Here’s Why “Rage Applying” Won’t Solve All of Your Problems
Have you heard of the term “rage applying” before? While the term may be newer, the concept has been around for a while. Basically, rage applying is a knee-jerk reaction where someone attempts to go from one role or job to another, usually due to some kind of triggering event.
There are many reasons someone might rage apply for a new role:
They didn’t get the raise or bonus they wanted.
They had a negative conversation with a supervisor.
They had a bad interaction with a customer.
Or, they are simply having a bad day.
We’ve all been there. It’s certainly not a great way to feel but as a career coach, I want to caution you against this strategy. While it can sometimes get you the results you want, it isn’t usually that effective and there are a few main reasons why.
Why Rage Applying Isn’t the Best Job Search Strategy
#1 - There’s No Intent Behind the Process
As you can imagine, there’s typically a lack of intent behind the job search process. People who do this are not really sure what they want in a new role or employer… they just know what they DON’T want. They’re not doing research on companies, reaching out to current employees, or taking the time to see if their values are aligned. Because of this, there’s a good chance they’ll just end up in another work environment that’s not a good fit.
#2 - It’s Not As Fast As You Might Hope
What a lot of people forget in the moment is that even though you’re moving fast, the hiring process is still fairly slow-moving. Just because you’re feeling highly motivated today, you’re going to need to maintain that motivation as you wait for a follow-up, go through multiple interviews, and hopefully, negotiate an offer. If you’re feeling worn down, this lengthy process can actually make that feeling worse rather than solve it.
#3 - It Can Lead to Burnout
When you’re in this mindset, you’re much more likely to make mistakes. I’m talking about typos in your resume, a sloppy cover letter, missed application questions… things like that. These kinds of mistakes can lead to rejections, and those rejections can add to the burnout and defeat that you’re feeling. And ultimately, it may lead you to convince yourself that you’re better off just staying where you are instead of seeking a new opportunity.
All That Being Said…
I don’t think rage applying is necessarily a bad thing. People have been doing it forever, and there are instances where it will lead to the result you want: a new role that is a much better fit for your values, skills, and lifestyle. However, in most cases, it is a bit short-sighted and there are a few things you can do that might be more productive:
Have a conversation. Before you decide to walk away from your current role, sit down and have a conversation with your management or leadership team to identify where improvements can be made. You might feel heated in the moment, but if your role isn’t a total mismatch, it might be worth trying to salvage it before you rage apply for new jobs.
Be more intentional. If you have a conversation with your leadership team and you’re still feeling like this role is no longer a good fit for you, I want you to slow down and develop a job search strategy. You should be putting real thought into the company and culture that you’re looking for. Lean on your network and see what’s out there before mass applying.
Work with a coach. I’ve seen it time and time again: a job search ends up taking way longer than it needs to because the way you run from something and the way you run toward something needs to be two different strategies. A coach can help you run toward the right role feeling fully empowered to speak to your unique strengths and skill sets.
I want to know… have you ever “rage applied” for a new role? How did it turn out? I’d love to hear about your experiences, both positive and negative!