A postdoc asks -  
I’ve applied to so many jobs (like 80 or something, I’ve lost track) and have only been invited to 2 interviews. I showed my resume to my mentor, so I know my resume isn’t the problem. Is the job market just terrible right now? 

Applying for that many jobs must have taken a lot of time! Regardless of what’s going on in the job market, 2 interviews doesn’t sound like a good return on your time investment, so we can take this as evidence that you can improve another part of your application process. 

• You might want to consider how well your resume is targeted for the jobs you are applying. It may read well in general, but when you submit it in an application, it should be very clear and obvious how it connects to the specifics of the role.  Remember, a resume isn’t just descriptive of your background- it should do the work of matching your background to exactly what the hiring organization needs. 
• In addition to the resume, are you taking advantage of every part of the application? A strong cover letter is usually necessary for someone going from education and training (for your PhD), into a full-time role, as you need an opportunity to make the case that you are prepared to start doing something you’ve never done before! It’s harder to make that argument with a resume, than in a cover letter where you can explain how the skills you developed can be applied to a new role. 
• You can also consider whether you are being discerning and applying for the right jobs. Your time is better spent applying to jobs that are a good fit (and that you actually want). Since this is a smaller number of jobs too, you then have more time to spend on tailoring your application materials to each of them. 

If you apply to 80 positions and only get 2 interviews, I think it’s safe to assume that some of those applications weren’t that strong, and therefore weren’t the best use of your time. Your time and energy will almost always be better spent on finding opportunities that are a better fit and making your applications as strong as possible, rather than just applying to as many positions as possible. When you aren’t having much success, consider getting more eyes on your documents and approach, from another networking contact, another mentor, or even a friendly staff person at OCPD :) 

-Ray Care, Program Director, Career Development Team for Researchers