Apply to Fewer Jobs, Better
Eighteen easy tips to apply to fewer jobs, better, so each application shows your best self.
Quality beats quantity. Aim carefully.
26 tips that really help
These ideas come from What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why fewer is better
Sending many generic applications wastes energy. A few careful ones show effort and fit.
Choose five.
Pick jobs that match at least seventy percent
If you meet most needs, apply. If not, skip or wait.
Check fit.
Tailor your CV for each job
Use words from the job description. Small changes help a lot.
Tweak it.
Write a short, personal letter
Show you read the job and care. Short and kind works.
Write one.
Find a person to message
A quick note to the hiring manager or team can help you stand out.
Find a name.
Apply early
Early applications often get more attention. Check new jobs often.
Apply early.
Track every application
Use a simple list with date, company and next step. It keeps you calm.
Keep a list.
Follow up after a week
A short, polite note shows interest. Keep it brief.
Follow up.
Script: message
Hello, I just applied for the support role and would love to share why I am excited. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: follow-up
I wanted to follow up on my application and share how I could help. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: thanks
Thank you for considering my application. Say it sincerely.
Use it.
Mistake: applying to everything
Generic apps are ignored, so be selective.
Be selective.
Mistake: forgetting to track
You lose control, so keep a list.
Track it.
Troubleshoot: when you get no replies
Check your CV, ask a friend to review and apply to better matches. Adjust.
Review.
Troubleshoot: when you feel pressure
Set a weekly goal of three good applications. Calm helps.
Set a goal.
Drill: pick five jobs
Choose five jobs that fit and tailor for each.
Pick five.
Drill: build a tracking sheet
Create a simple sheet with five columns for your applications.
Create it.
Read the job post once for must-haves
Mark the top five needs. Ignore the long wish list.
Mark five.
Skip jobs with warning signs
Vague pay and endless requirements can mean trouble.
Check signs.
Prepare a base CV and edit it
Keep one strong base file and tailor in fifteen minutes.
Make a base.
Example: the five good applications
Lena sent five careful applications and got three interviews. Before she sent fifty and got none.
Choose five.
Example: the targeted letter
Omar referred to a company project in his letter. They invited him.
Mention a project.
Mistake: applying at night when tired
Tired mistakes cost chances. Apply when fresh.
Pick a fresh hour.
Troubleshoot: when you want to apply to everything
Set a weekly limit and stick to it.
Set a limit.
Keep a list of jobs you decided to skip and why
Writing why you skipped a job helps you learn what you truly want and saves time on future searches.
Start a skip list.
Ask one person to read your application before you send
A fresh pair of eyes will catch small mistakes and tell you if your message sounds kind and clear.
Ask a friend.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“This job fits me well.”
“Let me match my CV.”
“Here is my best example.”
“I will message the team.”
“I note each application.”
“Sent with care.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Pick five jobs
Tailor your CV
Write a short letter
Reach out to a person
Submit
Track it
Follow up
Further reading
- What Color Is Your Parachute? (Richard Bolles)
- Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)
- The 2-Hour Job Search (Steve Dalton)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “Finding the Job You Want”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Talk to People in Jobs You LikeNext: Handle Rejection in a Job Search →
- Find Your Strengths and Interests
- Describe Your Ideal Job
- Research Roles and Companies
- Write a Clear CV
- Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read
- Polish Your Online Profile
- Use Your Network to Find Jobs
- Talk to People in Jobs You Like
- Apply to Fewer Jobs, Better
- Handle Rejection in a Job Search
- Keep a Weekly Job-Search Plan
- Look After Your Energy
