In the 1970s, Edward Packard revolutionized storytelling with his Choose Your Own Adventure books. On the very first page, he wrote:
“Do not read this book straight through from beginning to end… The adventures you take are a result of your choice.”
Growing up, I loved those books. I’ll admit, I used to cheat a little. I’d keep my finger on each option so I could flip back if the ending wasn’t great. The goal was simple: find the best possible outcome.
Sound familiar? Because that’s exactly what the job search feels like sometimes. Multiple paths. Unpredictable outcomes. And one big question: Which choice will move me forward?
Let’s play out two options.
Option 1: Submit your résumé and wait
You and 462 other candidates apply for the same job. You’re qualified, but so are dozens of others. Maybe your résumé misses a keyword. Maybe the ATS doesn’t recognize a synonym. You never make it to the recruiter’s screen.
Even if you do, the odds aren’t great, about a 2% chance of getting hired. Fate and math say: not this time.
Option 2: Submit your résumé and reach out
This time, you take initiative. You find the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn. You send a thoughtful, professional note:
- You explain your genuine interest.
- You highlight how your background aligns with their needs.
- You ask for a short conversation.
The result? You stand out. Because recruiters aren’t gatekeepers, they’re matchmakers. Their success depends on finding the right candidate. When you make it easy for them to see you as that match, they want to move you forward.
That single step can turn a 2% chance into a real opportunity.
Your Career Adventure Awaits
In the Choose Your Own Adventure story of your career, which page will you turn to?
Will you leave your future to algorithms and luck?
Or take ownership, reach out, connect, and create your own path?
The candidates who land interviews (and offers) are rarely the ones who just submit and wait. They’re the ones who act, connect, and make their next move intentionally.
👉 Join one of our free webinars at YourNextJump.com/webinar and learn how to make the right choices to stand out, get noticed, and get hired.
You got this! 👊