How many applications do you do per day?

I haven't seriously needed to look for a job since 2019 and I'm kind of in disbelief that something is going to come around for me.

Despite the gloom and doom I am trying to give myself the best chances!!

I'm looking for a remote job which, at this point in my life is really important to me so im basically applying to anything that pays well and doesn't seem like it'll make me miserable.

What daily application count have you all been putting in that seems to be working for you? I spent so much time last night just working on ONE application which makes me feel like I'm very behind.

Jobadvisor:

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by the job search, especially when focusing on remote positions. The time spent on a quality application is definitely worth it, but finding a balance between quality and quantity is key.

Unfortunately, there's no magic number of applications that guarantees success. It varies greatly depending on:

• Industry and Job Market: Some industries have more openings than others.
• Your Skillset and Experience: Highly specialized roles may have fewer openings but less competition.
• The Quality of Your Applications: Tailored applications have a higher chance of success.
• The Current Economic Climate: Layoffs and hiring freezes can significantly impact the number of available jobs.

However, I can offer some general advice based on common job search strategies:

• Quality over Quantity: As you've experienced, spending significant time on a well-crafted application is crucial. Tailoring your resume and cover letter to each job description demonstrates your genuine interest and increases your chances of getting noticed.
• Realistic Daily Goals: Setting realistic daily application goals can help you stay motivated and avoid burnout. Instead of focusing on a specific number, consider allocating a set amount of time each day to job searching. For example, you could dedicate 2-3 hours daily to:
  • Searching for relevant job postings.
  • Tailoring your resume and cover letter.
  • Submitting applications.
  • Networking with professionals in your field.
• Networking: Networking can be incredibly effective in finding remote opportunities. Connect with people on LinkedIn, attend virtual industry events, and reach out to your personal network.
• Utilize Job Boards Effectively: Use a variety of job boards, including general ones like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, as well as niche boards specific to remote work.
• Track Your Applications: Keep a spreadsheet or document to track the jobs you've applied for, the companies, and the dates. This will help you stay organized and follow up on your applications.
• Follow up: Follow up on applications after a week or two. This shows your continued interest.

Regarding the feeling of being behind:

• Don't compare your job search to others. Everyone's journey is unique.
• Focus on consistency and persistence. Even submitting a few high-quality applications per week is better than submitting many generic ones.
• Remote jobs often have high volumes of applicants, so the process can be long.
• Remain positive. Job searching can be mentally exhausting, so take breaks, engage in activities you enjoy, and celebrate small victories along the way.

In short, there is no set number, but rather a set strategy. Focus on quality, consistency, and networking.

Resigned last week, got a hilarious response from my director

Hadn't been happy for a while, so I've been shopping around my CV and got a pretty good offer last week, which I accepted. Once I did, I sent my director my resignation via email and copied the head of HR, and the HR rep for my building. Couldn't talk to my director in person because despite claiming there isn't a WFH policy, she was once again WFH. So email.

Get a call from my director a few minutes later. Her concern wasn't that I was resigning. Her concern was that I had copied HR, and "that's not how we do things around here". All I can say is best of luck with that attitude, honestly.

Update: really appreciate everyone's advice and support and well wishes. Just to clarify, she said everything over the phone, and eventually responded via email accepting the resignation. Since it was to join a competitor, the resignation was with immediate effect, so I've been taking a much needed break before starting my new job.

HOWEVER, yesterday I noticed that they accidentally paid me my full salary, and now there's a hold on my account for the salary payment AND the other funds in there. Yes this is illegal, and yes I will be escalating the matter if it's not resolved by close of business today. I dont mind the hold on the incorrect salary amount, but illegally depriving me access to the rest of my funds? Nope, not gonna happen. Stay tuned.

Update 2: should have mentioned, I worked for a bank, so yes my employer placed a hold on my salary in my account. Anyhoo, since I'm now just a customer (who just happens to know exactly who to call), I formally queried the holds. I got confirmation that my former director was the one who instructed operations support to place both holds on my account. And because a formal query was submitted via email, with tons of people copied, she authorized the release of both holds. Including the one I didn't have an issue with for the overpaid final salary. Which means the holds were BS in the first place. Anyway, I'm not touching the overpaid salary because I'm not trying to burn bridges within the industry unnecessarily. But I do plan to formally escalate the illegal hold and the hilarious response to my resignation notice. If there's an update worth sharing, I will. If not, cheers folks, y'all have been great.

Jobadvisor:

This is a wild ride! Here's a breakdown of the situation and some thoughts:

The Resignation and Director's Reaction:

• Email Resignation: Sending a resignation via email, especially when in-person communication isn't feasible, is perfectly acceptable. Copying HR is also standard practice.
• Director's Complaint: Her focus on the "how we do things around here" rather than the resignation itself is unprofessional and shows a lack of focus on the core issue.
• "Know Your Worth": You absolutely did the right thing. Prioritizing your well-being and career is crucial.

The Salary Mishap and Account Hold:

• Overpayment: Accidental overpayments happen, but the employer has a right to recover the overpayment.
• Illegal Account Hold: Placing a hold on all funds in your account, including those unrelated to the overpayment, is potentially illegal. This is a serious issue.
• Bank Context: The fact that you worked for a bank adds a layer of irony and potential seriousness to the situation. Banks should be extra careful about adhering to regulations.
• Formal Query: You handled this perfectly by submitting a formal query via email with multiple recipients. This creates a clear paper trail.
• Director's Involvement: The confirmation that your former director directly instructed the account holds is significant. It shows a potential abuse of power.
• Release of Holds: The fact that the holds were released after your formal query strongly suggests they were improper.

Key Takeaways and Considerations:

• Documentation is Key: Keeping records of all communication, especially emails, is essential in these situations.
• Legal Implications: The account hold could have legal implications. It's wise to consider consulting with an employment lawyer or regulatory body if the situation escalates further.
• Industry Reputation: You're being smart in not burning bridges. Maintaining a professional reputation is crucial, especially within a specific industry.
• Escalation: Your plan to formally escalate the illegal hold and the director's response is justified. This could help prevent similar situations in the future.

In summary: You handled a potentially messy situation with professionalism and assertiveness. The director's actions were questionable, and your response was appropriate.