Here is how I avoid relying on Recruiters

So ive talked about this in a few comments and wanted to elaborate a bit.

I have NEVER landed a job from a recruiter reaching out to me because "they think my experience aligns with an opportunity they currently have open"

I have mainly found opportunities on my own.

Here is my process:

I have a Google Doc named "future companies to work for" and I am updating this every so often, it doesnt matter how much I love my current gig I am always ready to reach out to a specific place if I have too.

I keep my eye open on what companies in spaces I am interested in are doing. Ill connect with leadership on linked in and a few sales ppl. (but not reach out just follow along)

This helps me understand what the market is doing.

If I feel the time is right to make a move I will start reviewing job postings for those companies first, seeing if the hiring manager is listed, understand what they are looking for.

If the hiring manager is listed I ignore the job post and reach out directly to the hiring manager.

(this is most effective with smaller companies)

Then I see who answers my messages and can have more control over what is happening.

curious, what other people are doing???