Modern Job Hunting Efficiency
Part 2 of an on-going series designed to de-mystify the job hunting process. Part 1 on resume techniques here.
Applying for a job in the modern market is intimidating at best. It can feel like a numbers game: more applications means more interviews means more offers, right?
Yes and no. The statistics are pretty daunting. It can take between 100-200 or more applications to get an offer, with application-to-interview percentages at just 8.3% (Hire Lehigh). However, this is a non-qualified average, meaning that everyone who responded to the survey no matter their preparation time into each application was counted as equal.
When pressed, you should always put quality over quantity when it comes to your applications. If you cannot envision yourself at that company and in that role, don’t waste your or the hiring team’s time by submitting an application. The only applications that count towards building “quantity” are the ones submitted after you’ve done your research and considered your fit for the job and the organization.
As demonstrated by the graph, A higher number of applications is not directly related to the likelihood of an offer, and nearly 1 in 7 job offers come unprompted by an application (Zippia.com).
Doing Your Research
Just reading this article means you’ve already started the first step. 47% of recruiters said they would reject a candidate who had little knowledge about the company where they’re applying (Legaljobs.io). There are a few levels of research that you should do before applying for a new role or field. Don’t forget to take notes!
The industry itself: Who are the big players? What kind of hierarchy is there for management and growth potential? Is it location specific? What other industries support the operation?
The role/level you’re looking for: Look at specific requirements like education and certifications first, then narrow down where your experience falls on the ladder. Remember, you don’t have to meet every one of the expectations to apply. Highlight the ones that match you and focus on how you can grow to match the rest.
The specific company: You should be familiar with the condensed history, mission statement/values, the general corporate structure, and the scope of services that the company provides. After that, look at where your role would fall into this organization. If these things are not available on the company website, look to potential press coverage, particularly company and executive profiles and announcements. If information is still missing, write it down to ask about during a future interview!
Putting this level of research into each application minimizes the time spent on job hunting overall. Cut out the fat of the jobs that wouldn’t be a good fit for you and focus on the details rather than the amount of applications sent. This in no way is an exact science and may change over time as you go through the process, so continue to put in the time for each role.
Submitting the Application
You should notify any references you intend to put down that you are actively seeking. You do not want to have them be caught by surprise; it’s disrespectful to their time and could damage the reference they give if they don’t have time to prepare. Your previous research and selective approach to your applications will also minimize the burden on your references to repeat themselves over and over.
Customize your resume and proofread every time. Learn more about common mistakes on resumes and how to make yours more effective here.
Whenever possible, apply directly through the company website or email the HR department rather than through online job boards. There is a significantly higher chance of your application being read by a real person rather than AI if you avoid submitting through sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and ZipRecruiter, although they are great resources to look for vacancies and advice. Avoid the easy way out of one-click applications unless the posting specifically requests it, and don’t forget your cover letter!
Stay Positive
Rejection can be disheartening, especially when you’ve put in time and effort to your application. Applications can be rejected for many reasons, and most of the time it is of no fault of your own. A company’s policy, culture, and financial situation are all major reasons for choosing one candidate over another. Not getting a job is not a reflection of your worth or value, it’s a complicated and detail-oriented process that is highly specific to each employer and even the individual recruiter.
If you are confidant in your resume and cover letters, keep doing you! If not, attend a workshop or consult a local workforce development expert. There may be something you’re missing, or you may just not have found your perfect fit yet.
