Mission accomplished: Dream job in hand! (case)
While candidates usually reach out to us in crisis, we also sometimes receive joyful messages from those who have already managed to get their dream job and want to thank us for our support. We are delighted to see that our knowledge and the tools we have developed are effective. Below we share one of many such e-mails in hopes that it inspires you to advance your career yourself!
I have great news: last week I got the job I’ve been looking for since last year. I want to thank you for your help in this process. (…) Here’s how it went:
First, I put my CV through Jobscan.co and adjusted it to my desired role. Then I started sending out applications, 300 in total: 15 spontaneous and 15 direct applications (all unsuccessful), while the rest were to job ads found mostly on LinkedIn: 170 instant rejections and 84 left without response.
Those numbers didn’t break my spirit! I was eventually invited to 18 interviews. In the process, I learned that in a few days these companies get up to 400 applicants on average. After a while this thought made me lose my motivation a bit, so I decided to take a month-long break to unwind.
Another problem I ran into was how disconnected from my profession I started to feel when unemployed for such a long time. To stay on track, I attended a number of webinars and online conferences, including yours. Your words gave me the boost in morale I needed again.
How did I get the job in the end? During my last interview, I remembered and applied the techniques you taught me during our mock interviews. And then the CV we worked on together came in clutch when they checked my references. One of my contacts from the Netherlands gave me a glowing referral.
I’m glad I never lost hope in the process, and that’s all thanks to you and your support. This success is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Dear Candidate, We Thank You Too!
We often become quite invested in our clients’ journey once we take them under our wings. As such, we are just as proud of your successes as you are yourself. For the purpose of this article, let’s analyze this particular job search process by picking out fragments of the e-mail, so we can comment on them directly.
First, I put my CV through Jobscan.co and adjusted it to my desired role.
Great start! Your CV is the best way to make a good first impression. If it’s too general, the recruiter might fail to find anything of interest in it and reject you unfairly. Using tools as Jobscan.co can help you optimize your documents by identifying relevant keywords that align with the job description. Add them to your document to highlight your qualifications related to the job.
The same tool can be used to optimize your CV for ATS. After all, 99% of large organizations use ATS as part of their recruitment process in order to save money and time. Even worse than getting rejected by a human recruiter is getting rejected by an algorithm. If you’d like to learn how to adapt your CV effectively, consult our ATS Guide.
What are the Expected Job Search Results?
Then I started sending out applications, 300 in total: 15 spontaneous and 15 direct applications (all unsuccessful), while the rest were to job ads found mostly on LinkedIn: 170 instant rejections and 84 left without response.
Those numbers didn’t break my spirit! I was eventually invited to 18 interviews. In the process, I learned that in a few days these companies get up to 400 applicants on average.
It’s good that you didn’t lose hope. Job searching is a time-consuming process, with some cases taking even up to 24 months. The only way to shorten this period is to maximize your efforts by sending a large number of applications and utilizing all four job search channels.
Still, the average interview rate (IVR) is 5-10% – and what’s yours?
- 18 ÷ 300 = 6% → that’s a good result!
Recruiters are often swamped with applications and don’t really have time for proper interviews. If they invited you to one, that just means that something about you really caught their eye. None of those 300 applications sent was time wasted, as it ultimately led you to your goal.
How to Find Motivation in a Job Search Process
After a while this thought made me lose my motivation a bit, so I decided to take a month-long break to unwind.
Staying motivated during the job search process can be challenging, especially when faced with rejections. To maintain your motivation, focus on the progress you’re making and keep your long-term goal in mind. Taking breaks is also crucial; it prevents burnout and helps you maintain a positive mindset. By stepping away and recharging, you’ll return to your job search with new energy and a fresh perspective.
Another problem I ran into was how disconnected from my profession I started to feel when unemployed for such a long time. To stay on track, I attended a number of webinars and online conferences, including yours. Your words gave me the boost in morale I needed again.
The job market is a very competitive place. All of us want the same thing: our dream job! Keeping up-to-date with changes in your profession, despite being unemployed, will help you remain a competitor and achieve that dream. It also shows your commitment to continuous development and may come in handy during your next job interview. Ty to find the time to:
- take online courses and attend webinars,
- read publications from industry professionals,
- network with people in the field (join specialized groups on LinkedIn!).
Joining our webinars is also a good idea. Articles like this one are but a fraction of what a webinar with a real person, let alone a 1-on-1 session with a professional consultant, can do for your morale. Sometimes it takes outside perspective to realize that you’re on the right track after all.
How did I get the job in the end? During my last interview, I remembered and applied the techniques you taught me during our mock interviews. And then the CV we worked on together came in clutch when they checked my references. One of my contacts from the Netherlands gave me a glowing referral.
Networking is a powerful tool in a job search process, often opening doors that traditional applications cannot. Building and maintaining good professional relations can lead to valuable references, insider knowledge, and opportunities that may not be publicly advertised. And a referral from a trusted contact can significantly boost your credibility with potential employers.
First Steps to Job Search Success
I’m glad I never lost hope in the process, and that’s all thanks to you and your support. This success is as much yours as it is mine. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
In their job search process, our client followed the necessary prep rules to the letter and took advantage of most of the job hunting channels, i.e.:
- had a well-designed CV that expressed their successes measurably,
- adapted their CV to the position they were searching for,
- applied to a lot of job ads, did a number of applications via direct contact, and engaged in networking to boost their chances,
- came to every interview well-prepared and knew how to sell themselves to the interviewer.
Armed with all the necessary tools, looking for a job can be a walk through the park. No need to lose your nerves when getting your dream job is just a matter of time!
Not sure if you’re matching this candidate’s enthusiasm? Try our Job Hunting Efficiency tool – answer 9 short questions and receive a comprehensive analysis of your job search efforts.
CV Reports, Interview Simulations, LinkedIn Profiles – these are only some of our services this candidate used in their journey. If any of them sound interesting (and you are an experienced manager or executive with min. 10 years of experience), don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
- Start by requesting a free Career Consultation via a form or directly via e-mail at Contact@CareerAngels.eu | Subject: Free Career Consultation
