Are applications a numbers game?

Hey there, job-seeker! Stephen here, CEO of BeamJobs. Every two weeks, we dive into the latest job market trends and share advice to help you stay ahead of the curve and make the most out of your career. My main MO is getting you hired.

Now that we're all caught up—This week, we’re exploring how many applications it takes to land an offer. We’ll dive into the recent stabilization of tech layoffs, share crucial tips for navigating life after being laid off, and provide you with strategies to negotiate a higher salary. And, for fun, we’ll wrap things up with some of the most outrageous interview fails that’ll make you laugh (and maybe cringe a little).

Let’s get into it!

Are Applications a Numbers Game?

The job hunt road is long. While we’ve seen fluctuations since the pandemic, the length of the average job hunt sits at around 20 weeks. Along that road, it certainly feels like it takes more applications to land a role than it used to, doesn’t it?

What does it take? According to Forbes, if you submit between 21 and 80 applications, the odds of landing an offer are around 30% on average. Surprisingly, that statistic drops to 20% for those who apply to more than 81 jobs. My takeaway? It’s not so much about the quantity of applications as it is about the quality.

Quality will take you further than quantity. Instead of rapid-fire-applying, Indeed suggests applying to as few as two to three job posts per day and focusing on crafting well-tailored applications.

Customize each resume and cover letter to match the job description, making sure to include relevant keywords that will help you get past digital applicant tracking system (ATS) gatekeepers.

So remember, each targeted application is a step closer to the right opportunity. Stay positive and keep refining your strategy. You’ve got this.

Tech Layoffs Stabilizing

Steady as she goes. Despite the news buzz, tech layoffs have remained relatively steady in the last couple of months. Layoffs.fyi, reports that companies like Microsoft and Google have made some cuts, but we’re nowhere near the massive cutbacks of early 2023. 

More workers entered the pool. The industry saw 7,540 new workers join in June, which is a high for the year, but the broader economy lost 22,000 tech jobs. These factors have contributed to a slight bump in tech unemployment and some employers taking a “wait-and-see” approach to tech hiring.

We saw some bright spots. Approximately 200,000 jobs were added in June, contributing to the 444,600 actively hiring roles, and 46% of all postings did not specify a four-year degree requirement!

Hot ticket roles. Roles like data scientists, software developers, and network architects are seeing an increase in demand. So, if you’re in these fields, you’re in a good spot.

While tech layoffs are still part of the landscape, they’re not as rampant as before. The job market is nuanced; focusing on in-demand skills and networking can tip the scales in your favor. So, keep your circuits cool and your LinkedIn cooler.

Life After Layoff

Reality bites. Layoffs are one of the harsh realities of the job market. It’s never easy, but take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. How you handle the situation can make all the difference. Batman’s Butler, Alfred, said it best; “Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.”

Let’s dive into some advice from the experts:

• Take time to process: Give yourself some time to absorb the news. Engage in activities that uplift you, like yoga or a favorite hobby.

• Reconfigure your mindset: Remember, being laid off is not a reflection of your abilities. Write down your accomplishments to remind yourself of your value and prepare for interviews.

• Know what you want: Define what’s important to you in your next role. This helps you target the right opportunities.

• Create a job-hunting schedule: Job searching is a job in itself. Set a daily or weekly schedule to network, search for jobs, and refine your resume.

• Network and volunteer: Let your network know you’re looking and consider volunteering. It keeps you engaged and can lead to new opportunities.

Keep positive, stay proactive, and focus on your next move.

How to Negotiate a Higher Salary

Negotiating a salary can be intimidating, but it’s a skill that will pay off big time over your career. Starting a new role is a crucial time to level up your income and ensure you’re compensated fairly for your skills and experience. Here’s how to navigate this crucial conversation like a pro:

You’re worth it! But know the figures. Research industry salary trends for your role and location using resources like Indeed Salaries. Be ready to communicate the market rate for your level of experience to hiring managers.

Highlight your value. Emphasize your accomplishments, skills, and experiences that make you a valuable asset. Share specific examples that demonstrate your contributions and successes.

Don’t be shy, make the first move. According to the NerdWallet Smart Money podcast, it’s beneficial to anchor the negotiation with your salary expectations. Use specific, non-round numbers to show you’ve done your research.

Stay confident and positive. Approach the conversation with confidence and a positive attitude. Remember, negotiation is a normal part of the job process, and employers expect it.

Ask questions. If the employer pushes back, ask open-ended questions to understand their constraints better, such as “What is the budget for this position based on?” or “Are there other negotiables available besides salary?”

Like any other skill, negotiating can be learned. So practice, practice, practice… with a friend, in the mirror, whatever works for you!

Bizarre Interview Tales

Interviews are nerve-wracking, and we all aim to leave a memorable impression. Of course, sometimes, we find ourselves leaving an impression in ways we may not have intended. For your mid-day stress relief, we found a list of hiring managers’ most jaw-dropping hiring stories:

• The multitasker: One applicant took multitasking to a new level by answering a phone interview while in the bathroom. Yes, they heard the flush.

• The barfly: Another candidate thought it was a good idea to have a pint of lager in hand during a bar interview.

• The family affair: A graduate showed up for an interview with his entire family in tow.

• The backflipper: Unprovoked, an applicant decided to demonstrate a backflip in the interviewer’s office.

• The hugger: One enthusiastic candidate greeted the interviewer with a huge hug and chatted like they were lifelong friends.

• The diva: A potential hire demanded a corporate limo for transportation to the interview.

• The photo album guy: A candidate brought out an actual photo album to show off his vacation, complete with a picture of him holding an assault rifle.

• The creeper: When asked about hobbies, a man revealed he collected items discarded by “pretty” women.

• The background helper: During a video interview, a candidate’s friend crawled across the floor behind them, mistakenly thinking they were out of the camera’s view.

• The conceited candidate: A candidate turned up late and spent more time checking his hair on the camera than answering questions.

While these blunders make for good laughs and give you a healthy dose of “thank goodness that wasn’t me,” they serve as a reminder that preparation and professionalism go a long way in making a good impression.

Until next time.

You’ve got this,

Stephen Greet
Co-founder and CEO, BeamJobs