After Applying To Over 2K Jobs Without Success, He Asked Dave Ramsey For Advice. The Answer Wasn't Gentle: 'Well, You Suck At That'

John from Naples, Florida, has done everything by the book. He earned a bachelor’s in business, followed it up with a master’s in data analytics, and spent the last year applying to over 2,000 jobs across the country. Despite all that effort, his phone rarely rings. “I’ve met with C-suite executives of Fortune 500 companies, alumni from my university. I’ve spoken to my university. I’ve spoken to friends, family,” John told personal finance expert Dave Ramsey on a recent episode of “The Ramsey Show.” “I really don’t know what the problem is.” Don't Miss: Missed Nvidia and Tesla? RAD Intel Could Be the Next AI Powerhouse — Just $0.85 a Share Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Here’s how you can earn passive income with just $10, starting today. Interviews Don't Come From Applications John said he's been applying to roles in the $80,000 to $120,000 range, often aiming low in the salary band just to increase his chances. Still, the few interviews he's landed have only come from internal referrals. “I’ve done about 2,000 applications,” he told Ramsey. “I've had a handful [interviews].” Dave didn't sugarcoat his response. “Well, you suck at that,” he said. But the point wasn't to insult. Ramsey and his co-host Ken Coleman stressed that mass-applying online is largely ineffective in today's hiring market. “Two thousand applications? You might as well have been spitting in the wind driving down the interstate,” Coleman said. “Activity in this particular situation is not the answer.” The four interviews you got, you got the right way,” Ramsey said. “You need to do that 40 times.” Coleman said that because entry-level jobs are often flooded with applicants, the odds of landing a role through job boards alone are slim. He recommended John shift to what he calls the “proximity principle,” which involves getting connected to people inside companies before applying. Trending: Americans With a Financial Plan Can 4X Their Wealth — Get Your Personalized Plan from a CFP Pro What Works In 2026 Experts at Glassdoor recently shared similar advice, saying that while online applications still account for about 60% of job offers, the remaining 40% comes from referrals, direct outreach, and real-world networking. Its poll found that referrals are 35% more likely to result in a job offer. According to Glassdoor, one tactic involves creating a “20-company bucket list,” where you follow specific companies, comment meaningfully on their posts, and connect with current employees. Another is conducting a “listening tour,” chatting with professionals not to ask for a job, but to learn from their journey. Even casual connections, like an old college friend or a friend’s former coworker, can be more helpful than expected. In the meantime, Coleman advised John to get any job to keep moving and avoid the emotional slump that can come from long-term unemployment. “You need to be working, bringing home income, not becoming depressed,” he said. “And I’m talking stocking shelves at Target.” See Also: GM-Backed EnergyX Is Solving the Lithium Supply Crisis — Invest Before They Scale Global Production Taking Control Beyond The 9-To-5 For those in John's position, it's easy to feel stuck. But alternatives to traditional employment are growing. Platforms like Fundrise let people start investing in private tech companies for as little as $10. It’s not a substitute for a full-time job, but it's one way to start building financial momentum, even when your career is stalled. Ramsey’s takeaway was to stop relying on applications alone, focus on building real connections, and stay active. “I know you’re frustrated, man. And it does sound like you’re doing a lot of things right,” he said. “But you’re also wasting a lot of calories to feel like you’re doing something right. Read Next: From Moxy Hotels to $12B in Real Estate — The Firm Behind NYC's Trendiest Properties Is Letting Individual Investors In. Image: Shutterstock