Job Search Data Continued

Written By Carl Louton

My job search continues. I have learned a few things. Some I can’t confirm with data, and some I can. Some things I think I have learned, but don’t have data to confirm (though I wish I could have data):

  • This market is very heavy with candidates, so employers can be very choosy.

  • A lot of employers don’t know what they want, but even if they do they don’t know how to see if a candidate has it.

Things I do know from data

  • There are a lot of candidates out there. Most jobs I look at via LinkedIn Premium have hundreds of applicants.

  • I have sent out a lot of applications myself.

Here’s some more data I have on my activity with cold applications

  • Total cold applications sent: 641

  • Total no response to cold applications: 405 (63.2%)

  • Total rejections prior to speaking with a human: 188 (29.3%)

  • Total times I got to speak with a human: 48 (7.49%)

  • Total times I got past a first meeting (HM screen, technical, panel, etc.): 13 (2.03%)

  • Total offers received: 0 (0%)

I’m not just cold applying either. I have almost 20 networked opportunities (referrals, recruiters contacting me, etc.). 7 of those (64%) got me to a recruiter, and 5 (45%) went past that.

I’ve also redone my resume seven times, talked to a few coaches and other networked contacts.

Some lessons I have learned:

  • It’s a big numbers game. The more I work to get out there, the more chances I have at an interview.

  • I have improved my chances at getting to a recruiter by improving my resume (last improvement showed 5% increase)

  • Cover letters also have a sustained 3-5% increase in recruiter response, although they do take more time.

Some things I don’t track, but wonder how much they help

  • Having a website (like this one)

  • How I tell stories in interviews (I have changed this a few times)

  • Having a LinkedIn profile.

  • How much me being burned out on the process affects my ability to interview (I’m certain it does, but I don’t know how much)

Final thoughts: This job search is the hardest one I’ve ever had to do. There isn’t any end in sight at the moment. I know I have done a lot to increase my chances. I suspect there is more I could do. I also have to be cognizant of how much energy it takes to keep it going, and at what speed I can sustain it.

Carl Louton
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