Going from 0.4% Chance to 100% Chance of Getting Hired was originally published on Ivy Exec.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” ~ Albert Einstein
Data shows that each job opening attracts an average of 250 resumes/applications from candidates interested in getting hired. But from this number, perhaps about five people get invited for an interview, and of course, only one person gets the job. This means that you have a ~0.4% chance of getting hired if you simply apply to an open job.
Not great!
By the law of averages, you’d have to apply to 250 jobs to land an opportunity! Do you want to do that?
I wouldn’t.
🔹 Do Things Differently
If you’re unhappy with how your career progression is going right now and still struggling to get a new opportunity, think about ways you can enhance your approach. What can you change? Don’t keep doing the same things you’ve been doing if they don’t work!
If you’re on the job search, it’s already challenging enough to just be in the pool of prospective candidates. So if all you do is apply and hope for a response, you are completely reactive as you wait for what’s going to happen next.
The main key here is to do things differently. Be proactive. Make yourself unique. In order for you to stand out to others, you need to step up your game.
One way to do this is to focus on building relationships and having conversations with real people. You can do this on LinkedIn, through email, or, if possible, go directly to the company and their events. There are a lot of ways to meet people, pick 2-3 ways that work for you and go for it!
I’ve found that my clients who are also posting on LinkedIn are getting a lot more traction. Only 1% of LinkedIn accounts post weekly on LinkedIn.
Additionally, being more personal when you do reach out with a video or audio message (done only in the phone app of LinkedIn) can go a LONG way!
Most people don’t do this stuff, but if you do, you’ll stand out!
🔹 Proactive Approach
If you are proactive, you’ll be able to stand out in a competitive market. Connect with people in your field and talk to them about your interests and your goals in your career development. Ask them interesting questions about their career history, advice they might have for you, and what trends and opportunities they see in the future.
If appropriate, eventually you can ask directly if they have any openings in their company, but do this in a way that shows your interest, as you also share what value you can contribute to their company.
Developing these relationships can turn new connections into advocates and mentors for you. If they will advocate for you for a position you are interested in, your chances of getting an interview are orders of magnitude higher.
Make your mark, and these people will be the first ones to showcase your talent and refer you to the best opportunities. It will surely require effort from you, but it’s never a waste of time to develop a relationship, whether it results in a new job or not. You never know what the long-term impact can be!
Take Intentional Action
If this resonates with you, I’d love to help you take this even further.
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email. Whether you’re looking for individual support or programs for your team or organization, let’s talk about how to create intentional growth and development.
My book, The Intentional Engineer, has a whole chapter on career clarity, with many other chapters that support your career journey. You can get the free workbook with a bunch of exercises and activities to help you shift your mindset at https://www.theintentionalengineer.com/workbook.
Grab your copy, and create your intentional life/career!
