A Better Way to Stand Out in the Job Hunt
Over the last seven years, I’ve had some amazing careers in the finance and fintech space. From working with SMB Capital, Kershner Trading Group, Trade Ideas, Finviz, and Stocktwits, it's been a great ride. But if I had to pin down my secret, it’s simple: Passion and Loom videos for intros! These little recordings have been my not-so-secret weapon, and I swear by them every time I want to stand out.
Why Loom Videos?
Here’s the thing: a Loom video lets me show the real me. Resumes are fine, but they only scratch the surface. A video with an easy to paste link? That’s where I can actually connect. Whether it’s talking about my experience or why I’m jazzed about a particular role, Loom videos have given me an edge. Every job I’ve landed started with one of these videos, where I just laid it all out and let the person on the other end know who I am beyond the paper.
How to Use Loom Videos to Land Jobs
Whenever I spot an opp that feels like a perfect fit, I make sure to track down the person who’s likely running the show. Then, I fire up Loom, hit record, and let them know why I’m excited about the role (3 out of the 4 positions I created roles that they weren't even hiring for) and how my background lines up with what they need. For example, when I applied to SMB, I showed them a tool I built for finding stocks in play along with my track record on my own. It wasn’t just a line on my resume; it was something I could demonstrate and make real. The video made it personal and memorable. Pro tip: If you know "Boss Man Bella" (coined myself) loves Baseball and you played for more than 15 years, make sure to highlight that quickly in the video. - no shit right?
I did the same with Trade Ideas, Finviz, and now Stocktwits. I let them know why I was passionate about what they were building (actually be passionate), and I made sure they could see my true enthusiasm. I talked about my background in markets, fintech, media, some of the successes I’ve had, and how I thought I could offer real value.
Why This Strategy Works
You can apply to a million jobs through traditional channels, but if you really want to stand out, a Loom video does wonders. You don’t have to be the perfect candidate on paper; you just have to be passionate and genuine. When "hiring managers" (ceo's, presidents, employees) see that spark in your video, they’re way more likely to remember you, schedule a call, or shovel you off to an employee who does the hiring. Plus, they get a real sense of who you are, beyond just your experience.
So, if you’re on the hunt, give it a shot. Hit record, be yourself, and let your passion show. It worked for me, and it WILL work for you too. Go on—try it out, and see where it takes you. You might just land that career that you've been thinking about!
PS: I created this blog by recording a video on Loom (talked about the subject), used their transcript feature, and then had ChatGPT polish it into a "world-class blog" that fits my style. I shared a few of my previous posts to help match the tone, then added a bit of my own twang. Loom is my favorite tool that has allowed me to truly stand out!