How many jobs have you applied to this week? 2, 20, 200? What is the right amount? While there is no exact science to what to apply for, I recommend the 75% rule: if you are 75% qualified and 75% interested, it is time to apply.

Chances are, using the 75% rule, you may apply to around 5-10 jobs each week. You may be wondering, "Why not apply for 200 positions a week? Doesn't applying for as many jobs as possible up your likelihood of getting an interview?" In theory, yes. In practice, not necessarily.

When you apply for a position, your resume and cover letter need to successfully pass through an automated Applicant Tracking System (ATS)anda recruiter screen in order to land an interview. That means your materials will need to be customized to the job description as well as provide a compelling narrative of why you are a good fit for the role and organization.Successful customization requires research and writing, which may take an hour or two, but it is time well spent!

3 ways to customize your materials:

#1 Read the job descriptionRead through the 'Responsibilities' and 'Qualifications' sections of the job description. What are your most compelling matches to the employer's needs? Audit your documents - how clearly have you highlighted your qualifications?

#2 Assess your resumeRead through the bullet statements on your resume. Do they highlight how your experience coincides with the job description? Don't be afraid to explicitly match your action verbs to the skill words the listing uses.

#3 Write your cover letterComplement your resume with a well-written cover letter that conveys your genuine enthusiasm for the role and organization, while also going into a bit more depth than your resume on one or two ways you are a strong fit for the role based on your skills, experience, and accomplishments.

Tip: Think like the employer 💭

Remember, employers are eager to hire candidates who are enthusiastic about them! Your research will help you connect to employers in a way that is meaningful to them!

Resource: Research and find job opportunities 🔎

Browse the Walter Center'sJob Search pagefor tools and tricks to effectively research organizations, salaries, and which job search engines to use.

Take Action🏃

Find a job that matches the 75% rule. Then, take time to research the organization and customize your materials. A Walter Center career coach is here to help if you get stuck!

Make a Career Coaching Appointment 👨💻

Please know that we are your biggest allies when it comes to preparing for and eventually obtaining the career of your dreams. Don't hesitate tomake a career coaching appointmentfor one-on-one help with your application materials and interview preparation. Graduates can use our services for up to three years post-grad!

Already figured out your next steps?

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Talk soon,

❤️ The Walter Center for Career Achievement