The labor market remains challenging, pushing many job seekers to do whatever it takes to land a new position. Some candidates submit hundreds of applications, but experts caution against applying to multiple roles within the same company indiscriminately.
Nicole Kaiser, a technical and executive recruiter in the D.C. area, notes that it’s common for candidates to apply to several positions at large companies. “It can be a smart way to get noticed by hiring teams,” she explains.
However, caution is necessary, especially with smaller organizations. Maribel Valencia, a corporate recruiter, says hiring managers at smaller firms often notice when candidates apply across multiple departments. This can come across as desperate and may hurt the candidate’s chances. “You’re unlikely to gain strong support from any one department if you spread yourself too thin,” she warns.
Here is advice from Kaiser and Valencia for those applying to multiple jobs within the same company:
Apply to Related, Targeted Roles
Kaiser considers it normal to pursue several roles at a company, but only if the candidate’s skills closely match the job descriptions. Large companies often have similar positions across related teams, so applying to a few comparable roles won’t harm your reputation. In some cases, if you’re a strong candidate who just missed landing one job, hiring managers might pass your resume to other teams with openings.
However, Valencia points out that this strategy can backfire if one hiring manager shares a negative impression with others, potentially leading to your applications being ignored elsewhere in the company. For Kaiser, trouble arises when applicants throw their hat in the ring for wildly different roles that don’t align with their experience. For example, applying for positions as a business analyst, project manager, technical writer, and banker simultaneously looks unfocused and weakens your credibility.
Focus on Your Strengths
Mass-applying to unrelated roles signals a lack of strategy. “It shows you’re not focusing on where you can truly add value and excel,” Kaiser says. While the difficult market makes it tempting to send out as many applications as possible, this scattergun approach often wastes time for both candidates and recruiters. Instead, dedicating the effort to craft a few clear, well-targeted applications will yield better results.
Valencia agrees, emphasizing that quality matters more than quantity. A strong resume tailored to the right role attracts hiring managers’ attention and increases your chances of being contacted. “Apply smartly, and you’ll be more likely to stand out,” she advises.