What's Going on with the Surge in Job Applications?
Thomas Powner, NCOPE, CPRW, CCMC
📌 Executive Resume Writer ➜ Recruiter ● LinkedIn NCOPE Trainer/Strategist ● Interview Coach ● Career Keynote Speaker 📌Empowering People to Reach Career Happiness 📌 Being Nice Takes Less Energy, Let’s Do That!
📌 In 2024, a notable trend has emerged in the job market: a sharp increase in the number of applications each job posting receives. It's not just on LinkedIn; we are recruiting a Sales Director in Dallas; the job is posted on Indeed, and we received 420 applications in 5 days. We need ONE person.
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This phenomenon can be attributed to several interrelated factors that have reshaped the employment and recruitment landscape.
The Aftermath of the Great Resignation
The Great Resignation, marked by many employees voluntarily leaving their jobs, has concluded. However, its effects continue to reverberate throughout the job market. Many individuals seek stability, having experienced the freedom and uncertainty of job transitions. They are cautious about resigning without securing a new position first, contributing to more applications as they explore opportunities while still employed.
The Competitive Edge of Employers
With the pendulum swinging back in favor of employers, companies now possess a distinct advantage in the hiring process. The balance of power has shifted, and job seekers are acutely aware of this dynamic. As organizations tighten their hiring criteria and become more selective, candidates are motivated to cast a wider net, applying to multiple positions to increase their chances of securing an offer. This heightened competition among job seekers has inevitably led to a surge in applications per job posting.
The Role of Generative AI in Streamlining Applications
AI technologies/tools have revolutionized the job application process, making it more accessible and efficient for candidates. AI-powered platforms can assist in creating tailored resumes and cover letters and optimizing application materials to align with job descriptions. This ease of use has lowered the barriers to entry, enabling more individuals to apply for positions with minimal effort. AI-driven job matching algorithms suggest relevant opportunities to candidates, encouraging them to apply to a broader range of positions. Please be careful of those AI auto-reply services; you can use AI as an assistant, but you'll need to approve and add your voice to each resume.
Economic and Technological Influences
Beyond the direct impact of AI and post-Great Resignation dynamics, broader economic and technological factors also play a role. Economic uncertainties, such as inflation and fluctuating job markets, drive individuals to seek stable employment proactively. z
Below are a few Snippets of job postings taking on Saturday, 8/3/24
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Some Questions to Ask.
The Modern Job Search Can Be Very Frustrating and Will Test Your Patience.
✅ Tom Powner
✅ NCOPE LinkedIn Instructor
✅ CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer)
✅ CCMC (Certified Career Management Coach)
✅ CEIP (Certified Employment Interview Professional)
✅ CDCC (Certified DISCstyles™ Communication Consultant)
✅ JANP (Just A Nice Person)
Founder-The Career Stager 🔺 Nationally Certified Résumé Writer 🔺 Nationally Certified LinkedIn Specialist 🔺2X LI Top Résumé Writing and Job Search Strategy Voice 🔺 Transforming words into career marketing campaigns
3moTimely topic, Thomas Powner. You've given great insights and advice about how to use AI properly. If you're a job seeker, it's not your imagination that the competition seems to have increased a hundredfold. Remember it's all about the quality of resume content and being selective of what postings you're responding to. "Spraying and praying" never worked in the past and still doesn't.
📌 Executive Resume Writer ➜ Recruiter ● LinkedIn NCOPE Trainer/Strategist ● Interview Coach ● Career Keynote Speaker 📌Empowering People to Reach Career Happiness 📌 Being Nice Takes Less Energy, Let’s Do That!
4moIt continues 1,866 applications in 4 days
📌 Executive Resume Writer ➜ Recruiter ● LinkedIn NCOPE Trainer/Strategist ● Interview Coach ● Career Keynote Speaker 📌Empowering People to Reach Career Happiness 📌 Being Nice Takes Less Energy, Let’s Do That!
4moIt continues 812 Applications in one day
Nationally Certified Resume Writer ★ Writing Powerful, Branded Resumes & LinkedIn Profiles ★ Helping Clients to Stand Out, Get Noticed & Achieve Career Goals ★ Creator of Distinctive Resume Templates
4moThank you, Tom. This mirrors what I have been telling clients recently. I'd be interested in hearing more about how recruiters are handling this. My assumption is that they are relying less on job postings to find good candidates and more on other techniques (e.g., social recruiting). I'd also be curious to hear your experience regarding the quality of the incoming resumes for job postings. With more people relying on AI technologies, has the quality of incoming resumes decreased? And has the quality of the candidates' match to the job requirements decreased too? Sorry, that is a lot of questions. Maybe you could write a follow-up article :)