Managing job search frustrations & KPIs
This is just one of many emails we have received in our journey of career & HR consultancy. The job search process can be frustrating, especially if you feel like everything is against you. It’s a typical example that resonates with many job seekers, so we’d like to share our response, hoping to ease some of your nerves.
Dear Career Angels,
I have already contacted 115 recruiters. I have sent them a contact request on LinkedIn, a LinkedIn message and an email. I have sent messages to 30 personal contacts.
I have had only 15 “touch base” interviews, i.e. conversations during which I introduced myself, but I haven’t been offered any position.
I have participated in 2 recruitment processes. I have been rejected in 1. In the other one, I have already had 2 interviews and now I’m waiting for the feedback.
It turned out to be a difficult task. I will be away for holidays in August and I will start my job hunting again in September. I have my highs and lows and I worry about being too old as a candidate (I’m almost 50.)
I don’t know what else I can do.
Dear candidate, we hear you!
Considering your results, which are above average (the calculations are below): you are doing great! It only shows that job search has little to do with age. Keep up the effort and don’t give up, as now it’s just a matter of time!
Let us now pick out fragments of the email, so we can comment on them directly.
I have already contacted 115 recruiters. I have sent them a contact request on LinkedIn, a LinkedIn message and an email. I have sent messages to 30 personal contacts.
I have had only 15 “touch base” interviews, i.e. conversations during which I introduced myself, but I haven’t been offered any position.
First, let’s calculate your interview rate (IVR):
- 15 ÷ 115 = 13.04%
- 15 ÷ (115+30) = 10.34% (we don’t know how many interviews were generated by your network)
We divide effectively contacted people by all the rest. The definition of effectively contacted is: you have sent the 1st email and the follow-up email. Our only question here is: Have you sent follow-up emails to everyone who hasn’t responded yet too?
The average IVR is 5-10%. Yours is higher! That’s great!
I have had only 15 “touch base” interviews, i.e. conversations during which I introduced myself, but I haven’t been offered any position.
Even though you haven’t been offered any position, remember – recruiters don’t really have time for actual “intro-interviews” – there’s usually (90% of the time) a project in the background that they’ll choose to tell you about, depending on how you present yourself.
So, maybe it’s worth spending some more time on some interview preparation in case you get picked?
Our comprehensive guide on interviews (online & offline) here.
I have sent messages to 30 personal contacts.
Consider doing more and actively building a new network. Audit your current network and prepare a strategy.
More on how to effectively use your network here (1:06:00 to 1:27:55).
What about reaching out to companies directly?
Based on our statistics, it is the second most efficient job search channel, only overtaken by Job Ads as recently as in 2022. Contacting decision makers directly proves that you are a proactive candidate.
- Make a list of 90-120 companies that are in line with your goal (relevant industry, location, size etc.).
- Find your potential bosses and their email addresses. You can research that using LinkedIn, company websites, search engines or you can ask your network. More on how to find email addresses here.
- Contact them. The same rule as above applies: send the 1st email + the follow-up email. Briefly present yourself and describe your successes. The point of such an email is to show your potential boss how the company will benefit from hiring you, and why you (and not the other 500+ candidates) should be hired.
It turned out to be a difficult task. I will be away for holidays in August and I will start my job hunting again in September. I have my highs and lows and I worry about being too old as a candidate (I’m almost 50.)
I don’t know what else I can do.
To sum up, remember to pursue all channels to improve your job search results:
- follow-up with headhunters who haven’t replied yet
- contact 90-120 companies and potential bosses
- networking: do more → contact at least 5 people a day
- apply to job ads
As to the holiday aspect: check your inbox even when you are on holiday & have your phone close by. Recruitment processes are still on, even during summer or shall we say – especially during summer – you never know when someone could have some good news for you :)
Not sure if you’re doing enough? Check our Job Hunting Efficiency tool – answer 9 short questions and receive a comprehensive analysis of your job search efforts. Click here!
Are you an experienced manager or executive who needs to review or improve their job search KPIs?
- Fill out this form, or send an email with your CV and a brief description of your situation to Contact@CareerAngels.eu | Subject: Free Career Consultation
