I Sent 150 Applications: Here's the Data
By Mike at RoleShift
June 23, 2025
After getting laid off, I sent 150 job applications in 2 weeks. I tracked everything: time spent, keywords used, response rates, and conversion metrics. Here's the complete data breakdown.
This aggressive approach wasn't random – it was systematic. And the data revealed patterns that shaped how I built RoleShift.
The Numbers
Overall Statistics
- Total applications: 150
- Time period: 2 weeks
- Total responses: ~30-35 (~20-23%)
- Phone screens: 6 (4%)
- Multi-stage interview processes: 3 (2%)
- Offers: 1 accepted
Note: Industry average response rates typically range from 10-20%¹
Response Rate by Channel
- Company websites (45 applications)
Response rate: 24% → Best channel - LinkedIn Easy Apply (60 applications)
Response rate: 15% → High volume, moderate success - Indeed (30 applications)
Response rate: 17% → Consistent performer - AngelList (15 applications)
Response rate: 20% → Great for startups
Time Analysis
Best days to apply (based on my data):
- Early week (Monday-Wednesday): Higher response rates
- Morning applications: Better visibility
Lower response times:
- Friday afternoon: Lower engagement
- Weekend: Reduced activity
Research suggests applying early in the week during morning hours (before 10 AM) increases visibility²
Automate this with RoleShift →
What Correlated with Success
- Mid-sized companies
Often higher response rates in my experience - Fresh postings (within 48 hours)
Better response rates than older listings - Direct hiring manager contact
Significantly higher conversion to interview
Key Learnings
- Volume matters when unemployed - cast a wide net
- Track everything - data reveals patterns
- Optimize based on results, not assumptions
- Tuesday/Wednesday mornings = golden hours
- Company websites > job boards for quality
From Data to Solution
This experiment taught me that job searching at scale requires automation. Manually tailoring 150 applications nearly burned me out. That's why I built RoleShift - to maintain this volume without sacrificing quality or sanity.
Ready to automate these strategies?
RoleShift applies these exact tactics to beat ATS filters automatically
RoleShift leverages these insights:
- Optimized for high-volume applications (5 per day)
- Built-in tracking and analytics
- ATS optimization based on real data
- Cover letter generation that actually converts
- All for a one-time $29 payment
The same systematic approach that got me from 150 applications to a real job offer, now available as a tool.
The Bottom Line: My ~20% response rate and 2% interview process rate reflect the competitive job market. Quality matters more than quantity - it's about getting the right interviews, not the most. Industry data shows response rates vary widely (10-20% average)³, with platform and approach making a significant difference.
Want to replicate these results without the manual grind? Start your 30-day sprint with RoleShift and let automation handle the heavy lifting while you focus on interview prep.
Sources
Keep Learning
Beat the Bots: ATS Hacking Guide
Engineering tactics to outsmart ATS systems and get your resume in front of humans
How I Cracked the ATS Code: From 150 Applications to Real Interviews
Real data from 150 applications: which keywords actually work and which are killing your chances
Why Your Resume Gets Rejected in 7 Seconds
Learn the harsh truth about ATS systems and why 75% of resumes never reach human eyes
Tired of ATS Rejections?
You've learned the tactics. Now automate them. RoleShift applies these exact strategies to every application, ensuring your resume beats the bots every time.
- Automatic keyword extraction & matching
- ATS-optimized formatting every time
- 5 tailored applications in 30 minutes
Start Your 30-Day Sprint
Join hundreds who've transformed their job search from a grind into a system
One payment • 150 applications • 7-day guarantee
Average
3 real opportunities
Success rate
8% vs 2%
Time saved
135 hours