Gary Vaynerchuk Urges Job Seekers to ‘Go a Little Bit Harder’ in Application Volume

In a recent LinkedIn post, Gary Vaynerchuk discusses the crucial need for job seekers, particularly those in desperate situations, to significantly increase their application volume. Vaynerchuk, a prominent entrepreneur and investor, argues that the current understanding of what constitutes a substantial job search effort is fundamentally flawed and is negatively impacting many individuals.

He highlights a common misconception he encounters from individuals expressing extreme job search urgency. “I get this all the time… ‘Gary, I’m so desperate for a job.’ I’ll ask, well, how many jobs have you applied for? ‘Six different jobs. I’ve done a lot!’” Vaynerchuk shared in his post.

Redefining ‘A Lot’ in Job Applications

Vaynerchuk contends that the perception of effort in job hunting has been distorted. He believes that traditional benchmarks for what constitutes a significant number of applications are no longer sufficient in today’s competitive landscape. According to Vaynerchuk, individuals often underestimate the sheer volume required to stand out and secure a position, especially when facing financial or career instability.

“I think people have lost their way in understanding what ‘a lot’ really means,” Vaynerchuk stated. He elaborated on this point, suggesting that the definition of diligence in job applications needs a serious re-evaluation. The entrepreneur’s message is a call to action for a more robust and persistent approach to job seeking.

The Urgency of Increased Application Volume

The core of Vaynerchuk’s argument centers on the idea that desperation should fuel an exponential increase in activity, not a marginal one. He implies that a small number of applications, even if perceived as a significant personal effort, is unlikely to yield results when true urgency is present. Vaynerchuk’s perspective is that the market demands a higher threshold of effort than many job seekers are currently applying.

“I just think people need to go a little bit harder, and what is ‘harder’ has been really redefined in an unfortunate way that’s hurting a lot of people,” Vaynerchuk observed. This sentiment underscores his belief that a lack of understanding regarding necessary application volume is a self-inflicted wound for many job seekers. He advocates for a strategy where individuals apply to dozens, if not hundreds, of positions daily when facing job search emergencies.

A Call for Greater Persistence

Vaynerchuk’s advice is rooted in a pragmatic, high-volume approach that prioritizes sheer output. He suggests that when one is truly desperate, the mindset must shift from seeking the ‘perfect’ fit immediately to casting a wide net and generating numerous opportunities. This strategy, in his view, increases the probability of receiving callbacks and interviews, ultimately leading to employment.

The entrepreneur’s insights serve as a stark reminder to job seekers about the importance of perseverance and scale. By urging individuals to apply to “30, 60, 80 jobs a day” when in a state of desperation, Vaynerchuk is promoting a philosophy of relentless effort as the most effective path to overcoming employment challenges.