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I think by the end of my job search in San Francisco, I had applied to over 90 jobs. That pattern seems to match though – I applied to 18 schools when applying for college.

During the Great Panic of 2014 (my new affectionate name for one of the most stressful times of my life), I somehow either stumbled upon this advice OR magically came up with it myself as I likely ran out of places to apply to 😉

Start to take note of items you use regularly (whether physical or digital), events you go to, and generally what you pay money for. Find out who is behind those things. Figure out if they are hiring and apply. 

This is in many ways a big part of how I found Automattic – I used WordPress everyday and lost track of time doing so. For context, here’s what else I remember from my list:

• Redbull
• Netflix
• US Soccer
• Spotify
• Instagram
• FIFA
• Happier (an app)
• GoodReads
• Penguin Books

At the time, what I realized, is that being passionate about the job, product, and the company before the first interview made a huge difference in how I approached the interviews and how they went. Beyond that, it’s led to me STILL to this day being truly passionate about what I’m working on day in and day out.

I’m not looking for another job at all but, if I were in that position again, this is 100% what I would do.