How many jobs should you apply for to get hired?

Navigating the job market in this day and age can be daunting, with many feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of applications they need to send out before actually getting hired.

According to hiring experts, job-seekers apply to 100-200 jobs on average before securing a position. This number varies based on industry, location, and qualifications. A tailored application and proactive networking significantly boost the likelihood of success.

In this guide, we'll explore how you can approach the job application process in the most optimal and time-efficient way to increase your chances of getting hired.

Is it OK to apply to multiple jobs?

It is perfectly okay to apply for multiple jobs. In fact, it is highly recommended to do so because usually hundreds of candidates apply for the same job.

You stand a better chance of being noticed by recruiters when you apply for multiple jobs.

Keep in mind that there are other people out there who are also job-hunting and playing the numbers game.

Some of them are applying for the same jobs as you. So you are dealing with some level of competition.

For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the US is around 3.50%.

This means that every year there are 6 to 7 million people who are not working for one reason or another. But some of them are actively looking for employment and applying for jobs.

That is why you should apply for multiple jobs to have the best chance of finding a job soon.

Job application protips:

• Craft a neat resume that highlights your professional competencies.
• Write a unique position statement for every position that you apply for.
• Make sure to outline what makes you a perfect fit for each position.
• Don’t be afraid to apply for jobs even if you have no previous work experience.

How many jobs are too many to apply to?

Applying for 10 jobs or more per day during your first week of job-hunting might be way too many.

This means that after a week, you’d have applied to over 70 jobs, and you might end up being contacted by way too many recruiters, which is stressful and self-sabotaging.

Applying for too many jobs is a common mistake among rookie job-seekers.

In HR language, this is referred to as “resume bombing” or “resume spamming” and it is a major red flag.

Don't fall into this trap of thinking that more is better when it comes to job applications.

Instead, take the time to carefully tailor each application, presenting yourself as a promising candidate and using a lot of relevant terms for the specific role.

This way, you will increase your chances of being noticed by recruiters, especially if they use AI to sift through resumes.

How many jobs should you apply for per day?

When determining the number of jobs to apply for daily, you should prioritize quality over quantity.

Applying to too many positions in a short span can lead to rushed applications, reducing your chances of making a lasting impression.

Hiring experts advise applying for 2-3 well-chosen jobs per day. This approach allows candidates to thoroughly research each company and tailor their applications to align with the specific role and company culture.

Keep in mind that the responses from employers might start to come a few days or a whole week after your first batch of job applications, so patience is key.

If you have a hard time finding a job, consider applying for seasonal positions.

How many jobs should you apply for per week?

When considering a weekly job application strategy, again, it's essential to strike a balance that ensures both quality and a good number of opportunities.

Set yourself a target of 15-20 applications per week. This number is optimal because it provides a broad range of opportunities without overwhelming you.

It also ensures that you can dedicate sufficient time to tailor your resume and motivation letter to each application, increasing your chances of standing out.

The best part about applying for at least 15 jobs every week and having lots of options is that it allows you to negotiate salary without fear of losing job offers.

How many jobs should you apply for at once?

If you prefer sending applications in batches and then taking a break, you should apply for at least 10 jobs at once when you begin job-hunting.

This approach can be particularly useful if you won't be able to apply for more jobs during the next few days, ensuring you remain active in the job market.

If you're planning longer breaks between application sessions, consider pushing your batch applications to 15 or even 20 jobs at once.

If you're not getting many responses, then you can adjust and refine your application strategy or materials.

How many jobs should you apply for at one company?

You should apply for up to 2 jobs at one company. Otherwise, you might be seen as someone who is desperate or poorly qualified, and doesn’t know what they want to do. This is a huge red flag for recruiters.

Applying for 2 jobs at one company is also reasonable if there are some similarities between the two positions.

For example, both customer care and sales positions both require excellent communication skills, but they serve different purposes.

The only exception you can make is if there is a third position that is somehow similar to these two, for example account manager. In that case it would make sense to apply for this one as well.

Applying for more than that is where you start to communicate the wrong message. Eagerness to start working for a company in itself is not a bad thing.

But applying for too many positions is definitely not the right way to show it.

Also, if you are interested in landing an office job, then check out our complete guide on how to get an office job that you actually love.

How many job applications does it take to get a job?

If you have never applied for a job before, you might be wondering how many jobs you need to apply for before getting one.

According to a research by Zippia, candidates need to apply for 21 to 80 job openings before they get a job offer.

Your first priority should be to apply for jobs that you are well-qualified to do and take the time to tailor each individual application to improve your chances of getting responses.

After that, apply for as many as you can on a weekly basis until you get a good response rate from employers. Usually, you can expect a job offer from employers who have said that they will call you.

If you are not seeing any success, then you should move on to job options that you can approach with your transferable experience and professional skills.

If you have no previous work experience, consider volunteering to acquire some experience and useful transferable skills.

What to do to get a job faster with fewer applications

I understand that the thought of sending hundreds of applications before securing a job can be frustrating and overwhelming.

However, with a strategic approach focused on quality and precision, you can significantly reduce the number of applications and increase your chances of landing your desired position.

Here are some actionable tips to streamline your job search:

1. Tailor your resume for each job

Instead of using a generic resume for all applications, customize it for each position.

Highlight specific skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the job description. This demonstrates your genuine interest and can make your application stand out.

2. Craft a compelling cover letter

Your cover letter is your chance to tell a story that your resume can't.

Make it specific to the company and role, detailing why you're a perfect fit and how your experiences align with the company's needs.

3. Network actively

Beyond online applications, engage in face-to-face networking events, webinars, and workshops. Building genuine relationships can lead to referrals, which often have a higher success rate than cold applications.

4. Leverage Linkedin

LinkedIn is more than just a digital resume. It's a powerful networking tool that could open doors to opportunities that might not be advertised on job listing websites.

Create a profile or update your existing one to reflect your current skills and achievements.

Use LinkedIn to research companies and connect with recruiters who are currently hiring.

5. Research companies thoroughly

Before applying, delve deep into the company's culture, values, and recent news.

If you get selected for an interview, demonstrating this knowledge will shows your commitment and can set you apart from other candidates.

6. Prepare for interviews

At some point in your job seeking journey, you'll begin receiving invitations for interviews from potential employers.

When that time comes, you'll need to be prepared. Familiarize yourself with the company's products, services, and industry challenges, anticipate potential questions and practice your answers.

7. Ask for feedback

If you're facing rejections, don't hesitate to ask for feedback.

Understanding where you might be going wrong can help you refine your approach and increase your chances in future applications.

My advice for keeping track of job applications

At some point, your job-hunting efforts will come to fruition.

The calls and emails from hiring managers will start to come in. You will be getting job interview offers. Possibly lots of them.

In situations like these, my experience has taught me to keep a job application spreadsheet.

So my advice to you is to create columns with direct links to the job ads and keep track of the various stages of interactions. Did you get a call yet? Do you have an interview scheduled? That sort of thing.

This way, you will avoid responding to the same job ad twice, and you will keep track of your progress.

One more thing that you should anticipate is that the calls and emails from recruiters might continue for a while after you have found a job.

This might lead to some awkward conversations and message exchanges with recruiters. So here are some tips on how to respond to recruiters and explain that you are no longer looking for a job.

Frequently asked questions