In the Job Hunt, Treat Yourself Like a Fish
And Swim in the Appropriate Body of Water
In the vast ocean of job hunting, it's essential to understand the dynamics of the applicant pool. Imagine each job opening as a body of water: the more applicants, the larger the body. For instance, a tech giant like Google represents an ocean teeming with countless candidates, while a pre-seed startup with little name recognition is more akin to a bathtub.
When evaluating potential employers, consider the following factors:
Public Recognition: Is the company a household name?
Funding Status: Have they recently announced significant funding?
Industry Trendiness: Is their focus area currently in vogue?
Role Commonality: Is the position a common one in the industry?
The more "yes" answers, the larger the applicant pool. This insight can guide you in selecting the right "body of water" to swim in during your job search.
Now, envision yourself as a fish in this body of water. If your qualifications align perfectly with the role, you're a whale; if they're a bit of a stretch, you're more like plankton. Would you prefer to be a medium-sized fish in the ocean or a whale in a bathtub? The latter offers a higher chance of being noticed.
If your job search isn't yielding the desired results, consider changing your "body of water." Applying to companies with smaller applicant pools can increase your visibility. Remember, it's not just about the size of the fish, but also the size of the pond.
In future discussions, we'll explore strategies to grow from a smaller fish to a larger one. But for now, focus on understanding your environment and positioning yourself where you're most likely to stand out.
Happy hunting… I mean swimming!
Silas Mähner
PS: give the LinkedIn post I made a little love - hopefully we can reach others with this advice.