There’s one day each year when the idea of "luck" gets a lot of play. I enjoy a little four-leaf clover and leprechaun talk, myself, on St. Patrick's Day. But what about the other 364 days of the year?
As an executive recruiter, I sometimes have candidates tell me they’re having a run of bad luck in their job search. Most of the time, I offer them a simple formula for turning that luck around.
It starts with three simple actions that show how landing the right role isn’t about chance. It’s about creating your own good fortune.
Most candidates only apply after a job is posted. But the candidates who get interviews heard about the role before it even went live.
How do they do it?
They make themselves visible. They stay in touch with their network, respond promptly to messages, and show up consistently so when a role opens, they’re top of mind.
Building this kind of visibility can be surprisingly simple:
Network thoughtfully. Keep in touch with colleagues, industry peers, and mentors in ways that are genuine and meaningful.
Share insights online. Post or comment on relevant industry topics on LinkedIn to demonstrate your expertise and engagement.
Engage with recruiters. Respond to their outreach professionally and let them know the kinds of opportunities you’re excited about. Your executive recruiter can be a powerful advocate when they recognize your readiness for the role.
Candidates who do these things consistently often hear about roles first and go in strong because being seen isn’t luck. It’s preparation.
You’ve probably heard the stories. The candidate sails into the first interview, and the hiring manager loves them instantly. There are no hiccups in the process. No major stumbles. Just a smooth glide from the first handshake to "We'll be extending an offer."
Experiences like that don't just happen. They're the result of preparation and the credibility that stems from three things:
Show superior communication. This means responding to questions clearly and concisely, making genuine eye contact, asking smart and relevant questions, and showing genuine interest in the role, the team, and the company.
Share relevant examples. Successful candidates are prepared to describe past experiences that directly demonstrate their ability to succeed in the position and meet the hiring manager’s needs.
Earn the support of a recruiter who understands their strengths. A skilled recruiter knows how to position the candidate’s achievements in the right context and highlight the qualities that matter most to the hiring manager.
Credibility doesn’t appear by chance. Candidates walk in with the credibility they’ve built for themselves through preparation, communication, and the advocacy of trusted referral sources who understand their strengths.
I've heard candidates say "the timing was just right" or "I guess it was poor timing." Funny thing about great timing: more often than not, the candidate has created that perfect timing through planning, serious effort, and sustained focus.
These candidates catch the perfect moment because they:
Keep their resume current. Achievements and skills are updated so they reflect recent accomplishments and align with the roles they are targeting.
Refine their story. They present a concise, objective-focused narrative that clearly shows why they are the right fit.
Set expectations based on reality. They understand the market, the role, and what they bring to the table.
Readiness makes the timing right. And that readiness comes from doing the work long before the interview begins. When the right role appears, they’re already positioned to step in confidently.
We see it every day: the candidates who shine throughout the hiring process are the ones who worked for it, listened to feedback, and never stopped learning along the way. They’ve built visibility, credibility, and readiness long before luck ever enters the picture.
This St. Patrick’s Day, I do wish you all the luck of the Irish. But in your job search, I also wish you the visibility, credibility, and readiness that lead to the pot of gold at the end of your job-hunting rainbow.
At SkyWater Search Partners, we match talented candidates with some of the most beloved and respected employers throughout Minnesota and the Chicago metro area. If you would like insights into how hiring decisions are made today and how to position yourself to land the job you really want, we would love to be a resource.