How I Landed Jobs at Google, Affirm, and Apollo Without Applying to Any of Them

Most people hustle through job boards and cold applications. I didn’t.

The best roles I’ve had came to me — no resumes sent, no cover letters written.

Over the last few years, I’ve helped more than ten people do the same in one of the toughest job markets we’ve seen.

Today, I’m breaking down the exact playbook I walk them through during my $400 consulting calls — in full, for free.

This isn’t theory. It’s tactical, repeatable, and designed for people who want to stand out without selling out.

Channel 1: LinkedIn Profile Optimization

A product manager I coached was barely getting noticed — maybe one recruiter message a month.

Three weeks later? Four recruiter messages a week. Nothing changed about his experience. Just his LinkedIn profile.

Here’s the four-part framework he followed:

1. Run weekly experiments
Tweak your headline, summary, and skills. Keyword stacking helps you show up in recruiter search results.

2. Do the small, consistent things
Comment meaningfully. Send targeted connection requests. Show up regularly.

3. Add, don’t rewrite
Avoid trying to make the “perfect” profile. Build on what’s working — compounding progress matters more than one-off rewrites.

4. Measure what moves the needle
LinkedIn gives you data on search appearances and profile views. Use it like a dashboard.

Great profiles don’t just look good — they attract the right people.

Channel 2: Choosing the Right Companies (and Titles)

It’s not always fair, but it’s true: people scan resumes for credibility markers.

Worked at Meta? You’re in.
Principal PM at a stealth startup? Might raise questions.

That’s why where you work often matters more than what title you hold.

Sometimes, taking a mid-level PM role at a well-known company will open more doors in the long run than a fancy title at a 10-person startup.

And once you’re in, talk about it.
Use your LinkedIn to signal that you’re solving real problems, building serious products, and playing at a high level.

If people don’t know what you’re doing, they can’t reach out with the right opportunity.

Channel 3: Content That Converts (Not Just Gets Likes)

Writing online builds authority fast — but only if done well.

People who attract inbound job opportunities through content don’t just post inspiration. They post to show how they think.

Here’s what works:

• Share insights, not generic advice
• Tie your learnings to your company’s goals or impact
• Promote your company’s mission in parallel — it builds credibility
• Avoid loud self-promotion, especially if you work at a well-known firm

Write to clarify your thinking and demonstrate your unique value. That way, when the right opportunity arises, you’re already top of mind.

Channel 4: Speaking and Podcasts

“Public speaking builds credibility” is common advice — but most people don’t know where to start.

Here’s the playbook I’ve seen work consistently:

• Start with local meetups or niche communities
• Pitch podcast hosts directly — yes, even the big ones
• Personalize your pitch and lead with value
• Offer to cover your own travel if needed (you’ll 10x your chances)
• Engage with speakers and hosts publicly before sending DMs

You don’t need a huge audience to get started.

You need one specific pitch, one useful story, and one yes.

Get that right — and more invitations will follow.

Final Thoughts

The job market isn’t fair. But it is predictable.

When you optimize how you’re perceived online, select strategic companies, write with intent, and amplify your voice — you start building gravity.

And eventually, the right roles come to you.

If you want a deeper dive into any of these playbooks, here’s where to go next.