Maximising Your Job Search: Making Every Application Count
There is no denying that the market has shifted. According to the latest figures from the REC and KPMG, candidate availability is at its highest since December 2020. The National Department of Statistics has confirmed that open vacancies have now declined for 33 consecutive months and remain below pre-pandemic levels.
At the same time, it is important to recognise that there are still jobs available. Good ones. Businesses are hiring, teams are growing, and while the market is more competitive, it is far from closed.
What we are seeing now is a more polarised market. There is activity, but employers are being more selective. Expectations have gone up. Hiring managers are looking for tighter matches, stronger CVs, and candidates who are better prepared. This means your job search needs to be smarter. It is no longer about applying for everything that looks remotely relevant. It is about making every application count and using your time wisely.
Be Selective, Not Scattergun
Sending out twenty applications a week might feel productive, but if they are not targeted, it is unlikely to lead anywhere. The volume of applications hiring managers and recruiters are dealing with has gone up, and generic CVs are getting lost.
The better approach is to apply for fewer roles and do it properly. Read the spec. Understand the company. Tailor your CV. If you are not taking the time to show why you are a strong fit, it is unlikely that someone will take the time to read beyond the first paragraph. A handful of high-quality applications will always be more effective than dozens of generic ones.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Apply
If you are applying through an agency, do not be afraid to ask for the full picture. A good recruiter will welcome your questions, and it can help you focus your time on the roles where you genuinely have a chance of progressing.
Ask them:
- Is the employer also advertising directly?
- Are there direct or internal candidates already in the process?
- What are the three key things the employer wants to see on a CV that would guarantee an interview?
- What are my realistic chances of getting shortlisted?
- How many agencies are working on the role?
- How long has the vacancy been live?
- How should I tailor my CV, or is this one a long shot?
These questions are not about being difficult. They are about being strategic. They will help you avoid wasting time on roles where the odds are stacked against you.
Get Face Time with Recruiters
A short phone call or video chat with a recruiter can make a big difference. It gives you the chance to clarify what you are looking for, and it gives us the chance to understand you beyond your CV. It also means that when the right role comes in, we are more likely to remember your name and think of you quickly.
You do not need to have an hour-long conversation. Even ten minutes is enough to make an impression. It turns a CV on a screen into a person with a story — and that makes it far easier for us to advocate for you when we speak to clients.
Recruitment is a Game of Comparisons
It is important to remember that not every job is the right one for you, even if you are technically capable of doing it. Recruitment is not about whether you are good or not. It is about how you compare to others in the same shortlist.
Hiring managers often have a list of very specific requirements. Even if you are a strong candidate overall, you might miss out because someone else has more direct experience in a particular area. That is not a reflection of your value. It is just how the process works. Try not to take it personally and stay focused on the roles where you are a stronger match.
Stay Visible Without Looking Desperate
Being active on LinkedIn is useful. It helps you stay top of mind, keeps your network aware that you are available, and shows you are engaged with your profession. But there is a balance to strike.
Avoid overly emotional or frustrated posts about your job search. Instead, focus on sharing useful content, commenting on industry news, and quietly letting people know you are exploring new opportunities. Show confidence, not desperation. Your personal brand will carry more weight if it feels measured and considered.
Reconnect With People Who Know Your Value
Reach out to former colleagues, mentors or managers. Let them know you are open to new roles and ask them to keep you in mind. Most people are happy to help, and a surprising number of great roles are filled through personal recommendations or informal conversations.
If you are able to attend networking events or industry meetups, do. You do not need to walk into the room with a sales pitch. Sometimes just being present and part of the conversation is enough to open a door.
Treat Your Job Search Like a Project
Structure is everything. Set clear weekly goals. Keep track of what you are applying for. Follow up where appropriate. Review what is working and adjust your approach if needed. It can be easy to lose motivation, especially if responses are slow, but staying organised will help you keep perspective.
And remember, you only need one yes. The right role is still out there. It may take more effort and more patience, but if you stay focused and purposeful, you will find it.
If you are not sure whether your CV is making the right impact or want an honest view of how well you match a particular role, we are here to help. A quick conversation could save you hours of guesswork and get you back on track. We are always happy to give you an honest view and help you focus your time where it matters most.