Stop Scrolling.
Start Targeting.
Most people use LinkedIn as a job board. The top 1% use it as a database. Learn how to map organizations, identify decision-makers, and create your own opportunities.
The "Easy Apply" Trap
Clicking "Easy Apply" feels productive, but it's often a black hole. When you rely solely on posted jobs, you are competing with thousands of others in a system designed to filter you out.
Reactive
You wait for a job to be posted. By then, the internal candidates are already ahead of you.
Crowded
Average corporate job postings receive 250+ resumes. Being qualified isn't enough.
Impersonal
You are a PDF in a database. Your personality and soft skills are stripped away.
Build Your "Short List"
Stop applying to everything. Pick 10-20 companies where you genuinely want to work. This focus allows you to go deep rather than wide.
- Identify Growth: Look for companies that recently raised funding or announced expansion.
- Check Connections: Prioritize companies where you have 2nd-degree connections.
- Ignore "Hiring" Status: Great companies always make room for top talent. Don't wait for a job post.
Map the Organization
Once you have a target, you need to find the person who feels the pain of the open role. This is rarely HR. It is the manager of the team you want to join.
Search Filters to Use:
Bridge the Gap
You've found the hiring manager. Now, how do you get their attention? InMail has a low response rate. To stand out, you need to move from the digital pile to their physical desk.
The Old Way (InMail)
- × Easily ignored or deleted
- × Competes with spam
- × Limited character count
- × "Just another notification"
The Ballista Way
- ✓ Physical packet on their desk
- ✓ 100% open rate
- ✓ Shows serious intent
- ✓ Memorable and tangible
Master Boolean Search
Sometimes LinkedIn's default filters aren't enough. Use Boolean operators in the main search bar to find exactly who you need.
Paste this into Google to find profiles that might be hidden or out of your network reach on LinkedIn directly.
Exact Phrase
Use quotes to search for an exact title.
Broaden Search
Connects two similar terms (e.g., SaaS OR Software).
Narrow Search
Ensures both terms appear in the profile.
Your New Daily Routine
Replace 2 hours of scrolling with 30 minutes of targeted action.
Research (15m)
Identify 1 new target company. Read their recent news. Find the hiring manager for your role.
Connect (10m)
Send connection requests to 3-5 people on the team (peers and managers). Don't pitch yet.
Execute (5m)
Prepare one high-quality outreach packet for a key decision maker using Ballista.
Ready to Land the Job?
You have the strategy. You have the target list. Now you need the tool that guarantees your resume gets seen.