Are You Applying to the Right Jobs?

“Should I apply to this job?”

When your job search has been long, tedious, and unfruitful, it may seem like this question is a moot point. If you aren’t getting results, you may think your best course of action is to apply to as many jobs as possible. 

In reality that’s probably not the case, especially if your application strategy has been to use one staple resume and click the “apply now” button on every job that sounds right. A better use of your time is to strategically customize your application documents, and since it takes longer, it may require you to apply for fewer jobs. Taking the approach of quality over quantity can really work well however, and save you many clicks of the Submit button—an activity which probably has had you wondering if your resume goes not to the employer but that infamous “black hole”. 

The following clues, many of which are right in the job description, should help you decipher whether or not you should apply for the job: 

When was the listing posted? 

This little bit of information can really save you a lot of time. My rule of thumb is to focus on the most recently posted jobs first. Anything over three weeks should have lower priority. I say this after learning about the findings of a report by Indeed and the Centre for Economic and Business Research (CEBR), which states that about 43% of vacancies are filled in about 30 days. The listings you see on the job sites are likely to stay active until they expire (they paid for them to be live for a certain time period, after all), even if a hiring decision was made. Knowing this, it makes sense to start with the jobs that are most likely to still be available. If you find one over three weeks old that you’re really excited about, try to find out if the company is still seeking applicants before you use your precious time applying for an opportunity that may no longer exist. 

What are the job responsibilities? 

Many job seekers hone in on the list of qualifications first and if they see a match, they just apply right away. Try taking a different approach. Before applying, read through the entire listing, especially the job responsibilities. What will you be doing in the job? Is it work you are familiar with and are not only able to do, but want to do?  Also use this information to figure out what parts of your previous experience are most related to the position – these are the ones you should highlight on your resume. 

What is the name of the organization? 

Did you miss this other important piece of information in your haste to apply? Always know what organization you’re applying to, and before you send in your application, research the company and find out its mission and core business. You may also want to identify their competitors, newest products and services, and other details that can help you craft your application. For example, if you’ve worked with products similar to the ones the company manufactures or will be launching in the near future, you can play this up on your resume. 

To whom does the role report? 

Not all job listings will include this information, but when they do, use it to your advantage. Knowing the job title of the person you’ll report to can help you get an idea of the company’s organizational structure. It may also help you determine how quickly you can anticipate a promotion. Lastly, if you know the manager’s title, you might be able to search for a name and contact information so that you can follow-up directly with the person who will be making the hiring decision. 

How is the listing written? 

Is it written with fun words and flair or is it staid, straight-forward content? Think about your personality and the type of environment in which you most thrive. If the listing is putting you to sleep, how likely is it that the job will excite you? Review the language used to figure out what type of organization it is, how they might treat their employees, and assess whether it’s a good fit for you. 

What about your mission? 

After you’ve read the company’s mission statement, take a moment to reflect on whether it resonates with you. Is it a cause or goal you can really get behind? 

In addition, think about your personal mission and goals. From what you see in the listing, will this job afford you the opportunity to carry them out? If not, what else is motivating you to apply for the job? What other outlets are available to you in order to meet your goals or fulfill your passions? 

Remember that there is no “right” or “wrong” answer. There are many ways to determine a job’s value and whether it is “right” for you. The list provided is simply a starting point to give you food for thought and make informed decisions in the application process.  Best of luck!  

—Victoria Crispo, July 2015 Career Coach