Focus on Quality Over Quantity of Applications For More Callbacks
When you're job hunting, it may be tempting to cast a wide net and send out as many job applications as possible. But in reality, creating quality applications is more important than sending out batches of generic applications. Furthermore, Indeed has reported that “people with the highest number of applications are 39% less likely to receive a positive response from employers." Here are three reasons why you should focus on the quality of applications.
Quality Applications Get More Responses
A quality application will include the key words of the job description and speak to your value as well as the company’s needs. Submitting mass applications means your submission is generic and will likely be passed over. Focus your energy on demonstrating that you are qualified for a specific position by customizing your application. Doing so demonstrates your genuine interest in the specific position and thus, you are more likely to receive a response from a hiring manager.
Your Time and Energy are Important
Protecting your energy is important to maintaining good health in every aspect of life, including the job hunt. If you are mindlessly submitting batches of applications, you are not using your time wisely. Indeed Career Coaches posit that submitting many applications may cause you to burn out and your motivation may become dampened if you aren't hearing back from employers. Focusing on quality applications frees up some time to fine tune your resume and spend more time building your skills as well. Levo suggests that you "Invest the time [into things that will improve your application] such as volunteering, interning, working part-time, taking a course, or learning a new skill."
It is Essential that you Consider the use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) in the Application Process
Indeed Career Coaches suggests that simple and straightforward applications are most compatible with ATS. This is yet another way in which excess is not necessarily a winning strategy. Quality applications do not need to look fancy or have complex formatting. If the text is powerful and the format streamlined, you have a great chance of being compatible with ATS. "Paying attention to small details like text font can have a big impact on how your information is parsed by an ATS," Indeed says. This includes avoiding photos, icons, graphs, tables and columns.