Insights from an SE-Leader-Turned-Recruiter: Why Classic Job Hunting is Dead

In this second part of our conversation with Raphael Joseph, former SE turned recruiter and founder of Brando Tech, Jack Cochran and Matthew James dive deep into why traditional job hunting methods no longer work in today's market. Raphael shares strategic insights on how SEs should approach job searching in 2025, treating themselves as products and leveraging their natural skills to navigate the competitive landscape.

IMPORTANT: This is Part 2 of a two-part series. Make sure to listen to Part 1 first for the complete discussion on personal branding and LinkedIn optimization.

To join the show live, follow the Presales Collective's LinkedIn page or join the PSC Slack community for updates. The show is bi-weekly on Tuesdays, 8AM PT/11AM ET/4PM GMT.

Follow the Hosts

• Connect with Jack Cochran: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackcochran/

• Connect with Matthew James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewyoungjames/

• Connect with Raphael Joseph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphael-joseph-23044150/ 

Links and Resources Mentioned

• Join Presales Collective Slack: https://www.presalescollective.com/slack

• Episode Sponsor: Opine - https://tryopine.com

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome

04:42 What is "classic job hunting" and why it's dead

11:52 How to get on recruiters' radar

13:33 Starting your job search the right way

21:04 Treating job hunting like account management

27:23 Interview process changes and AI requirements

30:30 Why it's not a numbers game anymore

Key Topics Covered

1. The Death of Classic Job Hunting

   • Why sending CVs to job postings no longer works

   • How companies receive hundreds of applications they can't process

   • The cycle of posting jobs, failing to hire, then using recruiters

   • Why your application often goes unread

2. The New Digital Job Hunting Approach

   • Treating yourself as a product you're selling

   • Building warm leads with hiring managers

   • Using SE skills for job hunting: research, discovery, and value proposition

   • The importance of targeted, high-touch approaches over spray-and-pray

3. Working with Recruiters Effectively

   • Why good recruiters provide 1-in-3 odds vs 1-in-300 direct applications

   • How recruiters can prep you with insider knowledge

   • The value of having internal champions in the hiring process

4. Market Dynamics in 2025

   • Why it's now an employer's market

   • The shift from growth-at-all-costs to profitability focus

   • How COVID overhiring led to current oversupply of candidates

   • AI's impact on hiring decisions and productivity expectations

5. Interview Strategy in the Current Market

   • Companies' increased specificity in requirements

   • Why "must-haves" are truly must-haves now

   • The importance of AI literacy and demonstrable skills

   • How to address gaps in your experience strategically

6. Leveraging SE Skills for Job Hunting

   • Using research abilities to identify opportunities

   • Applying discovery skills to understand company needs

   • Creating value propositions for yourself as a candidate

   • Avoiding the same mistakes SEs coach AEs to avoid