Job Search Calculus
So I was told by a friend that for every 10 job applications you send, you get 1 interview and for every 10 interviews, you get 1 job offer. Keeping that ratio in mind, I need to send out a 100 applications to get one job offer.
Over this past year, I applied for jobs off and on and got a few interview calls but none materialized into a job offer. I guess my calculus was off. So now I’ve decided to meticulously follow the formula. I’m going to aim for the magic 100 mark. I’ve sent out 3 applications this week. So that just leaves another 97. Let’s see now:
At the rate of 3 applications a week, I’ll get 12 done in a month….and that means I just have to wait 8.33 months to get a job!
Ideally I would like to have a job in 2 months time. So to get the math right:
100/2 = 50 apps a month
50/4= 12.5 apps a week
Hmm, it’s doable right? Will keep you posted with the results.
13 Responses to “Job Search Calculus”
February 27th, 2010 saat: 4:21 am
apply in canada! then Asim bhai can transfer here and we can all live happily ever after…the end
February 27th, 2010 saat: 11:13 am
it’s doable given that there are this many relevant jobs out there,,,I hope there are. Otherwise, you may have to consider additional factors in your equation such as +/- x% :-P
February 27th, 2010 saat: 5:38 pm
Junaid, you’re right it’s actually hard to even find 12.5 relevant jobs to apply to. But I guess that’s the challenge. I’m also going to try and send speculative applications where acceptable. Also, I’m open to the idea of internships or voluntary work provided it’s with a good organisation and where I’ll learn something.I’ve been told in the International Development sector in London, that’s the best way to get into an organisation. The only thing I’m not willing to do is get a job for the sake of getting a job. I don’t want to get into irrelevant fields where I won’t find job satisfaction. So let’s see… :)
February 27th, 2010 saat: 5:38 pm
Shiraz that’s a brilliant plan!! I’m on it ;)
February 27th, 2010 saat: 7:15 pm
*hugs*
you’re so cute, you don’t even know it!!
February 28th, 2010 saat: 12:07 pm
Tamreez Bhabi, my take is different. You both are so talented that you have potential of starting your small business.
In this Internet era its not difficult and costs nothing. I am doing this here from Pakistan and have clients all over the world. You can do too.
Have a look at the following motivational links from Seth Godin blog.
http://bit.ly/deynUv
http://bit.ly/MJzlh
Best wishes
February 28th, 2010 saat: 2:15 pm
Hareem, I’ve always believed ‘cute’ is a euphemism for ‘silly’ ;)
Armaghan, you know I was half joking when I wrote this blog but you’ve touched on a very important issue. You’re right, we all feel compelled to look for a “job” rather than thinking of creating work for ourselves. I liked the links you shared. Seth Godin is right, we have preconceived notions about what work is and what a ‘job’ should constitute because we’ve “been brainwashed by many years of school, socialization and practice”. Also, if you’re not doing a 9-5 paid job, people will generally not consider it ‘work’.
I actually am thinking of starting up my own business/enterprise/charity/work/something….I have a few ideas up in the air at the moment, so let’s see what happens. But I think I need a lot more real-world experience before I can do that. Or maybe that’s just a mental hang-up. At least for the moment on the side, I do feel I need a “job” to feel a productive part of society. The UK is now my adopted home but I don’t think I understand really well how things work here. So unless I get out and contribute and learn something on a day to day basis, I don’t even think I’d be successful in starting up my own business because I’d be lacking the necessary skills and understanding of how the system functions. That I think you can only get from a ‘job’ :) Or maybe my thinking is very limited by all the ‘washing’ my brain has got ;)
February 28th, 2010 saat: 3:16 pm
“Or maybe that’s just a mental hang-up.”
“That I think you can only get from a ‘job’ :) Or maybe my thinking is very limited by all the ‘washing’ my brain has got ;)”
Bhabi, I agree with your last sentence :)
You know what is the best way to be a writer? Start writing.
The best way to become a computer programmer? Start writing code.
And the best way to learn doing business is? Well, no prize for the right answer.
March 1st, 2010 saat: 12:15 am
Haha, thanks for agreeing that my thinking is very limited! :D
But you’re right, it’s worth challenging our assumptions and re-thinking stuff. Thank you for that. :)
March 2nd, 2010 saat: 10:49 am
Hey Tamreez, all the major charities look for volunteers to help out with particular areas, such as social marketing, media etc..some end up being employed by the charity in the end..by the way, the womens group has started up again..every sunday morning from 10 – 12…it’s still in development stage but new volunteers are always welcome:)
March 2nd, 2010 saat: 1:32 pm
Salam Homaira! Thanks for the message/comment :) Yes, I’m looking into international development charities and the volunteer/internship opportunities they offer. Will keep you posted! Let’s hope this time I stick it out instead of trying a few places and then giving up :P
Count me in for the women’s group! :) Will call you to discuss.
March 2nd, 2010 saat: 8:33 pm
Its doable. My prayer is that you should stop wasting time being mundane and mediocre. I read it somewhere, ITS FOR YOU:
Be a queen. Dare to be different. Be a pioneer. Be a leader. Be the kind of woman who in the face of adversity will continue to embrace life and walk fearlessly toward the challenge. Take it on! Be a truth seeker and rule your domain, whatever it is-your home, your office, your family-with a loving heart.
LOVE you!
March 3rd, 2010 saat: 4:21 pm
Thanks for the lovely message Mama! I feel inspired and motivated :)
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