The Myth of the Numbers Game
Today, I’m diving into a big myth that's been floating around for far too long.
It’s this widespread belief that if you throw enough job applications out there, one is bound to stick. The job market doesn't work like that. At least not anymore, if it ever did. Early in my career, I fell for this numbers game trap, too. I sent out hundreds of applications, thinking one has to hit. After weeks of radio silence, I realized something wasn't adding up. Maybe you've been there too, staying up late, scrolling through job boards, hitting apply on any position even remotely interesting, only to be met with silence. It's frustrating and disheartening. Let’s bust this myth wide open.
Quality Beats Quantity
Recruiters can tell when you're sending out generic applications. And they're not impressed. A recruiter seeing the same generic resume over and over again doesn't feel like reaching out, especially when they have 800 applications.
When you apply en masse you're spreading yourself thin. Instead of focusing on a few roles that really align with your skills and passions, you're just throwing spaghetti at the wall, seeing what sticks. And missing the mark completely most of the time.
It's not about quantity, it's about quality.
Let me tell you about one of my clients. Sarah was stuck in the numbers game, sending out over 200 applications a week. And getting nothing but crickets in return. After several months, she was frustrated, exhausted, and defeated. We picked just five jobs that really spoke to her. We rewrote her resume, tailored every word of her cover letter, and she started networking with people at those companies. Within a couple of weeks, she had three interviews lined up and ended up with two job offers after an entire year of crickets.
Quality beats quantity.
Moving away from the numbers game mentality can be tough. It's scary to put all your eggs in just a few baskets. But when you focus on quality, you're not just increasing your chances of landing a job, you're also setting yourself up for long-term success. Would you rather settle for the first position to come along, or get an offer for a job that excites you, where you can grow and thrive?
So What Should You Be Doing Instead?
Step 1: Do Your Homework
Dig into the companies that excite you. What are they all about? What do they care about? What's their mission? Check out their recent news. Are they growing? Launching new products? Expanding into new markets?
These things will give you clues about whether this company is the right place for you. Do you see yourself fitting in? Do their goals match yours? Can you see yourself thriving?
This step is crucial. When you show a company that you understand who they are and what they're looking for, you're not just another resume in the pile. You're the candidate they want to talk to.
Here's an example. If you're applying to a company that's all about innovation and pushing boundaries, highlight experiences where you've been a part of innovative projects. Maybe you spearheaded a new initiative or were part of a team that came up with a creative solution to a tough problem. Show them you're ready to bring that same energy to their team.
Step 2: Tailor Everything
Many people think they've tailored things when they’ve just changed out a title on their summary.
Tailoring means customizing your resume and cover letter for each application, highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job. You're showing the recruiter that you're not just another applicant, you're the right applicant.
Let's say you're applying for a marketing position. Show them how your experience aligns. If they're looking for someone with social media expertise, don’t just say I have social media experience but talk about growing your previous company's social media following by 200 percent in six months. If they're focused on brand development, share a story about leading a rebranding project that resulted in a 15 percent increase in brand recognition.
Make it clear that you're not just qualified, you're exactly who they need.
Step 3: Work Your Network
It's not what you know, but who you know. There's definitely some truth to that. If you're not already taking time to network and maintain relationships, it's time to start.
When teams are hiring, the first thing they ask is, who do we know that might be a good fit?
Referrals always take priority, because hiring managers feel these candidates have been vetted and are strong candidates – even if the person referring the candidate doesn't know them personally.
Wait, what? People refer people they don't really know? Absolutely. Because a lot of companies offer incentives like referral bonuses to encourage employees to refer friends.
So don't be afraid to reach out to connections and make new ones on LinkedIn. If you see a job posting that excites you, see if you have any connections at that company. Shoot them a message and ask if they'd be willing to put in a good word for you. Ask if the company offers referral bonuses and see if they can provide you with a link, or if it would be okay for you to include their name in your application.
A networking reminder: Don't just ask for favors. Build genuine relationships. Comment on their posts. Share interesting articles. Just check in from time to time. Networking is about building a community of professionals who support one another. And if you do it correctly, your network could pay you dividends for years to come.
Let's put this 3-step process into practice.
Think about a job you've applied for recently, or one that you're considering applying for.
First, do your homework. Spend 10 to 15 minutes researching the company. Look at their website, read their latest news, check out their social media. What stands out? What excites you about the company? Jot down notes.
Next, take a look at your resume and cover letter. Are they tailored to this job? If not, take a few minutes to tweak them. Highlight the experiences most relevant to the role and make sure your cover letter tells a compelling story about why you're a great fit.
Look at the job description, specifically the requirements. That's what's most important and what they're really looking for. If there's a specific skill or tool they call out, make sure it is on your resume and highlighted in your cover letter.
Now let's think about your network. Do you know anyone at this company? If not, is there someone in your network who could introduce you to someone there? Send a quick message, tell them you're interested in their role, and ask if they'd be willing to help you out.
After this exercise, you'll have a much stronger application and be one step closer to landing a job that excites you.
How would it feel to land a job that you're genuinely excited about rather than just another paycheck? That's the difference this strategy can make.
Remember, it's not about how many jobs you apply to, but how well you apply to them.
Until next time, keep believing in yourself and your potential. You've got this.
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XO Gemma
