Don’t do that; it’s a waste of time.
Submitting multiple resumes won’t land you your dream job. Instead, it’ll fill your voicemail and inbox with messages from employers you care little (if at all) about.
As eager as you may be to experience “turning over a new leaf,” you shouldn’t settle for less than your potential. Sure, applying to tons of jobs seems reasonable if all you care about is finding a source of income. However, if you aren’t passionate about what you’re doing, those around you will notice.
Here are three benefits of applying to jobs strategically:
1. You’ll be prepared for when you’re “put to the test.”
If you impulsively submit resumes in hopes of hearing back, your efforts will only put you on someone’s radar rather than convince them their company needs you. However, if you apply to fewer job openings, you’ll have more spare time to know what you have to about a company. Ask questions and find answers. Make a list of deal-breakers and do some research. Look at their company website to learn more about who they are and what they do, and check out their social media accounts to see how they present themselves to the public. You should also look up company reviews.
2. You’ll be reminded of what makes your heart skip a beat.
A lot of people say that when you talk about someone you love, your eyes light up. Well, this “theory” explains your affection for things other than people. When you’re invested in your work, you’ll be so eager to start a new project that your drive will rub off on those around you. Although applying to a job you care about won’t guarantee you a position, it will help you make a good impression. If given the opportunity to be interviewed by someone who works for your dream company, he/she will ask why you’re interested in becoming part of the team or why you’ve chosen the field you have. Though it seems silly, the way you respond will either draw in or pull away the interviewers.
3. You’ll change the world.
Tradition is great because it helps establish a company’s image/reputation, but it can be damaging, too. This is where you come in. Your perspective will serve any employer well, which, in turn, will encourage you to be an active community member. A lot of companies may have your vision, but they don’t have your ideas. Whether you do or don’t get the job, you’ll understand how to make better use of your talents.
As ironic as it may sound, the smaller your pool of opportunities, the better. Although it may seem as though you’ll be limiting yourself, this will increase the value of the content you are submitting. Your application and resume will be sharper, as you’ll be spending more time ensuring that the person you are is the person that is reflected in your submission. Knowing that you’re only applying to a few places will encourage you to put your best foot forward.