In a recent LinkedIn post, Jonathan Javier shares insights from an interview with Tobi Oluwole, founder of Magnate Ventures, who has guided his business to $5.2 million in revenue without ever looking at a traditional job application. Javier highlights Oluwole’s unconventional approach to hiring and business growth, detailing a path that was far from linear.
The journey to success for Oluwole, as recounted by Javier, involved a decade of launching new businesses annually with the goal of retiring his parents. It took ten years to earn his first $50,000. A significant turning point came after hiring a co-founder and a COO, which led to the company reaching seven figures in just eleven months.
“I’ve never looked at an application.”
This striking statement, quoted by Javier from Oluwole, underscores a fundamental difference in how Magnate Ventures acquires talent. Instead of relying on formal applications, Oluwole has built his team through more organic and direct channels.
Unconventional Hiring Strategies
Jonathan Javier details Oluwole’s methods for finding key personnel, emphasizing that traditional job postings were bypassed. For instance, his COO was discovered through a comment on LinkedIn. Similarly, his head of success, head of programming, and head of revenue were all brought into the company without ever submitting an application.
“His head of success came from one of his own programs. So did his head of programming and revenue. None of them applied,” Javier writes, relaying Oluwole’s strategy.
A Structured Trial Period
Even after identifying potential candidates through these alternative means, Oluwole implements a rigorous vetting process. As Javier explains, Oluwole does not simply hire individuals based on initial interactions. Instead, he institutes a 30-day paid trial period at a full salary. This allows both the company and the potential employee to assess the fit before a long-term commitment is made.
Of the 14 people Tobi Oluwole has hired using this model, five remain on the core team, indicating a high success rate for this unconventional approach.
Advice for Job Seekers
In the post, Jonathan Javier also relays Oluwole’s actionable advice for individuals currently navigating the job market. These recommendations move away from the standard advice of tailoring resumes or applying early.
“Tell everyone the exact role and company you want”
Oluwole suggests a proactive networking strategy. Javier elaborates on this by sharing Oluwole’s advice to actively communicate one’s career aspirations to their network.
“Find companies that raised money in the last 60 days and pitch 10 a day”
Furthermore, Oluwole recommends a targeted approach to identifying potential employers. As highlighted by Javier, this involves focusing on companies that have recently secured funding and proactively engaging with them.
“Learn to tell stories instead of reciting your experience”
Finally, Oluwole emphasizes the importance of narrative in professional interactions. Jonathan Javier conveys this by stating that Oluwole advises job seekers to focus on crafting compelling stories about their past experiences rather than simply listing them.
Through this detailed account, Jonathan Javier effectively showcases Tobi Oluwole’s innovative business-building and hiring philosophy, offering a fresh perspective on talent acquisition and career development.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Jonathan Javier on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on October 2, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →