You're drowning in job applications. How do you streamline your priorities to stay afloat?

Ask yourself the Big Questions. These help guide where to focus your job search energy. When looking for your next steps, ask yourself: - What are my short term non-negotiable needs when looking for my next role? Think aspects like an increased salary, a different shift, or a change in career - What are my long term goals? Think about where you see yourself in 5 to 10 years. - What are your biggest strengths personally and professionally? What would your coworkers and friends say you do well? For the applications you’re considering, don’t consider anything that doesn’t check your short term boxes. Aim for roles that take advantage of your strengths and take a step (or more) in the direction of your long term goals.

If you are looking for a remote job (or any job). It’s important to keep track of all your job applications as well as building a list of remote companies you'd like to work with. There are a few ways you can track your job applications. You can use tools such as Teal or you can use Google Sheets. If you choose to use Google Sheets, you should have this following fields: - Company - Job Title - Link to job description - Found on (which website) - Notes - Main POC (Hiring Manager/Recruiter/CEO e.g.) - Date applied - Follow up (date) - when you followed up with the application - Screening Call (date) - Interview (date) - Rejected (Yes/No) Keeping a record of this also helps you identify data/patterns in your job search.

From my perspective, maintaining a structured approach to your job search can significantly reduce stress and increase your efficiency. Prioritize applications based on deadlines and interest level, and allocate specific times each day to work on applications and follow-ups. If you need help with organizing your job search or refining your application materials, feel free to reach out to me.

It would be ideal to tailor your CV for every job application but if you are short on time, you can simply just change a few different areas on the CV. Your skills and summary section should be always be tailored so that they are speaking to the job and the employer a little more. It's a good idea to create a few different versions of your CV. For instance, there might be 1 where you are targeting a startup industry. Or if you are someone who's skilled in many areas, you might have a Product CV, then a Ops CV. But don't make it obvious you've altered your CV especially for a job.

From my perspective, taking the time to customize your CV for each application is an investment in your job search success. It involves carefully reviewing the job description and aligning your qualifications with the employer's requirements. This shows employers that you’ve done your homework, understand their needs, and are genuinely interested in the position. It can also help you stand out in a competitive job market. If you need assistance with tailoring your CV or resume, feel free to reach out to me for personalized support and guidance.

I echo your thoughts @Michelle! Applying for fewer, well-matched positions is definitely more effective. Additionally, networking can play a huge role. Sometimes, a connection or a referral can be more impactful than any application.

Though all opportunities attract us, we still need to carefully choose those that perfectly align with our goals and skills. It is always advisable to read the job description thoroughly and craft the resume based on the required skills and knowledge. It is also important to customize the cover letters and resume to each job instead of just sending the same ones, against all vacancies.

Sometimes it’s helpful to pace yourself in applying for jobs. Give yourself a low daily goal - say three applications per day. This gives you permission to take the time to craft a customized letter and cover letter, putting your best foot forward.