There are generally two places your job application can end up. One is in the bin on a recruiter’s floor/laptop, the second is their smaller ‘yes’ pile. How do you make sure yours ends up in the second stack? Let’s start with thinking like a recruiter.
Here are some of the ways a recruiter will sort applications into their ‘yes’ and ‘no’ piles and what you, as a job seeker, can do to avoid your application being discarded.
Social media advertising
Seek and Indeed are still the dominant job search sites in Australia. However, use of social media and other apps by recruiters in the search for candidates is becoming increasingly common. Despite Facebook Jobs shutting down in 2022, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok continue to grow in popularity as a way for recruiters to access hidden talent and passive candidates.
For job seekers, that means having a broader look across various online platforms to discover job opportunities. Having a current resume and/or portfolio on standby will be necessary, as advertisers using social media will likely have more immediate deadlines for applications. It could also mean that you’ll need bespoke ‘job search’ social media accounts or at least a professional profile.
AI
AI is increasingly being used to shortlist candidates and automate responses in the recruitment process. Recruiters may run your resume through AI that checks for keywords that match the technical and behavioural competencies in the job advertisement – so make sure yours does.
Other examples of how AI is used by recruiters include recruiter chatbots and digitised interviews that assess speech patterns and facial expressions.
You can make AI work for you too – find out how to use ChatGPT to improve your resume and use VMock to get instant feedback on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Virtual interviews
Virtual interviews are a common method for recruiters to reach larger talent pools and to screen and on-board candidates for jobs without the need for face-to-face interviews.
For some applicants, the idea of not having to front up to an interview panel in person is a relief! But virtual interviews have their own complexities. You’ll need a strong and stable Wi-Fi connection and a private space where you won’t be interrupted.
You’ll still need to dress to impress and make eye contact, even if it is with a camera. If you’re able to use prepared notes and written examples, have them organised in front of you for easy reference.
And make sure to use a professional or plain background – definitely not the beach and palm trees one!
Seeking feedback
Experienced job searchers ask for feedback from employers or recruiters when their applications are not successful. However, with the move to automated responses, job seekers may find it difficult to source the contact details of the relevant people when looking for feedback. A more tenacious and positive approach may be needed for employers that use AI.
Recruiting practices are continually changing, and these trends will continue to influence how organisations approach their recruitment. Companies are adapting and experimenting with new techniques and platforms to find their latest hires in a globally competitive marketplace.
You can have an edge over your competition by being aware of the methods that recruiters use and understanding how to use recruitment trends to your advantage.
Check out the upcoming Career Ready workshops, online from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 November, for practical information on each stage of the job search and application process.
This article was written by Career Development Consultant, Mark Anderson.
