In today's competitive job market, job seekers are getting creative to stand out. But here's where it gets controversial: applying to multiple jobs at the same company can 'look desperate.' So, how do you do it the right way? Let's dive in and explore the ins and outs of this strategy. Nicole Kaiser, a technical and executive head hunter in the D.C. area, says that it's 'not unusual' for candidates to apply to several roles at large enterprises. 'It can be a great way to get in front of the hiring teams,' she says. However, job seekers should proceed with caution, especially when applying to smaller organizations. According to corporate recruiter Maribel Valencia, hiring managers at small companies are more likely to notice when candidates apply across multiple teams, and it can leave a bad taste in their mouths. 'You're probably gonna look desperate, and you're not going to get that buy-in from a specific department,' she says. So, how can you navigate this delicate situation? The key is to be strategic and targeted. Apply to roles that genuinely align with your skills and experience. Often, similar roles pop up across 'sister teams' at large companies, and applying to a few comparable roles won't reflect poorly on a job seeker. In fact, if a top candidate doesn't land the job, the hiring manager may pass along their application to other teams within the company that have open roles. However, this approach could also backfire. If one hiring manager at a company has a bad experience with a candidate, they might share that information with their colleagues, and that candidate's other applications will be 'completely ignored.' So, when is applying to multiple roles a red flag? According to Kaiser, it becomes a red flag if those jobs are largely unrelated to the candidate's skill set. 'What doesn't make sense is, let's say I'm a business analyst and I apply for an analyst position, I apply for a project manager position, I apply for a technical writer position and I apply for a banker position,' she says. Applying to seemingly random roles 'is not going to look great' from a hiring manager's perspective, she says, especially if 'you've got none of those credentials in your background.' In Kaiser's view, mass-applying to a variety of jobs can indicate that a candidate isn't being strategic about their job search. 'That tells me that the candidate's not going towards their strengths, where they're really going to be a value add, where they're going to match that job description and beat out other great candidates,' she says. So, how can you stand out in a sea of weak applications? Applying to jobs that genuinely align with your skills will help you stand out, says Valencia. 'If you do have a really good resume and that attracts a certain hiring manager, they will eventually reach out,' she says. Remember, in a tough job market, it's important to be strategic and targeted in your job search. By applying to roles that genuinely align with your skills and experience, you can increase your chances of standing out and landing that dream job. So, are you ready to take the plunge and apply to multiple jobs at the same company? Just remember to be strategic, targeted, and mindful of the potential pitfalls. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the applications, but also about the follow-up. Don't forget to follow up with the hiring manager after submitting your application. A simple email expressing your interest in the role and your enthusiasm for the company can go a long way. So, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree with the advice given? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
