The Tools Behind My Job Search Campaign
- Kayli Flanders
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
I approached my job search the same way I approach client campaigns - as a performance marketer. I built a cross-channel campaign with targeting, creative, a custom landing page, video, and paid media. But here’s the truth:
The paid campaign flopped. The people didn’t.
I didn’t land a job because I bought traffic or boosted a post. I landed a job because I stayed top of mind, showed up consistently, and was lucky enough to have people in my corner who introduced me to some amazing people, tagged me in posts, and shared opportunities.
Still, the tools I used along the way played a big role in helping me stay organized, visible, and creatively energized. Here’s what I used, what worked, and what didn’t.
Cost: Paid
Primary Use: Staying top of mind, connecting with recruiters, applying for jobs
LinkedIn was the most powerful platform I used throughout my campaign. Not because of any single feature, but because it allowed me to show up where it mattered, day after day.
It’s where I posted campaign updates, shared performance learnings, and engaged with my network. It’s also where I applied for the majority of my roles. While the cold applications didn’t lead to many conversions, the platform itself made it easy to stay visible and discover new opportunities.
What worked:
Staying top of feed with posts and updates
People tagging me in jobs, referring me, and connecting me with decision-makers
InMail access and insights on who’s hiring
What didn’t:
– Cold applications alone rarely led to results
– Premium features only work if you’re actively building relationships and content
Cost: Paid
Primary Use: Hosting www.workwithkayli.com
Wix powered my personal site, the central hub of my campaign. It housed my resume, portfolio, case studies, testimonials, blog posts, and more. Any time someone asked to see my work or wanted to learn more, I could just send them to one polished destination.
What worked:
Easy to build and update
Gave my campaign a professional edge
Let me showcase more than just a resume
What didn’t:
– Limited organic traffic; most visits came through LinkedIn or DMs
– Page speed and analytics weren’t always ideal
Cost: Paid
Primary Use: Copywriting, brainstorming, campaign strategy
This tool helped me move faster. I used it to write blog posts like this one, rework cold outreach messages, brainstorm hooks, and organize strategy. I never used it to generate anything blindly, but it helped me tighten, reframe, and pressure-test ideas quickly.
What worked:
A great starting point for content and structure
Helped overcome creative blocks
Made it easier to iterate
What didn’t:
– Still needed human editing to sound like me
– Could be too generic without direction
– Image creator was not a reliable tool
Cost: Paid
Primary Use: Graphic design and content creation
I used Canva to design everything from LinkedIn carousels and blog images to resume visuals and performance updates. It was fast, intuitive, and perfect for solo creative work that still needed to look professional.
What worked:
Easy drag-and-drop interface
On-brand, high-quality creative
Helped my campaign stand out visually
What didn’t:
– Advanced layout options are limited
– Didn't replace a graphic designer, which I am not, and needed.
Cost: Paid
Primary Use: Quick video editing for campaign content
CapCut was fun and surprisingly powerful. I used it to create short video updates that brought energy and motion to my campaign. Whether it was performance highlights or behind-the-scenes updates, this tool made it easy to polish and post without needing a production team.
What worked:
Intuitive editor with lots of built-in effects
Great for social-first video formats
Helped me bring content to life across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram
What didn’t:
– A bit of a learning curve for transitions and layering
– Didn't replace a videographer or content creator, which I am not, and needed
Cost: Paid
Primary Use: AI-powered video creation
Pictory helped me build my main campaign teaser video - very, very easily. I started with a text prompt, added images and music, and ended up with a powerful piece of content that summarized my story in less than a minute.
What worked:
No video editing experience needed
Voiceover, captions, and music included
Helped me quickly turn a script into visual content
What didn’t:
– Templates can feel formulaic
– Needs careful tweaking to avoid robotic pacing
Cost: Paid
Primary Use: Job search automation and application tracking
This was a game changer. Jobright.ai didn’t just help me track applications, it supercharged the process. With the Chrome plugin, I could instantly tailor resumes, autofill applications, and organize my pipeline. After using the Jobright resume editor, my conversion rate - interviews and callbacks - jumped by 700%.
What worked:
Powerful Chrome plugin for LinkedIn and job boards
Resume tailoring tools that actually work
What didn’t:
– Slightly clunky UI at times
– Limited formatting control
Final Thoughts
The tools made it fun and easy to take control over my job search and approach in a creative, innovative way. The campaign kept me excited. But the people made the difference.
If you’re launching a personal campaign or just trying to stand out in a crowded job market, don’t get caught up in the shiny tools. Use them to support your visibility, stay organized, and tell your story, but remember, the goal is connection.
Huge thank you to the friends, colleagues, and strangers who cheered me on, introduced me to others, and helped keep me top of mind. That’s what actually worked.
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