Picture this: It’s late in the evening, you’re researching job opportunities, and out of nowhere you hit “THE MOTHERLOAD.” You’ve just discovered a great organization that has 10, 20, or maybe even 100 job openings. Some are in your area, some are far away. Some positions require skills you’ve never even heard of, yet other openings are for jobs you would never want to do.
You might be tempted to apply to them all to show your interest and desire to be part of the company. Others might apply to just one position as a display of confidence and focus. Yet another option would be to apply to one job in each state to show them you are willing to relocate.
What should you do?
The best choice is apply to the position that best fits you. Not 10 positions, or five, or even three. Focus on the ONE opportunity that is the best match.
While your intentions in applying to multiple positions may be sincere, you need to consider how this looks to the employer. Put yourself in the hiring manager’s situation and consider what is going through their mind as they review the applicants
1) I have openings I need to fill with the most qualified person
2) (Unless this is identified as a training position) Training can be expensive and time intensive. The less training I will have to provide the employee, the better.
3) I want an employee that is passionate about this role, and will do it for as long as possible until we feel they are ready for the next step
4) Relocation is expensive. It’s stressful for families, and often results in people wanting to move home after a while. If there is a tie between candidates, I will likely choose the candidate that doesn’t have to move
If you apply to multiple positions, you are likely applying to positions with varying locations, skill sets, and required experiences. It’s very clear that you will NOT match up with the thoughts going through that manager’s mind as they review your resume.
If you really aren’t sure what position is the best, take some time to review each one, and then carefully rank each position for the following things:
- How does your past experience match with the experience required for the job?
- Does your length of experience match the requirements?
- Do you meet the minimum skill qualifications for the position
- Do you have to relocate for the position
o If relocation, Do you have any reason (other than this position) to relocate to that area that would be a positive to employer? A good example is if the position would get you closer to family
- Have you had past experience with this particular organizations products, services, or processes?
- Does this position match your career goals?
- Do you see yourself doing this position for at least 5 years?
- Are you willing to wait longer for a promotion in this company?
Once you’ve ranked the positions, the best position should be fairly clear. Choose that one position, and make that the focus of your cover letter and resume.
After all, it’s hard to tell them in the manager in an interview “This one job I want, and I feel it’s the best job for me” when they know you applied to 10 other totally different position in the company!
