No set number of resumes guarantees a job interview. The timeline varies based on the company’s hiring process and the urgency to fill the role. It’s important to use multiple strategies. Online applications are the least effective, with statistics revealing that 1 out of every 200 resumes leads to a job offer. On the other hand, 1 out of 12 informational interviews results in a job offer.

Some think job searching is just a numbers game. The more you submit, the more interviews you get. But not so fast. Quality over quantity is key. On average, response rate for applications can be 10%-20%. However, precisely matched qualifications for the job coupled with a high quality application will yield much better results. Achieve this and you should expect a quick response.

If your job search strategy is “hit the job boards,” expect to submit hundreds. That strategy has a low success rate. If the focus of your job search is “networking,” probably far fewer. Have no expectations for any timeline. One company can take weeks; another could take months. Government agencies can take even longer. Networking with contacts could reveal the company’s expected timeline.

This depends on many variables: How senior is your target role, how “hot” is your target job market, and is it an employer or employee hiring market when you’re searching. Don’t just blindly upload resumes; you’re far more likely to land interviews if networking is part of your job search strategy. Use LinkedIn to find and interact with hiring managers at your target employers.