30 plus applications for a senior role in last ten weeks - exhausted, anxious

[Bubbles9]

Hello all,

I have been looking for a new work role, so far in the last ten weeks I have applied to:

Approx 25 jobs
Interviews for 8 (waiting to hear results on 3)
Applications waiting to hear from 8
Number of jobs found still to apply for 11

Never in my life have I applied to so many roles. I have tried to branch out a bit - I really do not mind the role as long as it puts food on the table.

Most interviews I have come number two.

Every application is a two page letter and tweaking CV to highlight the right experience.

I feel like I never see anyone as all I do everyday is wake up at 5 at start job searching again.

I just want to go to work and make a big difference to the community I support.

Perhaps I am doing something wrong in the application process? I feel like it is impacting my confidence - I am always congratulated for getting to the final round and told well done for career so far - then pipped to the post.

I'm so fed up. I miss achieving something at work, championing a team and looking after people around me.

Are you casting your net too wide - or do you mean the role is the same but in a wide variety of industries? It does sound very frustrating. What type of role/level/salary is it? Do you need to be more discriminating?

Problem is, you never really get proper feedback, people just don't have the time/inclination , they have filled the role and that's what they are bothered about.. It also may not be you are doing anything wrong, just the other person is more of a fit.

I am amazed you have found 30 relevant roles. Is this nationwide? Are you in something that has a massive staffing base like teaching or nursing?
Sounds as though you’re already doing very well with the results you’re getting. Good luck.

I think the problem is you’re trying to do too much: casting the net so wide because you just want something that puts food on the table, but at the same time want something that specifically champions teams and allows you to help your community. There can’t be 30 jobs that meet both these criteria, so you need to decide which is more important right now to you.

One thing you didn’t mention is why you’re so desperately looking for a new role - are you being made redundant (“anything that puts food on the table”)? Or are you fed up with the specific role/company you work with now? I get the impression you’re not successful because you haven’t really defined what you want and that means you’re probably wasting time applying for roles where you’re not a good fit, or that’s coming through in the interviews. If you’re not desperate it may help to be more selective about the ones you actually apply for. Good luck!

Keep going OP - you only need to get there once, and it sounds like you're coming close already.

A 2 page covering letter is very long. How long is your CV? Are a lot of the applications online forms instead?

I think it sounds like you're doing the right things, and you'll be successful at some point.

Are you on LinkedIn? It can be a bit odd, but it seems to show me useful CV and interview tips, so that might be useful.

Good luck.

You are doing great from the sounds of it. Are you in a rush? Can you take your time a bit more so not to feel so pressured? Some roles will have a person lined up but need to interview in terms of fairness. Others the number one may just pip you on experience or skill set. How do you feel the interviews are going? Have you asked for feedback?

Your strike rate is great !

Amazing getting responses and to interview for all those positions.

I have just managed to get a new role and it took me around 3 months. I applied to probably 35- 40 jobs, had 4 interviews and got offered the job last week, am delighted as it's something I really want to do.

Your CV and applications are clearly great because you are getting interviews. Are you only applying for jobs you actually want to do ? I messed up an interview and then realised it was for the best as I didn't want the role.

It's important to schedule some time off as well, unfortunately LinkedIn makes the whole thing feel so 24/7 so get out for fresh air and walks and spend some time meeting friends.

Who knows you may already have a new job in the bag .

Also are you prepping your interview responses by researching the company you are being interviewed for ? For my successful interview, I had researched the company and managed to throw in a few references like how one of my responses fit their values and how I could help them with their income targets.

Companies want someone who wants to work for them specifically and not just someone who needs a job.

I bought a great book from Amazon to prep with called "Why you" which helped me work through all scenarios.

Thank you for your answers. So I’m in leadership in the charity sector - covering education, health and social care, disability etc. Hence the number of roles. 75 prevent are homebased hence it opens the uk up. Mostly I am getting to interview but really need to get over the line with a job. I was made redundant from my previous post - hence the stress and worry of trying to get a new job swiftly. For senior roles they have requested two page letter or set questions which equate to 800-1000 words, and then a strategy presentation to SLT and Board. perhaps I just need a weekend off with the girls and then keep going. I have had my first provisional yes - so I’m waiting to look at contract. I think there are some wise words from you all…thank you. I will make sure it is a match and I do truly want the post…I think I’m panicking a bit and hence casting the net wide. Thank you xxx

It’s a ceo or director post in the charity or public sectors.

Definitely schedule some time off. Treat job-searching as a job in itself. It might be “crunch time”, but you still need to rest and recuperate otherwise your performance will decline (and you’ll get sick).

You have a great response rate. It’s just a numbers game now so keep plugging away, with rest, and you’ll get there.

Good point. Thank you, I think they have gone well. Coming in number 2 out of 150 plus applicants. I’m probably just tired. My first offer came in yesterday…hoping the end may start to be in sight, but until it’s over, I need to keep going. Thank you so much for your advice xx

Aw amazing news you have a provisional offer !
Definitely a chance to take a break and recharge with your family.

The job market is really hard at the minute, so getting so far so quickly is

Incredible.

Thank you all for your suggestions and thoughtfulness. I think I need to have a bit of a break for a day or two. Fingers crossed provisional offer goes over the line and then hopefully I can get back to doing something useful as well as raising my girls. Xx