When you find a company you admire with multiple open positions, you may wonder whether to apply for more than one role. The answer is yes, but it requires a strategic approach. To be successful, you must understand how employers view multiple applications and present yourself as a focused candidate, not someone casting a wide net.
Understanding the Company’s Perspective
When you submit applications for multiple roles, they are processed and stored by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This software centralizes candidate information, so a recruiter will see all your applications linked to a single profile. Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS, and your submissions become part of your permanent record with that company.
Recruiter reactions to multiple applications can vary. Some may view it as a sign of strong interest in the company, which is a positive signal. Others may perceive it as a lack of career direction, especially if the roles are dissimilar. Hiring managers want to feel that you are passionate about their specific job, not just any job.
Potential Benefits of Applying for Multiple Roles
Applying for several positions can increase your visibility within the company. Submitting applications for a few well-chosen roles means more opportunities for your resume to be seen by different recruiters or hiring managers. In large organizations where departments handle their own hiring, your applications might not be seen by the same person, improving your odds of getting noticed.
This strategy also signals your enthusiasm for the company. It demonstrates a genuine desire to be part of the organization and its culture. Applying for related roles can showcase your versatility, highlighting a range of skills and showing that you are adaptable and could be an asset in more than one area.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
The primary drawback is the risk of appearing unfocused or desperate. If the positions you apply for are in wildly different fields, it suggests to recruiters that you lack clear career goals or a deep skill set in any single area. This can make hiring managers question your commitment and long-term fit for a specific team.
Another risk is appearing underqualified. Each application creates a data point in the company’s ATS. A rejection for an ill-fitting role could be noted in the system, potentially coloring a recruiter’s view when they see your application for a different, more appropriate position.
Best Practices for Applying to Multiple Positions
To successfully navigate this process, focus on the following best practices:
- Be selective. Limit your applications to two or three roles that are closely related. For example, positions like social media manager, content strategist, and marketing analyst often share overlapping skills, making it logical for one person to be a strong candidate for all three. This approach demonstrates a clear area of expertise and focus.
- Tailor each application. Customize each application meticulously. Do not use the same resume and cover letter; instead, tailor each document to highlight the specific skills and experiences that align with that role’s job description. This shows the recruiter you have read the requirements carefully and are making a deliberate choice.
- Be transparent. If you secure an interview for one position, it is acceptable to mention your interest in another role if the topic comes up. You could frame it by saying, “I was also very interested in the [Other Job Title] position because of my experience in [Relevant Skill].” This honesty can lead to a productive conversation.
- Know when to stop. Applying for more than three positions at one time can look desperate and creates administrative work for recruiters. Once you have submitted your targeted applications, it is more effective to shift your energy toward networking. Reaching out to a recruiter on a professional networking site can add context to your applications.
When You Should Avoid Applying for Multiple Jobs
In some scenarios, applying for multiple jobs is more likely to hurt your chances. Avoid applying when the positions are in completely different professional fields. An application for a finance analyst role and another for a graphic design position signals a lack of career focus and will likely lead to both being dismissed.
You should also avoid applying for jobs at vastly different seniority levels. Applying for both an entry-level role and a director-level position indicates you do not understand your professional standing. This can make you appear unqualified for the senior role and overqualified for the junior one.
Finally, do not apply if you do not meet the core qualifications. Every application is entered into the company’s ATS, and a history of applying for jobs for which you are unqualified creates a negative impression. Recruiters may see this as a sign that you do not pay attention to detail, which could harm your chances for future opportunities.