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Application Stage

Welcome to the Application Stage! Reaching this point is a significant milestone in your job search, as it marks the official start of sending out applications and actively pursuing job opportunities. Now that your job search materials are complete and you’re officially job search ready, it’s time to begin applying for roles and (hopefully) gaining traction soon.

Contents

Overview

The early days of the Application Stage can be challenging, but remember that job searches take time. On average, it can take hundreds of applications to land a full-time role. While this may sound overwhelming, keep in mind that each job search is different, and your final numbers will vary depending on factors like the quality of your applications, the timing, the industry, and more.

It’s common for job seekers not to see immediate responses from applications. Prospective employers are busy, and application processes can take time. Patience is key during the Application Stage, and it’s important to stay consistent.

Application Stage

Application Goals

The primary goal of the Application Stage is to gain traction. Traction refers to positive responses from your applications, such as receiving coding challenges or interview invitations. Once you start receiving interviews or coding challenges, you'll move on to the next stage of your job search: the Interview Stage.

If, after a few weeks, you haven’t gained traction, it’s a sign that your materials or application strategy may need adjustment. It’s a good idea to revisit your resume, cover letters, and overall approach if things aren't moving forward.

What to Focus On

During the Application Stage, your focus should be on submitting as many high-quality applications as possible. A high-quality application goes beyond simply submitting your resume—it includes customized cover letters, personalized outreach messages, and efforts to connect with people involved in the hiring process. Taking these extra steps increases your chances of getting noticed by employers.

Alongside applying, you should also dedicate time to improving your technical skills. Now is the time to dive into data structures and algorithms (DS&A), which will be crucial for technical interviews. Platforms like Leetcode, Structy.net, or Algoexpert.io ($$) are great for DS&A practice. Start by reviewing foundational concepts before tackling more complex problems.

You should also begin practicing for technical interviews before you receive coding challenges or interview invitations. Regular practice with technical questions and whiteboarding will ease some of the anxiety associated with the interview process and help you feel more prepared when the time comes. Don’t forget to practice behavioral interview questions as well—communicating clearly and concisely is just as important as demonstrating your technical skills.

Daily Expectations

  • Log all applications and job search activity in a job tracking tool (e.g., Huntr)
  • Submit 5–8 applications
  • Commit to GitHub—minimum 2 commits per day
  • Learn something new (studying, project work, whiteboarding, etc.)
  • Review DS&A concepts
  • Complete ~3 DS&A problems
  • Review technical trivia or concepts related to the roles you’re applying for
  • Connect with 2 new professionals on LinkedIn
  • Send 5–8 outreach messages to professionals or recruiters via LinkedIn or email (aim for one per application)
  • Check and respond to emails, including your spam folder
  • Research new jobs and add to your application queue

Weekly Expectations

  • Submit 40 applications from 3–5 different job boards
  • Send 25 outreach messages to recruiters or industry professionals
  • Connect with 10 new people on LinkedIn
  • Complete a weekly HackerRank challenge or equivalent DS&A practice
  • Practice whiteboarding (with a peer or online)
  • Push at least 10 GitHub commits
  • Post an update, article, or status on LinkedIn to stay visible in your network
  • Participate in a mock interview or pair programming session

Monthly Expectations

  • Participate in at least one mock behavioral and one mock technical interview
  • Review all materials (projects, resume, etc.) to ensure they are up to date
  • Attend two virtual or in-person networking events to expand your connections
  • Check that all links in your portfolio, resume, and cover letter are functional

What Happens Next

As soon as you start receiving coding challenges or interview invitations, you will move into the Interview Stage. The weekly quotas and expectations may shift slightly depending on your traction and the focus of your applications, but the fundamental goal remains the same: gaining positive responses from employers.

Pro Tips

Tips for moving into the Interview Stage as quickly as possible:

  • Apply early in the day and early in the week—Data shows that applications sent between Monday and Thursday have higher chances of success.
  • Submit high-quality applications from the start—Don’t wait to "get comfortable" with applying. Tailor each application and cover letter to the specific role.
  • Diversify your job search—Use multiple job boards and resources to maximize your opportunities.
  • Expand your network—Connecting with professionals in your industry can open doors to opportunities you might not otherwise find. Even if a connection doesn’t lead directly to a job, it can provide valuable insights and referrals.
  • Balance applying and studying—While it’s tempting to focus heavily on DS&A, remember that consistent applications are essential for getting responses. Try to balance both.
  • Stay flexible—It’s good to have goals, but avoid becoming too narrow in your search. Be open to different roles and opportunities that align with your skills.

Resources

  • Huntr Guide: Learn how to use Huntr or another job tracking tool to organize your applications and job search activities.
  • Leetcode – A platform for practicing data structures and algorithms.
  • Structy – A DS&A practice platform ($).
  • Algoexpert – Technical interview preparation platform ($$).
  • LinkedIn – Build your professional network and apply for jobs.
  • Pramp – A free platform to practice coding interviews with peers.
  • ChatGPT – Don't forget, ChatGPT is there to help! Use ChatGPT to:
    • Get feedback on your job search materials (resume, cover letters, etc.).
    • Practice coding challenges or technical questions.
    • Brainstorm networking strategies or mock interview answers.
    • Create daily and weekly routines to keep your job search on track.
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