of an effective job search. According to Beth Hendler-Grunt, founder of career coaching firm Next Great Step, to land a job in this competitive market, use what she calls the 10/10 rule: Start with 10 companies that interest you, find 10 people across those companies who are working in the roles you’d like, and contact them.
This approach helps candidates tap into the “hidden job market,” where many opportunities are filled through referrals, professional connections, and recruiter outreach before they’re ever advertised.
Networking doesn’t have to mean attending large events. Reconnecting with former colleagues, engaging with industry professionals on LinkedIn, participating in professional associations, and reaching out to recruiters who specialize in your field can all lead to opportunities that never appear on job boards. These conversations also provide valuable market insights and increase your visibility among hiring managers.
For life sciences professionals, where leadership roles are often filled confidentially, developing and maintaining a strong professional network is especially important. Executive search firms frequently identify candidates through established relationships rather than public applications.
At The Bandish Group, many of the senior-level positions we fill are never publicly advertised. Companies rely on trusted executive search partners to identify exceptional talent discreetly and efficiently. Building relationships with specialized recruiters and maintaining an active professional network can significantly increase your access to these exclusive opportunities. While job boards remain a useful tool, your next career move is often found through the connections you cultivate, not just the applications you submit.
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