It is very unusual to go from unemployed to a satisfactory new job in one leap. Most of us have to go through the process of job search, application, interview, second interview, shortlist, negotiation, and acceptance.

The best way to view the process is one step at a time.

In a successful job search this will be the usual process;-

• Your job search will lead you to make applications. Your application will lead to an interview, which will lead to a second interview. Then you will be shortlisted, negotiate for terms and conditions and accept the position.
  
• If at the first stage you have your focus on the detail of the conditions you prefer, and try to introduce the subject in your covering letter, then you are likely to deter employers.
• For example, you may have caring duties for children or parents and have a work life balance you want to maintain, which means that you prefer to work flexibly, or want to work 4 long days instead of 5 days.
• It is not appropriate to introduce those concerns before you are offered the position, unless the employer or interviewer brings the subject up of course. In this case you should discuss your preferences honestly.

Otherwise take the process one step at a time.

At each stage your only objective is to get to the next stage. At application stage your objective is to get to interview. Once in front of the interviewer, you focus on getting to second interview. Then you concentrate on persuading the employer you are the answer to their problem.

Then when the employer has made a decision about you –that you are the best candidate for the position –and negotiations are opened, that is the time to discuss your preferences. This is when you are in the strongest negotiating position.

Do this any earlier and you offer the recruiter or employer a reason to remove you from the process.

One step at a time is the safest bet.