Avoiding Job Search Fatigue

It feels like you’ve papered the town with job applications and yet you still don’t have a job or an interview. It’s easy to get job search fatigue while looking for that next position. You apply for different jobs with what seems like the exact same fillable application, typing in the same information -—month and year of last employment, employer’s name, can they contact the employer, employer’s phone number, etc.

Way too many job seekers find themselves losing steam after only a few days of starting their search. There are a few things you can do to avoid job search burnout while also increasing your chances for getting the interview.

One way to avoid burnout during the job search is to be picky about which jobs you apply for. Sure, you could try to play the numbers of applying to a ton of jobs with the idea that at least one of them is going to call you for an interview. However, the best way to keep from wasting your time (and the hiring manager’s time) is to thoroughly read the job description for the position. Does it sound like something you have experience in? Great! Then you should apply. If not, then don’t waste time filling out the application.

Not sure how to tell if the job is a good “fit” for you? A good rule of thumb is to print out the job description, then highlight everything in that job description that you’ve ever done. If you’ve highlighted 50% or more of the qualifications and experience listed on the job description, then apply for the job. If you’ve highlighted less than 50%, then I recommend moving on to the next job that might be a better fit. You can certainly apply for the first job, but just realize that a hiring manager is unlikely to call you about your application if you don’t have the qualifications they’re searching for.

Let’s say you’ve found a job that you feel you’re a great fit for. Hold on – don’t hit that “apply” button just yet! Instead of applying right away, you need to make sure your resume matches the job description. If not, then you’re wasting your time. Hiring managers don’t have the time to comb through your resume to figure out if you’re a good fit for the position. Most of the time, hiring managers and recruiters only have a few seconds to spare to go over your resume. It’s up to you to capture their attention and make sure they see that you’re a perfect candidate for the job.

The method for capturing a hiring manager’s interest is to go back to that job description and ensure that all the experience and responsibilities that you highlighted show up in your resume. Don’t make the hiring manager search for the information in your resume or read between the lines. Make sure that the information is up front, maybe even in a summary of qualifications.

These suggestions sound like a lot more work — and they are! However, putting more time and effort into each application will demonstrate what a great candidate you are for the job and will greatly increase your chances of getting an interview.

So stop throwing your resume at every single job that crosses your path and instead get focused. Spend a little time going over the job description and decide if it’s the right job for you, then tailor your resume toward the job. Because you’ll be so focused on one job at a time, you’ll be less likely to get burned out on the job search process and more likely to get interviews for prospective jobs that you actually want!