How many job applications does it take to land a job?

[TSE]

Right now I'm at 80 with a couple interviews and nothing. Getting really really hard on myself and at the same time working 75+ hours a week in the post office. Getting ready to quit and just risk it all. I'm applying to get into UI/UX Design and it's been a real struggle mentally and emotionally.

 

[casperes1996]

What qualifications do you come with?
Have you asked any of the companies you've been to interviews with what you could've done better to perhaps have gotten the position? - Asking them for advice after the fact can be a good way of getting pointers for future opportunities. Or places that turn down your initial application; Ask - there's a decent chance they won't reply, but they might and give good feedback.

If all you're looking for is a number, it can be anywhere from 1 to a million or more. It depends on the market, the individual, and a pinch of luck.

 

[Stephen.R]

It sounds like you're trying to land your first job in "tech" (as much as design can be considered tech)?

I remember applying for literally hundreds of jobs and getting little or no response when I was finishing up my studies (so, a little under 20 years ago). As you describe, it's quite depressing to feel "wow this job sounds great, it's just what I'm looking for", you spend the time writing the application, re-reading and tweaking bits, you submit it, and get this giddy feeling of "what it will be like".... and then nothing. Zip. Nada.

It's unfortunate, but I would say @casperes1996 makes a good, if understated point with his last word.

Luck; right time/right place have definitely played a significant role in my career, and thus, my life. But "who you know" is also an important factor we like to tell ourselves doesn't matter. It absolutely does. Not for every single job, obviously. But honestly, "luck" and "knowing someone" have had a significant role in easily the first 7 or 8 years of my career.


What country are you in? Are you applying to agency type companies, or direct to software companies? Have you considered freelancing part time to build out a more extensive portfolio?


Edit: typo.

 

[44267547]

I have a rhetorical question for the OP, what separates you from every candidate that you’re competing against? That’s what companies want to see, is that what makes you ‘different’ that you can offer the company/organization that you’re attempting to gain employment with.

Also, I can’t attest to the field that you’re applying for, but it sounds like it must be really competitive if you can’t find a job within 80 applications or perhaps you lack the necessary skill set or are under-qualified. Which leads me to say, what can you do for yourself that would put you in a better position/higher advantage to land a job in the field that you want.

Also, obviously no one knows you here, but maybe your interviewing skills need improvement.

And none of my personal thoughts on the subject, is to chastise you, it’s to provoke constructive criticism to ponder how can you better yourself to land that job that you want.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Depends on the field, your experience and ability to sell yourself, and local market area. And even if all of those areas line up, it could still take a while.

From what I have seen the last 1.5 years, a lot of people aren't really motivated to work (for various reasons). I have found a lot of different companies hanging onto subpar employees because it has been so difficult for them to find quality employees.

Good luck with your search.

 

[TSE]

Thank you for the very kind replies. I believe my struggles are a combination of lack of experience in the field, and being very rusty and uncomfortable in interviews.

I have a second round interview at Google and a lead to a job at Facebook now though. Anyone have experience in the UI/UX field that could reach out to me?

 

[casperes1996]

I have a second round interview at Google and a lead to a job at Facebook now though. Anyone have experience in the UI/UX field that could reach out to me?

Those are really high prestige places to have leads/interviews. I wish you excellent luck

 

[jkcerda]

Right now I'm at 80 with a couple interviews and nothing. Getting really really hard on myself and at the same time working 75+ hours a week in the post office. Getting ready to quit and just risk it all. I'm applying to get into UI/UX Design and it's been a real struggle mentally and emotionally.

Sometimes the question is not can you afford to quit but can you afford to stay if it's that bad? with that kind of work load is hard to think straight and really look for another job.

that said IF you have vacation timed built up maybe take some of it instead of quitting so you can look properly for a job, grass LOOKS greener on the other side but it may not be as green once you are on it.

 

[TSE]

Sometimes the question is not can you afford to quit but can you afford to stay if it's that bad? with that kind of work load is hard to think straight and really look for another job.

that said IF you have vacation timed built up maybe take some of it instead of quitting so you can look properly for a job, grass LOOKS greener on the other side but it may not be as green once you are on it.

I've been inching towards having a nervous breakdown for awhile now. Going to get out very soon.

 

[TiggrToo]

Thank you for the very kind replies. I believe my struggles are a combination of lack of experience in the field, and being very rusty and uncomfortable in interviews.

I have a second round interview at Google and a lead to a job at Facebook now though. Anyone have experience in the UI/UX field that could reach out to me?

Just be aware that both Google and Facebook can be very VERY hard places to work at.

Ive got a friend who’s incredibly bright - one of the most intelligent folks I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside - it took him months to land his job at Google in New York.

He quit within a year utterly exhausted.

 

[ericgtr12]

I've been inching towards having a nervous breakdown for awhile now. Going to get out very soon.

Just a few questions if you don't mind:

• What sort of experience do you have in this area?
• If not much is it something you can start off in something that requires less experience and work your way towards it?
• Assuming these are remote interviews, are the face to face on video?

Your willingness to learn on the job will go a long way as will a professional/personable appearance. I interview maybe 20 or 30 people a year and can share what makes or breaks them to me, for what it's worth I doubt any two companies are the same but this is my general take.

If the candidate can't make it on video it's a deal breaker at this point because it's a requirement for any remote position (if that's how one is interviewing).

If I hear them typing as I'm asking questions or they seem otherwise preoccupied, especially if they delay I will usually just end it right there, thank them for their time and move on.

Those who are attentive and seemingly genuinely interested in the position will always have my full attention. Even if they are less qualified this always puts them in contention. Afterall, employers want employees who they think will enjoy the job. So go in knowing something about them and the position, inquire about key aspects of it with interest and pick their brain a bit and most of all listen, this can go a long way.

Just my .02, good luck with your search! It sounds like your current job is breaking you, IMO you are doing the right thing here for your mental health and finding a better career path. Hang in there.

 

[ruka.snow]

From the hiring side just now I'll tell you that you really need to stand out big time. At the moment I have way more CV's coming my way than during a normal hiring spree and of those there is a huge range of candidates and so many of them are trying to switch carriers.

Make sure your leading paragraph is easy to read so 'I' don't have to work to know something about you. For UI/UX roles I actually want to see some examples. So many people apply for these roles with a wall of text so I shove those to the side and look at the ones with a link to a website with clear examples of what they have been doing. Better yet if you have something I can import into Adobe XD or similar.

Edit: When you do get an interview. Learn about the company. I am in video games and we are going to be interviewing you in shorts and a t-shirt and expect the same from you. If it is a bank, you better turn up in a suit and tie.

 

[grandM]

It depends on economic conjuncture. A lot of talent is wasted because of the incompetence of some HR officers.

 

[TSE]

I received a full-time, remote UX Designer position with a smaller consultancy. The pay per hour is very generous. The only thing that worries me is that I am a 1099, so they can reduce my hours or just cut ties on a whim. But you know what? It's a step in the right direction and it's what I want to be doing! My first week was so intense. I'm pretty much learning a lot of the skills and programs on the job and it's been amazing.

Thank you guys for helping me out so much.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I received a full-time, remote UX Designer position with a smaller consultancy. The pay per hour is very generous. The only thing that worries me is that I am a 1099, so they can reduce my hours or just cut ties on a whim. But you know what? It's a step in the right direction and it's what I want to be doing! My first week was so intense. I'm pretty much learning a lot of the skills and programs on the job and it's been amazing.

Thank you guys for helping me out so much.

You have the right attitude. It is a step in the right direction. It could also end up being a long term position even as a 1099. Good lick with the job moving forward.

 

[poorcody]

I received a full-time, remote UX Designer position with a smaller consultancy. The pay per hour is very generous. The only thing that worries me is that I am a 1099, so they can reduce my hours or just cut ties on a whim. But you know what? It's a step in the right direction and it's what I want to be doing! My first week was so intense. I'm pretty much learning a lot of the skills and programs on the job and it's been amazing.

Thank you guys for helping me out so much.

Congratulations! A lot of tech work is 1099 so I wouldn't fret too much about it. Either way you will now have experience in your field for your CV should you look for something else in the future. And yeah, in the tech world, learning on the job is standard practice given how quickly things evolve!

Make sure you pay estimated taxes if in the U.S. -- this gets a lot of first-time 1099ers in my experience. Check out FreelancersUnion.org -- a free organization that provides resources and help.

 

[casperes1996]

I received a full-time, remote UX Designer position with a smaller consultancy. The pay per hour is very generous. The only thing that worries me is that I am a 1099, so they can reduce my hours or just cut ties on a whim. But you know what? It's a step in the right direction and it's what I want to be doing! My first week was so intense. I'm pretty much learning a lot of the skills and programs on the job and it's been amazing.

Thank you guys for helping me out so much.

Thank you for the update. Happy for you

All the best to you and hope this is the start of a long, prosperous and great adventure in the field

 

[icanhazmac]

received a full-time, remote UX Designer position with a smaller consultancy.

Congratulations!