In jobs or sales or relationships (which is ultimately what this is: interpersonal relationship dynamics), the best outcomes are effortless. If there&#x27;s too much friction, it&#x27;s probably not going to work out. The best job&#x2F;deal&#x2F;friend&#x2F;partner will simply fall into your lap, and you&#x27;ll wonder how it can be so simple.<p>The challenge is finding these. Careful filtering can help, but it seems to be largely a numbers game.<p>This becomes increasingly difficult, as more companies are infected with these faddish processes every day.<p>And there&#x27;s a cost, of time and money and contentment. To help reduce this, consider spending increasingly less time on opportunities you deem unlikely to work out, based on past experience.<p>I often prequalify jobs--sometimes companies respond, sometimes not, but that also provides me with useful information.