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Job Seeking in a Competitive Market: Key Insights for Applicants
As the job market in Australia continues to grow increasingly competitive, applicants are feeling the pressure of high application volumes seen on platforms like LinkedIn and SEEK. Job seekers are being encouraged to submit their applications despite the daunting statistics reflecting hundreds or even thousands of contenders for single roles.
Understanding the Landscape
Recruitment expert Daniel Clifford from The Early Shift emphasises that many job seekers underestimate their chances. He notes a common misconception: the belief that a high number of applications implies that all are strong contenders. "Just because you see a large number of applicants doesn’t mean they are the best fit," he explained to Yahoo Finance. LinkedIn may show how many people have applied, but it doesn’t provide context regarding the suitability of those candidates. This uncertainty underlines the importance of applying regardless of the competition.
SEEK is also adapting by introducing features similar to LinkedIn that indicate high application volumes. However, the relevance of those applications remains unclear to job seekers.
A jobseeker recently shared her frustration when encountering large applicant numbers for roles she liked, revealing a staggering 830 applications for one position. This experience highlights the increasing competition in the market. Earlier this year, a job advertisement amusingly captured attention with over 4,000 applications, leading the employer to withdraw the listing due to overwhelming interest.
Statistics Speak Volumes
Recent data from the Australian Workforce Quarterly indicates that job postings receive an average of around 267 applications, yet only about 23 are deemed suitable candidates. This disparity suggests that a majority of applications may not meet the qualifications or expectations for the roles they vie for.
With Australia’s employment participation rate reaching an unprecedented 67.3 per cent, and the unemployment rate resting at 4.1 per cent, more individuals than ever are actively seeking employment. This environment raises the stakes for applicants, making each application an important opportunity.
Standing Out in a Crowd
Jessica Cree, a senior consultant at Source + Select Recruitment, shared her experience with an administrator role that attracted 385 applications, noting that only five were genuinely qualified. Moreover, she found that a simple follow-up from interested candidates was a rare but effective strategy.
Cree remarked, "It doesn’t take much to distinguish yourself in today’s job market if you possess the skills and experience the role requires." This sentiment is echoed by Clifford, who emphasises the need for applicants to focus on the basics of job applications.
It’s crucial for job seekers to ensure their contact information is accurate and their resumes highlight relevant achievements and responsibilities clearly. Clifford advises applicants to avoid including unnecessary personal information such as photographs or marital status, and instead, maintain professionalism by focusing on qualifications.
Follow-Up Strategies
Cold calling recruiters after applying can help candidates stand out, but if that’s not feasible, sending a personalised email or LinkedIn message is a strong alternative. "Attach your cover letter and ensure it’s easily accessible," Clifford advises. This proactive approach can greatly enhance a candidate’s visibility in a crowded field.
By personalising communications and exhibiting thoroughness in applications, job seekers can significantly increase their chances of making a lasting impression on hiring managers.
Conclusion
Job seekers should not be dissuaded by high application numbers; instead, they must recognise that the quality of applications is often far lower than quantity suggests. Ensuring relevance, clarity, and professionalism within applications, combined with strategic follow-ups, can bolster one’s chances of success. In a vibrant job market, perseverance and a well-crafted approach are vital to achieving career aspirations.
