Welcome to Day 4 of the From Newcomer to Hired Challenge!
If your current job search strategy is:
Uploading the same resume everywhere,
Applying to every posting you can find,
Hoping something sticks...
…then you’re caught in what’s called the Spray & Pray method.
Why Mass Applying Fails
At first glance, applying to more jobs seems logical. More applications = more chances, right?
But in Canada’s job market, the opposite is true. Here’s why:
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) filter resumes
– Generic resumes get rejected before a human sees them.
Hiring managers can spot mass applications
– Vague cover letters and irrelevant experience don’t build trust.
You dilute your brand
– Instead of being seen as a problem solver in your niche, you look like you’ll take any job.
You waste your energy
– Time spent blasting out 50 resumes could be used tailoring 5 targeted ones.
A Better Approach
Instead of applying everywhere, focus on quality and fit:
Target companies where your skills solve specific problems.
Customize your resume and cover letter to show value.
Leverage your network to bypass the ATS altogether.
When you aim your efforts, you stand out. When you scatter them, you disappear.
Real-Life Example
One client I worked with sent 100 applications in 2 months with zero interviews.
We switched to a targeted strategy:
Identified 15 companies in her niche,
Tailored applications for each,
Reached out to key people on LinkedIn.
Within 3 weeks, she had 3 interviews — without sending a single extra generic resume.
Your Action for Today
💬 Challenge Prompt:
How many jobs did you apply to last week? Drop your number in the comments — then reflect: were they targeted applications, or just Spray & Pray?
Want Help Crafting a Focused Job Search?
📞 Book your free 15-minute discovery call with me.
We’ll:
Review your current application strategy,
Identify what’s holding you back,
Map out a more focused approach.
👉 Book here: https://calendly.com/cerialprojectsinc/15-minute-meeting-viaphone