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How many jobs have you applied for in the past month?
Balance Quantity with Quality
By Maureen Latta Wednesday, December 05, 2012We've all heard those intimidating stories about employers receiving 500 applications for a single job opening. And we've all heard that the more jobs you apply for, the more likely you are to land one. Fuelled by ambition, and the need to pay the rent on time, you might start firing off applications for every job vacancy that appears on the job search websites.
Or, the sheer enormity of the task might stress you so much that you wind up watching funny animal videos on Youtube and Skyping with friends, or curling up on the couch with your mother's afghan and a large bag of potato chips, rather than face the daunting task of finding a job.
The fact is that your quantity of job applications must be balanced with quality. Three to five applications per week is a realistic goal. A modest goal is less daunting, and allows you time to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position.
Sure, employers often receive a deluge of applications for sought-after positions, but the truth is that only a small proportion of those applicants will have the right qualifications. It only frustrates employers to have to sift through applications from people who clearly do not meet the requirements laid out in the job advertisement.
There is little to be gained from applying for jobs for which you aren't qualified. Look closely at the "Required" experience and skills. Honestly assess whether you have at least most of what the employer needs. Don't undervalue yourself and your experience, but don't waste your valuable time if you don't possess the key skills, experience, and education stated on the job advertisement.
While the Internet is a great tool to use when conducting a job search, it is not necessarily the best way to actually land a position. You are much more likely to secure employment through some kind of personal contact. A friend may recommend you to his or her employer to help you get on with the company. An acquaintance may give you a tip about a job opening before it's even posted. The organization you volunteer for might have a paid position opening up.
Time spent cultivating relationships will be time well spent. Consider it part of your job search. Make a lunch date with a friend whom you respect and ask for some advice and guidance. Each application you make based on wise advice and thoughtful consideration will be worth 10 cookie-cutter applications.
It informational resource, I'll bookmark it and visit it again!
Mark Paul - 2013-01-17 Real nice should have came in 5 year's ago.
mark paul - 2013-01-15 Pat thanks alot I learnt more in 3 day's then probabllably all of my year's of going to school all these year's if I only knew back then what I know .
Ron - 2013-01-07 it is so frustrating to do the work required updating my resume, being so careful about preparing cover letters, and knowing that I have (more than) enough education and training/experience to fill the jobs for which I apply....and not only be ignored for a job interview, but see the jobs re-posted as if those of us who applied are not "worthy" of even a basic interview.
Perhaps I have way too much business experience to be considered for an entry level job, but when a person is eager and willing to work for minimum wage, I think at the very least these Companies could respond.
Unlike Vancouver, I can't imagine [the local] Companies are receiving hundreds of applications.
[In many cases], I have everything [the advertising businesses] are looking for (with experience in the same industries) plus hazardous materials license, language skills, computer skills, and [skills specific to the job]. I really don't know what these companies in Powell River are genuinely looking for. It certainly does not appear to be qualified employees. Thanks for listening. I am very frustrated.
Ron - 2013-01-01 Working with Career Link.
Just applying for the job at Malaspina Coach lines in the hopes I can get an interview.
Thanks for the postings.
No name - 2012-12-07 Employers don't want to hire or even interview someone already holding one part-time job.
Visitor Comments
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Julia - 2013-01-22
perfectly.
It informational resource, I'll bookmark it and visit it again!
Mark Paul - 2013-01-17
Real nice should have came in 5 year's ago.
mark paul - 2013-01-15
Pat thanks alot I learnt more in 3 day's then probabllably all of my year's of going to school all these year's if I only knew back then what I know .
Ron - 2013-01-07
it is so frustrating to do the work required updating my resume, being so careful about preparing cover letters, and knowing that I have (more than) enough education and training/experience to fill the jobs for which I apply....and not only be ignored for a job interview, but see the jobs re-posted as if those of us who applied are not "worthy" of even a basic interview.
Perhaps I have way too much business experience to be considered for an entry level job, but when a person is eager and willing to work for minimum wage, I think at the very least these Companies could respond.
Unlike Vancouver, I can't imagine [the local] Companies are receiving hundreds of applications.
[In many cases], I have everything [the advertising businesses] are looking for (with experience in the same industries) plus hazardous materials license, language skills, computer skills, and [skills specific to the job]. I really don't know what these companies in Powell River are genuinely looking for. It certainly does not appear to be qualified employees. Thanks for listening. I am very frustrated.
Ron - 2013-01-01
Working with Career Link. Just applying for the job at Malaspina Coach lines in the hopes I can get an interview. Thanks for the postings.
No name - 2012-12-07
Employers don't want to hire or even interview someone already holding one part-time job.