Thursday, October 17 - "Candidates with 1k Applications?"

Good morning!

Just checking in you. How are you doing today?

Here’s what’s on the job description for today:

1. New roles from a company providing cleantech integration and renewable energy transitions.

2. Maria asks, “I’ve seen many candidates with thousands of applications. Is that what it takes to get a role?”

IN HIRING

Ameresco

• With the goal of supporting clients to move away from less sustainable energy sources, Ameresco provides clean energy infrastructure among other solutions.

• Over 100 jobs are open with the majority in operations and project management, but roles in consulting, marketing, sales, and finance are also open.

• Here are a few of the most interesting roles available

  • Program Manager - Click here for full details

  • Project Manager - Click here for full details

  • Design Manager - Click here for full details

Click here for the company’s career page

TODAY’S QUESTION

Maria asks, “I’ve seen many candidates with thousands of applications. Is that what it takes to get a role?”

Recommendation: I have also talked to candidates within the 1k+ app club. Here’s how I’d think about it:

• First, while I’ve met people who have applied this number of times, I have yet to see a person who was happy about it. Consider the emotional toll that comes with that number of rejections.

• Second, it truly isn’t required or recommended for most candidates. If you’re applying over 100 times, then one or more of a few things is like to be happening:

  • You aren’t a good fit: companies are less willing to take risks on either industry or skills at the moment. You may be applying to roles that are too much of a stretch.

  • You’re getting pre-screened out. We’ve all seen the questions about visa status that are likely to remove you from further opportunities.

  • You have a terrible resume. You have the skills but can’t get interviews because the way you’re describing them isn’t landing with hiring managers.

• Finally, the unfortunate truth is that for some candidates, a thousand applications may be the way forward. If you’re trying to get a job in a competitive industry, have no local experience, and need visa sponsorship, a good resume is only half the battle.

  • The other half is that everyone else wants these roles and many of them will be a less risky candidate.

  • For those candidates in this bucket, I respect the grind and wish you well. All you can do is get a great resume, ask for as many referrals as possible, and keep as emotionally well as you can.

Conclusion:

No one wants to be in the 1k+ application club - it sucks. For most candidates, it’s unnecessary but for some, it’s the brutal road to the light at the end of a the tunnel.