Unemployed with a first class degree

You've just proved my point though- have a strong application and you don't need to make that many before you get interviews. I got an interview for only the second job I applied for.

Once you have made your CV strong every application will be 'strong'.

I don't think you really understand - I'll try and spell out the logic for you:

1. Graduate jobs are very very competitive.

2. As such, no matter how good you are getting an interview is tough (low probability)

3. Getting through interviews is another low probability event

4. Low probability x low probability = very very low probability

5. As such for an expected value of successes > 1 need to have a very very large number of applications.

I do understand and I still disagree with what you say, my own experience has taught me its more than just luck & probability which gets you interviews & the job.

I respectfully disagree.

Let's assume you are correct for a second, whats the downside of applying to lots of places?

I didn't say there was one. The more well done applications that are sent out, the better. Maybe not in your chosen career area, but in mine and all the advice I've ever seen/be given, tailoring the CV/covering letter was the no1 point, and the interviews I've recieved have come when I've tailored them best.

I couldn't disgaree more - as someone who has/had offers from large IBs and top tier strategy consulting firms it is all about the numbers game - recruiting is hard and there is a lot of luck involved.

(I applied to a complete spectrum of places (all top tier HFs etc) this year and got interviews in every sector without tailoring my CV very much if at all, similar thing with cover letter).

Obviously this is assuming you haven't massively ****ed up your CV.

- Have you thought about becoming a physics teacher?

I respectfully disagree.

Let's assume you are correct for a second, whats the downside of applying to lots of places?

There isn't that much you can do to tailor your CV..

And tiloring a cover letter takes 5-10 minutes per firm..

I do understand and I still disagree with what you say, my own experience has taught me its more than just luck & probability which gets you interviews & the job.

Your applications end up being poor.

My experience here is largely limited to law, but in that context at least it's the people who send out 80 rushed applications who get 80 rejections. The people who spend a proper amount of time tailoring a handful of applications to their particular recipients at least get interviews.

The 'numbers game' can be very gravely counter-productive if you don't exercise proper moderation.

A sample of one is not usually considered sufficient to draw a conclusion from about the general population. For example we don't know what sort of work history and qualifications you have, your location, what sort of jobs and companies you applied for and how you come across at interviews. Someone can easily come along and say they had to send out dozens of high quality applications to land just one interview.

To draw a conclusion that you only need a few good applications to land a job would be to assume other applicants will have similar qualifications and work experience and applying for similar jobs in similar locations as you which is unlikely.

I've downloaded fonts in the past to make sure my presentations in interview used an organisational brand guidelines. If you present yourself as someone who understands and can step into the existing culture of an organisation then you have a substantial advantage over someone who rocks up at interview without even a clue about the industry never mind the business.

Your applications end up being poor.

My experience here is largely limited to law, but in that context at least it's the people who send out 80 rushed applications who get 80 rejections. The people who spend a proper amount of time tailoring a handful of applications to their particular recipients at least get interviews.

The 'numbers game' can be very gravely counter-productive if you don't exercise proper moderation.

Ok maybe 5-10 minutes is an exaggeration. But definitely no longer than an hour per firm - you can easily to 5 good applications per day....

I was laughing at "There isn't that much you can do to tailor your CV.."

How can it be counter productive?

it really doesn't take long to research a firm/role then write 100 or so words on it.