The rise of online job sites makes it quicker and easier to apply, however it also makes it easier to see the volume of applicants, which can be incredibly off-putting. But should it put you off? Should you still apply if there are over 100 applicants?
Short answer: yes, you should still apply if there are over 100 applicants.
But why? One reason is that the 100 applicants might not necessarily be a truthful figure. The figure on LinkedIn takes into account:
- Clicks as well as full applications
- Figures from previous postings
- Bots, spam accounts and multiple applications
Plus, you have to consider if 100 applicants is actually that high for the role? Yes, it might seem high, but if it is for a large organisation or a role that many people can do, that figure might be quite reasonable.
Recruitment is tricky right now for employers and candidates. But the number of current applicants alone shouldn’t stop you from applying.
What to consider when there are over 100 applicants
It might be worth thinking a few things over when you can see the volume of applicants. Especially if the date the job was posted was a while ago. Such as:
- How long has the job been open?
- How many of your skills match the description?
- Do you know anyone who works there (or has previously)?
If the job has been open for several weeks with over 100 applicants and is still open it suggests that they haven’t yet found the right person. We’d recommend checking if the description mentions their hiring process. Look at what they say about interview stages to see if they have taken place. If the job is still open and interviews haven’t started then you can still be in the mix. Recruiters rarely take just the ‘first 10 CVs’. Instead, it is (or should be) about finding the right candidate.
Look through the job description and see if you are a true fit for the role. By that we mean how many of your skills match and does your experience lend itself to the role. The closer you are to that ‘right fit’ the better chance you stand of progressing. We also recommend reviewing your CV for each role. A tailored CV will stand a better chance than one that is generic.
If you know someone who works at the organisation, or has previously, this can also be an advantage. They might be able to refer you to the hiring manager or be a reference. Both of which can add value to your application.
What to do if you’re not a good match for the job?
What do you do if you feel your match is limited when reviewing the job description? Our advice is to think again about applying. We know that in the current market this might be worrying. It might make you feel that you’re not doing enough to find a job. Talking to a recruitment consultancy, like Good Egg Recruitment, can be a good step to take.
Unlike recruitment agencies, we take time to listen. We’re here for employers and candidates. It means that we look at wants, needs and objectives from both sides and use that to find the right match. For candidates, we’ll work with you on your CV, finding roles and applying as well as preparing you for interview.
A recent successful candidate told us:
I can’t fault the service I received. In my search for a role, you were the only agency where I felt supported, the communication was excellent and I was kept informed every step of the way. I would definitely recommend you if anyone asks.
Email nicola@goodeggrecruitment.com or annette@goodeggrecruitment.com today to find out how we can help you, however many applicants there are.