Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures

Folks, as I go around the country speaking with job seekers like you, I hear about how the current economic environment is causing consternation, concern, and even a bit of desperation.

And being out of a job, or knowing that you’ll imminently have to find a new place to work, can loom so very large that it makes it difficult to focus and utilize your scarce time effectively.

I spoke with one job seeker recently who told me how she was looking so hard that she was applying to every job in her field on TheLadders, nationwide.

Well, folks, I have to tell you, that as well–intentioned as that strategy is, it just won’t work.

You see, you have to understand the psychology of the recruiters and hiring managers that use TheLadders. They’re looking to fill their open $100k+ job with the best candidate, yes, but they’re also looking to do it in the shortest amount of time possible. And at the least expense.

And this means that typically, unless they mention otherwise, they’re looking to fill that role with a local candidate.

That means that all of your efforts at applying to jobs in the other 49 states generates a lot of work for you, without much of an expected return.

Now, sure, if you have family ties to a distant city, or your spouse has already accepted a job there, or if you can demonstrate that you’ll be arriving to live in that city permanently in short order, then by all means go ahead and make your availability known.

But if you’re hoping to play the numbers game and spread your information far and wide, I’d like to counsel you to re–consider. Because all of that expended effort comes at a cost. It comes at the cost of your time, your focus, and, inevitably, your sanity.

When we study successful candidates at TheLadders.com, we find they’ve directed their time and effort towards jobs that are a logical progression in their career, and that are located in their current area, or perhaps 1 or 2 others to which they are actively considering a move.

Because this focus means more time to follow up, an easier interview process, and a better story to share with the hiring managers during their interviews, these candidates experience a better rate of success on their applications.

So, while I understand that you need a job now, and desperate times can lead you to open all sorts of doors with various possibilities, I want to encourage you to take stock of your experience and your situation, and really only apply for those jobs where your effort at application will result in the outcome we are all hoping for – a call–back, an interview, and an offer.

By doing that, Readers, we can make your job hunt a lot less frantic, a lot more focused, and, hopefully, a lot shorter.

Happy hunting this week!