Online job applications have become so quick and frictionless that companies are drowning in unqualified submissions.
Job applications have become so easy, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, that it’s actually creating a problem for both companies and job seekers. Let me explain what I’m seeing every day.
Too many people are applying for roles they’re not qualified for. Because applying takes seconds now, companies are getting flooded with resumes. I’m talking about hundreds and hundreds of applications per job. The issue isn’t just the volume, but who’s applying.
A huge portion of applicants aren’t even close to meeting the requirements for the role. I’m not saying you shouldn’t go for something that’s a stretch. There’s a difference between a healthy stretch and something that’s simply unrealistic.
Here’s how I look at it:
The job says eight years of experience, and you have three to five years of relevant work experience; that’s a stretch. However, if you have almost none of the required skills and way less than half the experience, that’s where it becomes unrealistic.
When people apply for roles that aren’t even remotely aligned, it slows down the entire hiring process. Companies have to wade through tons of resumes just to find the people who might actually be a fit.
“Rage applying” isn’t helping anyone. Some people swear by “rage applying,” or sending out 50, 75, or even 100 applications in a short period of time. With AI tools now auto-applying on your behalf, it’s easier than ever to blast out your resume everywhere.
However, most of the time, this approach doesn’t help you. When you rage apply, you clog the system, bury qualified candidates, and most importantly, not all the roles you’re sending applications to will be the right fit for you. While some people may land a job that way, the majority just create extra noise.
“When your application looks the same as hundreds of others, even strong candidates get lost in the pile.”
What can you do to stand out? The best thing you can do right now is go beyond the basic application. If all you do is click “apply,” you blend in with the hundreds of other people doing the same thing. But if you take even one small extra step, it immediately sets you apart.
Here are a few things I recommend:
1. Reach out to someone directly. Find someone who looks like they’re involved in hiring and send them a simple, personalized note:
“Hey, I applied for the role and wanted to introduce myself. I know these jobs get a ton of applicants, but after reading the description, it looks like I’m a strong match. Just wanted to say a quick hello.”
That alone makes you memorable.
2. Send an email if you can find one. If you can find a good email address, go ahead and send a short, thoughtful message. A quick note like this is a great way to show you’re serious about the role and help you stand out.
3. Record a quick video intro. Recording a quick introductory video is optional, but it’s a powerful way to introduce yourself. The video does not need to be fancy or elaborate; it should simply be a short clip where you state your name and explain why you applied for the position.
4. Add a friendly photo to your LinkedIn profile. Be sure to add a professional yet friendly photo to your LinkedIn profile or other platforms. This helps you come across as a real person to hiring managers and be seen as more than just another resume in a large stack of applicants.
The hiring world has shifted. One-click applications made things fast, but they also made it harder to be noticed. That’s why the small things matter now; reach out, personalize, and show real interest. You don’t need to do something huge; you just need to do something more than the hundreds of people who rely on quick apply buttons.
In a crowded job market, that simple difference can be what gets you the interview. For more tips or guidance, contact us at (703) 955-445, info@cmicareers.com, or brockboyd@cmicareers.com. Let’s work together to advance your career!