Count Your Numbers
Numbers tell you the truth about your job search activity. They remove the feeling of "I have been working so hard" and replace it with data. That data tells you whether your effort is translating into the right actions.
Numbers tell you the truth about your job search activity. They remove the feeling of "I have been working so hard" and replace it with data. That data tells you whether your effort is translating into the right actions.
Step by Step
Open your tracker and count
Total applications submitted (Weeks 1 and 2 combined)
Total follow-ups sent
Total networking messages sent
Total informational interview requests sent
Total recruiter outreach messages sent
Total LinkedIn connections made
Total responses received (any kind)
Calculate your response rate Divide responses received by total applications submitted. Multiply by 100. This is your current response rate percentage.
If your response rate is below 5% your resume or targeting may need adjustment. If it is between 5% and 15% you are in a normal range. Keep going. If it is above 15% you are doing very well. Maintain the momentum.
Write your numbers in your tracker Keep a running record each week so you can track trends over time.