Managing job search frustrations & KPIs (case)
Feelings of frustration while looking for a job – sounds familiar? Below you’ll find just one of many such frustration-ridden e-mails 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 e-mail. 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 still I haven’t been offered any position.
I have participated in 2 recruitment processes. I was 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’m aware of my highs and lows but 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 success in job searching has little to do with age. Keep up the effort and don’t give up, as now it should be just a matter of time before you land your dream job!
Let us now pick out fragments of the e-mail, so that 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 e-mail. 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 still 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 e-mail and the follow-up e-mail. Our only question here is: Have you also sent follow-up e-mails to everyone who hasn’t responded yet?
The average IVR is 5-10%. Yours is higher! That’s great news!
I have had only 15 “touch base” interviews, i.e. conversations during which I introduced myself, but still 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 might choose to tell you about depending on how you present yourself. Chances are you’re their potential choice for that project!
So, maybe it’s worth spending some more time on interview preparation in case you get picked?
Find our comprehensive guide on interviews (online & offline) here!
I have sent messages to 30 personal contacts.
Consider doing even more and actively building a new network. Audit your current one and prepare a strategy to make this process efficient.
Learn 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 (= desirable) 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 e-mail addresses. You can research that using LinkedIn, company websites, search engines or you can ask your network. Read our guide here.
- Contact them. The same rule as above applies: send the 1st e-mail + the follow-up e-mail. Introduce yourself briefly and describe your successes. The point of such e-mail 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’m aware of my highs and lows but I worry about being too old as a candidate (I’m almost 50.)
I don’t know what else I can do.
Job seeking is tough and one needs to be a tough cookie to manage through it. The key lies in consistency. Don’t lose hope and you’ll find a new job in no time!
As to the holiday part: taking a break is important, so go ahead and ease down on the job search a bit. However, try to check your inbox even when you are on holiday & remember to 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 :)
To sum up, remember to pursue all channels to maximize 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
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 e-mail with your CV and a brief description of your situation to Contact@CareerAngels.eu | Subject: Free Career Consultation
