When is to many?

12 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 25,2025 at 7:20PM UTC

   From a recruiting standpoint, applying to multiple different jobs can be a red flag. Depending on the job, of course, but if they are not all closely related then it tells me that the applicant has no real direction and either just wants a paycheck or just wants a foot in the door to move to another role. Not that those are horrible qualities or would disqualify automatically, but if hiring managers are looking for someone who is dedicated and they don't want to have to refill that position in a year.. it's not top choice to hire someone who just wants in.

2. AnonymousJuly 27,2025 at 4:39AM UTC

   What's wrong with wanting to get your foot in? Whats wrong with wanting to gain experience to move on to a higher role??? How else is a candidate supposed to get a job?? Also lets be real here, most people do want a paycheck.

3. AnonymousJuly 28,2025 at 3:11PM UTC

   Go ahead and reread my last sentence, the one that starts with "not that those are horrible qualities". It was a real answer based on real conversations I've witnessed between recruiters and hiring managers.

   It would be an advantage as an applicant to try to remember that recruiters and hiring managers are also just people trying to do a job for a paycheck. They have expectations put on them they have to meet. Most of the time they are not staffed enough to thoroughly vet every application that comes in so they have to, unfortunately, make judgements.. and its not necessarily personal. The job market is awful, but its way less the people involved and way more the systems and environment at play that are creating these challenges. If you can put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter and hiring manager, you might gain a perspective that could make you stand out more as a candidate.

4. AnonymousJuly 25,2025 at 9:46PM UTC

   Try to contact a live person for your first and second choice positions and let them know you are very interested. Tell them you applied and were wondering when they anticipate interviewing for that position. If you make a good elevator pitch by phone or email, that may increase your chances. Be sure that each application is focused on why you want that particular position and what you can bring to it, not just "I need a job."

5. MephistophelesJuly 27,2025 at 8:33AM UTC

   I have the same thing, no matter how many times I submit, the answer is always the same.

6. AnonymousJuly 28,2025 at 1:54AM UTC

   Try telling yourself "the next job I apply for, I will get. The answer WON'T be no this time." Say it out loud at least 10 times and believe it. Claim the job. Then complete the absolute best application you can, send them the best resume, and try to contact a live person at the company to tell them why you are an excellent choice. Envision yourself in the job already. Turn what were formerly negative thoughts into positive ones and be confident in your abilities.

7. AnonymousJuly 27,2025 at 11:18AM UTC

   It is possible that Application Tracking System (ATS) is putting your resume on the back burner or rejecting it. You really can't do much if you see a match but the employer or employer's ATS doesn't see a match. You can check with the recruiter if the hiring manager has shortlisted you or not.

8. LisaJuly 27,2025 at 12:33PM UTC

   Watch your grammar. Your question makes me think there may be errors in your resume or applications. 'When is to many' should be 'When is too many'.

9. AnonymousJuly 28,2025 at 1:51AM UTC

   Great point! Especially if English isn't the applicant's first language or the applicant is dyslexic or just not a good speller, it's important to get another person to review application materials before sending them. A slight typo or error like the one you mentioned may cost someone a job. That really isn't fair because they might be really good at what they do, but that's where we are right now.

10. AnonymousJuly 29,2025 at 4:58PM UTC

    Research is showing that people are getting more jobs from networking. Not from applying online. Be a detective, find people on LinkedIn who work at any company of interest, connect. Network, apply online, then go back to the recruiter you hopefully connected with from the company to let them know to get attention. It is not going to be click, apply, and you get a job. Recruiters are inundated with thousands of resumes they can barely keep up. If you are unemployed, find work where ever you can and then keep applying to your company's or state orgs of interest.

11. AnonymousAugust 2,2025 at 10:45AM UTC

    I've heard some companies post positions they have no intention of filling. In order to find out, look at the posting date, and how many applications. If its older that say. 30 days, its not going to be filled anytime soon

12. Dr. Patty GrossAugust 10,2025 at 2:41PM UTC

    I agree with all of the other responses, but to answer the "too many" part of the question, it depends. Is this a large company with multiple locations, divisions, and is subdivided into multiple "companies?" This type of organization is different from the "mom-and-pop start-up company" with 10 employees. One example of the first, and one I have been applying to a lot, is a teaching hospital as part of a large University. For these types of organizations, each department/division will act independently, and even a dozen or so applications (as long as they are going to different divisions) would not be overdoing it. For smaller or more local companies, I would suggest no more than two or three a year.