Founder's Story | Episode 301

Why Applying for Jobs Is a Waste of Time (And What Actually Works Instead)
Guest: Julia Arpag, Founder of Aligned Recruitment
Host: IBH Media
Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

In this candid and practical episode, host IBH Media explores the realities of job hunting and recruiting in the tech industry with Julia Arpag, founder of Aligned Recruitment. Julia challenges the common wisdom about job applications, advocates for old-fashioned networking, and dives deep into how both job seekers and founders can thrive in today’s rapidly shifting job market. She shares memorable stories, invaluable tips, and her own journey from employee to seven-figure business owner, making this episode a goldmine for anyone navigating their career or entrepreneurial path.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why Applying for Jobs Is (Mostly) a Waste of Time

• Julia’s Hot Take:
  • Simply applying for jobs online is often unproductive, especially as AI dominates initial resume filtering.

    “People should actually not apply for jobs. I know that's an insanely hot take, but hear me out… it almost never works.” — Julia Arpag [01:45]

  • Estimates 70–80% of job placements happen through networking, not through applications.
  • Optimizing LinkedIn and direct manual outreach are far superior strategies.

2. How to Stand Out to Recruiters

• LinkedIn Optimization:
  • Make your LinkedIn headline crystal clear. Avoid jargon; use actual job titles.

    “Don't put these, ‘I optimize systems and processes.’ I'm like, what the freak is your actual job? ... Give me your job title or the job title you're aiming for.” — Julia Arpag [03:20]

• Your ‘Brag Book’:
  • Focus on 2-3 quantifiable achievements per role.

    “Your LinkedIn is your brag book. And I need to see the bullet points of what you've done.” — Julia Arpag [03:44]

3. Interview Preparation Essentials

• Beyond Technical Skills:
  • Companies demand emotional intelligence and energy, not just technical ability.
  • Prepare key talking points and come with enthusiasm.

    “You need to have prepared talking points about what you've done, even just for that initial recruiter interview… prepare your energy... come in excited.” — Julia Arpag [04:37]

4. Trends in Tech Recruitment

• Types of Roles & Salary Ranges:
  • Most demand: tech sales roles (especially with Series Seed to B startups).
  • Tech sales salary example:

    “For a seller with, let's say five to eight years of experience, we're looking at around 150k base. And then your on target earning... is going to be 300k if not higher.” — Julia Arpag [07:51]

• AI’s Impact:
  • AI increases the noise (inboxes full of automated messages), making authentic human engagement more valuable.

5. Wild Interview Stories

• Unusual Techniques:
  • Stories of ‘walk and talk’ interviews and testing candidates with unexpected setups (e.g., high chairs vs. low chairs).
  • Sometimes resumes don’t match the person, but confidence can still land an interview—even if it doesn’t work out.

6. Julia’s Founder Journey

• Origin Story:
  • Became an entrepreneur after a forced layoff during maternity leave.

    “It was the best thing ever because it kicked me out of the nest.” — Julia Arpag [11:17]

• Rapid Growth:
  • Used her network and reputation to immediately secure clients.
  • Hired and managed recruiters under her growing agency.

7. Keys to Scaling a Recruitment Business

• Specialized Executive Coaching:
  • First investment: an executive coach specializing in recruitment sales.

    “If you can't sell, your business is going to fail, period.” — Julia Arpag [13:31]

• Personal Growth & Balance:
  • The journey required shifts: from sales focus, to balance with family, to scaling without burnout.
  • Ongoing evolution and prioritization—motherhood, marriage, faith, and business all in dynamic tension.

8. The Lure & Loneliness of Entrepreneurship

• Temptation to Return to Employment:
  • Every founder sometimes fantasizes about the ease of a job but values the freedom and flexibility of entrepreneurship.

    “For me, the freedom and flexibility of business ownership is worth all the costs.” — Julia Arpag [17:08]

• Community is Essential:
  • Julia credits her executive coach and involvement in faith-based founder communities for support and resilience.

9. The Future of Jobs & Values

• Jobs Aren’t Disappearing—They’re Evolving:
  • Change is inevitable, but opportunities continue for those who adapt.

    “Jobs will always exist. They will change. And the people who are able to land on their feet are the ones who are adapting.” — Julia Arpag [20:09]

• Purpose-Driven Work:
  • Younger generations increasingly demand purpose and value alignment at work.
  • Founders want team members aligned with company mission; this benefits both sides.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Stop spending time AI-ing your resume just to send it into a black hole where AI will reject it.”
  — Julia Arpag [02:15]

• “Your job has to become that you're a seller.”
  — Julia Arpag [13:31]

• “Every founder thinks about going back to a job... But freedom and flexibility are worth all the costs.”
  — Julia Arpag [17:08]

• Host’s anecdote:

  • Interviewing candidates on low chairs to see how they handle discomfort [09:21]
  • “Did you hire anyone?” — Julia Arpag, laughing [10:04]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:45] — Why applying for jobs is largely ineffective today
• [03:20] — How to stand out to recruiters on LinkedIn
• [04:37] — Essential interview preparation for any role
• [07:51] — Salary benchmarks for modern tech sales roles
• [11:17] — Julia’s leap from employee to founder
• [13:31] — The necessity of learning to sell as a founder
• [17:08] — The value (and cost) of entrepreneurial freedom
• [20:09] — Will jobs exist in the future?
• [22:08] — The rise of purpose-driven employment

Resources & Connections

• Julia Arpag on LinkedIn:

  “I am the only Julia Arpag on LinkedIn, so... you're going to have a really easy time finding me." [23:45]

• Website: Aligned Recruitment

Final Thoughts

Julia Arpag dispels myths about modern job seeking, highlighting that personal networks and clear, authentic branding far outweigh AI-battled applications. She demonstrates that adaptability, sales acumen, and deep purpose are vital for both job seekers and founders in today’s fast-evolving landscape. For those ready to stand out or scale up, Julia’s story and advice provide a clear, actionable path forward.