Job Search Insights By The Numbers

3/6/2018

First, Let's Celebrate!

I have great news! My job search has come to a successful close. As of this week, I have accepted a full-time position as an instructional design manager with a software company. I’m excited about this role and happy to get to change gears from being tastefully boastful about how good I am at working to having a job where I actually get to do some paid work. I’m way pumped up about this opportunity and the fun challenges it will bring. Hooray and woo hoo both!

Celebrate good times--come on!

A Note About My Observations

I’m including several numbers in this article. Keep in mind that while I pride myself in my ability to count and do basic math, I’m dealing with a very small sample size. (See the “Learn More” section for issues that can be caused by having a small sample size when it comes statistical information.) This article can only barely be called “research” and is more appropriately described as me sharing my personal experience. With that disclaimer, on to the numbers!

Now, Let's Look at the Numbers

As a bona fide Excel nerd, and meticulous planner, I have kept detailed records on my job search journey from layoff through my exciting new job. Here are a few statistical highlights of what on earth I did with myself since my position was eliminated oh-so many months ago.

How Long Will This Take: Job Search Length

Total days in job search: 140
Working days in job search (removing Saturdays, Sundays and major holidays): 93

Every job search feels like it takes approximately 1 million years.

Please, Please Look At My Resume: Job Applications Submitted

Total number of applications submitted: 49
Number of applications where I had a professional connection within the company: 24
Number of applications where I knew someone who knew someone within the company: 6
Number of applications prompted by a recruiter contacting me: 4
Number of applications where I had no professional connection within the company: 15
Hall of Fame: Most Life Affirming Message After Applying for a Job:

Hi Brenda,

Thank you so much for your interest in [Super Cool Company] and for taking the time to apply for the Product Training Manager position. We just wanted to let you know that we received your application, and that we're looking forward to reviewing it.

Have a great day!

Now We're Talking: Interviews

Total number of interviews (phone, webinar and in-person): 45
Total number of companies who interviewed me: 20
Number of companies who interviewed me only once: 10
Number of companies who interviewed me multiple times: 10
Hall of Shame: Most Interviews for One Job Without Getting an Offer: 10

I Know People: Referrals and Impact on Interview Likelihood

Likelihood of getting one interview if I had a professional connection at the company: 54%
Likelihood of having multiple interviews if I had a professional connection at the company: 33%
Likelihood of getting one interview if I knew someone who knew someone at the company: 16%
Likelihood of getting one interview if I had no professional connection at the company: 13%

Interviewing!

I Will Never Work Again: Low Points During The Job Search

Number of automated job applications with no response at all: 14
Number of rejection emails received without any personal contact: 13
Positions filled with an internal candidate after I had interviewed: 3
Positions put on hold indefinitely after I was selected to interview: 3
Jobs where I withdrew (aka “The non-negotiable salary is half of your target salary.”): 1
Hall of Shame: Least Encouraging Automated Response After Applying for a Job

We have received your application. The processing time for applications may in some instances be up to 4 weeks from the application deadline. We hope that you’ll be patient with us in the meantime.

If you don't hear from us in 4 weeks, you will likely not be part of the selection process. When a position has been filled, all applicants will be notified.

Kind regards

The Recruiting Team

(Please Note: This message was automatically generated. Please do not respond.)

Everything Works Out: Lessons Learned During the Job Search

Remember, you only need one job. It helped me to keep this in mind.
Use LinkedIn to find out who you know who works for a given company.
If you have a professional connection at a company, ask for their help. I had more success in getting interviews where I had a professional connection who could refer me in or vouch for me.
Even if you don’t have a connection at a company, apply anyway. Applying gives you a shot at getting the job, while not applying at all ensures that you won’t get the job.
Keep doing the right things. Sometimes, it feels like you network, and apply, and interview and still don't have success. Verify that you are for sure doing the right things, then keep doing them. Eventually something will pop.
Remember, you only need one job.

Remember, you only need one job.

What Do You Think?

What are your job search insights? What worked well for you? Share your ideas in the comments.

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