I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
For many people, the job search process is a dispiriting one. Nobody likes to be rejected and rejection is pretty much a given during any search. It's also hard not to feel ignored when you submit resumes and receive no response.
But lately, a couple of conversations with potential clients reminded me that unrealistic expectations are also a big factor in bringing job seeker's spirits down.
One person - a senior executive - has been applying for jobs since mid-December and is still unemployed. Since very little happens between mid-December and the end of the first week in January, this client had actually been looking for just 3 weeks. Most research suggests that the average executive job search takes between 4 and 6 months. 3 weeks just isn't enough time!
The second person wanted to know how many responses he could expect if I rewrote his resume. I couldn't tell him - there's just no way to know because there are so many factors. He continued to press and finally he said 'well, for example, if I send out 100 resumes, I think I should get at least 50 responses.'
A 50% response rate? That would be a truly amazing accomplishment! I actually don't know what a good response rate to a mass mailing of resumes would be, but in direct marketing, a 2% conversion rate is considered good, so I have to think 50% is aiming a little high.
Don't get me wrong - I think stretch goals are a good thing ... but unattainable goals are just going to make you feel depressed for no reason.
The resume will always be important, but candidates may need to consider other ways of presenting themselves. In 2 weeks, Interview on Demand will allow candidates to send a video career profile to prospective employers. Check it out at www.interviewondemand.com!
Posted by: Video Interview | February 20, 2008 at 12:17 PM