500+ Applications – Standing Out in a Crowded Job Market

Advice Candidate Job Hunting Interviewing

A recent recruitment project in Taupō made us reflect on the changing dynamics of job searching and how candidates can best position themselves for success.

We ran the recruitment process for a senior management position at a highly regarded business that spans the Central to Lower North Island and is known for its strong community involvement. Given the attractiveness of the role, it's no surprise that the position attracted an overwhelming response, with over 500 applications.

As often is the case, many of these applicants simply weren’t a good fit for the role. We see candidates apply for roles that are unrelated, they may be over or under-qualified, or some are constrained by issues like working rights/visas, location or timing. While a high number of applications may seem promising for recruiters, it it means valuable time is used up sifting through resumes that don’t meet the criteria.

What struck us during this process was how many of these applicants could do the job and could probably do it very well. The reality is, in today’s competitive market, many recruiters are often faced with large numbers of applications, each competing for our attention. Research shows that, on average, hiring managers or recruiters spend less than a minute reviewing each application before deciding whether to give it further consideration. This means that to get a look in, your CV must immediately stand out, because it’s the first (and sometimes only) impression you’ll get to make.

Your CV can either be the key to unlocking a perfect job opportunity or the obstacle standing between you and the career you want.

In today’s dynamic job market, having the right qualifications is no longer enough to guarantee a job offer. Many candidates have similar qualifications, experience and skill sets, so it’s important you find ways to stand out. Here are some strategies to help your application get noticed:

• Tailor Your CV to the Job
Don’t send the same CV for every application. Tailor it to match the job description by highlighting relevant skills and experiences, showing your genuine interest in the role.

• Be Strategic
As a job seeker, it's important to be strategic in your applications. Focus on roles where you can truly contribute and thrive, ensuring a strong fit for both you and the employer.

• Quantify Achievements
Include measurable accomplishments that demonstrate your impact. This sets you apart from candidates who only list responsibilities, giving concrete evidence of your abilities.

• Polish Your Online Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile aligns with your CV and includes endorsements or recommendations. Engage with industry content to boost your visibility to potential employers.

• Leverage Your Network
Reach out to personal and professional contacts to let them know you’re job hunting. Networking can lead to valuable referrals and connections that can help push your application to the top.

• Be Prepared for Interviews & Ask Insightful Questions
Research the company, its culture and its industry. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s goals and success. Engage your interviewer with thoughtful and strategic questions about challenges, learning opportunities and the company’s future.

Once applications started pouring in, phone screenings became a useful and efficient tool to shortlist candidates. With such a high volume of interest, diving deep into every single application and offering every applicant an interview isn’t feasible. A well-structured phone screen allows recruiters to assess a candidate’s communication skills, team/organisational fit and motivation for applying—all of which are hard to gauge from a CV alone.

Phone screening allows recruiters to ask targeted questions that filter out candidates who might not be qualified or aligned with the role, ensuring only the best-suited applicants move forward in the recruitment process.

As a job seeker, it's important to remember that phone screenings are an extension of your CV. This is where first impressions matter just as much as they do on paper. Have your phone handy, answer calls from unknown numbers and be prepared to discuss your experience confidently, clearly and with enthusiasm. The phone call could be the gateway to the next stage in the hiring process.

Another lesson that became apparent during this recruitment process was the importance of urgency during the job searching journey. The sooner you apply, the more likely you are to stand out and be considered. If a qualified candidate comes in early, we as recruiters are likely to act fast. Filter your job search to apply to the newest listings advertised first, as you’re more likely to be seen with less competition. And if you get an opportunity for an interview, don't procrastinate. Make yourself available ASAP, don’t push for a time two weeks out. Every extra day could cost you the opportunity.

The reality is that the recruitment process is fast-paced and opportunities can slip away quickly. So, if you’re actively job hunting, we recommend working with urgency, being proactive in your approach and making sure that your application stands out in every way possible to give yourself the best shot!