There's a common belief that finding a new job is largely a numbers game. The more applications you submit, the greater your chances of landing an interview. And if you're not getting results, perhaps you simply need to apply for more.
But is that really the best approach?
At Social Impact Careers, we've observed that jobseekers can sometimes become so focused on the number of applications they're submitting that they lose sight of what makes an application effective in the first place.
The result can be dozens of applications, considerable time and effort, and very little progress. The problem isn't necessarily a lack of effort. Sometimes it's a lack of strategy.
More applications don't automatically translate into more opportunities.
Job searching is about more than finding an advertisement, attaching your CV and clicking submit. It's about understanding where you fit, what you offer and how to communicate that effectively to prospective employers.
Start with the right opportunities
One of the most common mistakes jobseekers can make is applying for positions simply because they're available.
Before applying, take a moment to consider whether the role genuinely aligns with your experience, capabilities, interests and career direction.
You don't need to meet every single selection criterion. Few candidates do. However, there should be a credible connection between what an employer is looking for and what you bring to the table.
If you're applying for positions that are a significant stretch from your experience, without being able to articulate why you're a suitable candidate, you may be spending valuable time on applications that are unlikely to progress.
Be ambitious, by all means, but be considered.
Your CV needs to do more than list your employment history
Your CV is often your first introduction to an employer, and it needs to work hard for you. A common issue is CVs that contain plenty of information but don't necessarily communicate the candidate's value.
A list of responsibilities tells an employer what you were employed to do. It doesn't necessarily tell them how well you did it, what you achieved or what you could bring to their organisation.
Think about your accomplishments, the problems you've solved, the initiatives you've led and the outcomes you've delivered.
Importantly, consider which of those experiences are most relevant to the position you're applying for.
Your CV shouldn't simply be a generic record of everything you've ever done. It should tell a compelling professional story and demonstrate why you're worth considering.
Do your homework
How much do you actually know about the organisation you're applying to?
Have you looked beyond the position description? Do you understand what the organisation does, its priorities, its culture and the challenges it might be facing?
This is particularly important when applying for senior or specialist positions.
Employers aren't simply looking for someone who can perform a list of duties. They're looking for someone who can contribute to their organisation and help achieve its objectives.
Understanding the organisation gives you a much better opportunity to demonstrate how you might do that.
It also helps you decide whether the organisation is somewhere you genuinely want to work.
Remember, you're assessing them as much as they're assessing you.
Don't underestimate the value of relationships
Online job boards have made applying for positions easier than ever, but they can also create the impression that the entire job search process happens behind a computer screen. It doesn't.
Networking, professional relationships and conversations with people working in your chosen field can be incredibly valuable.
That doesn't mean asking everyone you know whether they have a job for you.
It means reconnecting with former colleagues, letting professional contacts know you're considering a move, attending industry events and engaging with people and organisations that interest you.
Sometimes an opportunity comes from a conversation that wouldn't have happened if you'd spent another hour submitting online applications.
And don't overlook recruiters who specialise in your area of expertise. Building a professional relationship with someone who understands your market can be worthwhile, even if they don't have an appropriate vacancy today.
Make your application count
If you're genuinely interested in a position, invest some time in your application. Read the advertisement carefully. Identify the key requirements and think about how your experience addresses them.
Make sure your CV is relevant and that your application communicates why you're interested in the role.
If a cover letter is requested, don't treat it as an administrative exercise. Use it to connect the dots between your experience, the position and the organisation.
And if you secure an interview, prepare properly. Research the organisation, understand the position and be ready to talk about your experience with relevant examples.
Preparation matters, and it can make a real difference to how you present yourself.
Be persistent, but be strategic
Of course, job searching isn't always straightforward.
Some industries are extremely competitive. Some candidates are under financial pressure and need to secure employment quickly. Others are navigating redundancy, career changes or a difficult employment situation.
There isn't one formula that works for everyone. And sometimes, yes, you need to apply for a considerable number of positions before the right opportunity comes along.
But there's a difference between being persistent and simply being busy.
If you've submitted 50 applications and haven't secured a single interview, perhaps it's time to review your approach rather than submit another 50.
Is your CV doing its job? Are you targeting the right positions? Are you communicating your experience effectively? Are there gaps between what you're offering and what employers are seeking?
Sometimes a small adjustment to your approach can make a significant difference.
Quality, strategy and a little self-reflection
Looking for a new job can be exhausting. Rejection is difficult, particularly when you've invested time and energy into an application and don't receive any feedback.
It's easy to become disheartened and start believing that the answer is simply to apply for more jobs.
But perhaps the better question is whether you're applying for the right jobs, in the right way, and presenting yourself as effectively as you could.
Take ownership of your job search. Be proactive, build relationships, do your research and understand the value you bring.
And don't confuse the number of applications you've submitted with the progress you're making.
Job hunting isn't just about getting your CV in front of as many employers as possible. It's about helping the right employers understand why they should want to meet you.
Sometimes, the smartest job search strategy isn't doing more. It's doing things differently.
Social Impact Careers partners with purpose-driven organisations to connect them with talented people who want to make a difference. We believe successful recruitment starts with understanding people, potential and the value of the right professional match.
If you’re looking to change careers, or for general support in your search, you need a career coach not a recruiter! We can recommend Jo Green - you can find out more about her services and pricing here