3 tips to make your application stand out from the pile
We won’t always have access to the jobs that aren’t even listed yet. So that means for most of us, we’ll be applying to the roles that we find online - through job boards, LinkedIn, recruiter emails, you name it, we’ve hit send.
It can be exhausting to apply cold to all these roles. You’re applying nonstop, zipping off resumes left and right, to a smattering of possible callbacks or first round chats with the screening manager.
You’re not alone in feeling frustrated. According to Zippia, it takes 21 to 80 job applications to get one job offer, on average. That’s a lot of applying! And when you apply - you’re not the only one: the average corporate job opening receives roughly 250 applications. It’s not just you hitting that inbox!
So what can we do to take a cold application from ice to lukewarm, or dare I say it… hot? Read on for 5 tips to take that cold apply to the next level.
1. Go directly to the source.
Before you hit apply, first, check if you have any first, second, or even third-degree contacts to the organization. If you’re a close connection, ask them for a referral. Feel a little more nervous? First ask for an introduction / informational interview. From there you can ask for a referral. It sounds like an additional step but according to Apollo Technical, employee referrals increase the likelihood of a job match by 2.6–6.6%. That’s a nice bump! And, that referral helps you too - 25% of workers recruited through job boards stay for more than two years, whereas 45 percent of employees obtained through employee referrals stay for more than four years. That extra chat and info can help you nail the interview, and, can ensure you’re where you want to be.
2. Access the recruiter and/or hiring manager.
If you can’t find someone to refer you and truly need to apply “cold,” make an attempt to connect directly with a recruiter - better yet, the hiring manager. Be sure to send through your application, and follow-up with a thoughtful note to them via email (best) or LinkedIn (still good!)
Skip the “I’d love to work at your company, please look at my resume and let me know if you have any roles that would be a fit.” This puts the effort and pressure on the recruiter to come up with ideas for you. And they’re SLAMMED. Recruiters are spending their days pushing to find folks to fill roles that should have been approved months earlier. Don’t do that to them! Make it easy for them!
Instead, take a page out of Yi Lin Pei’s advice and focus on the VALUE that you bring to the org. Here’s an adapted example:
“Hi [Name],
Hope you are well!
I am a curious and results-driven [role] who is passionate about [relevant industry]. (feel free to update the adjectives!)
I came across [role] and I was so excited upon seeing this because it perfectly combines my strengths and my passion when I worked as a [insert relevant domain/industry experience.]
Given my background in [another relevant experience], I am excited about the possibility to add immediate value to help you hit your goal of [key job objective from the job description].
I would love the opportunity to speak with you or your team. I have also attached my resume and cover letter for your convenience here and I would be happy to supply any additional information.
Lastly, I completely understand this is a lot to ask. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you!
Thank you so much."
This helps create interest, and makes it easier for the recruiter and/or hiring manager to connect with you.
3. Tailor your resume and cover letter to match the role
For larger organizations (or burnt out recruiters), they’re scrambling to get through as many applications as possible. Review the role description and make sure that the language they’re using reflects the way you talk about your experience. You don’t have to overboard it, but, ensure that some of their keywords are showing up in your materials. That helps them easily jump you to the top of the pile, and recognize that you’re putting in the extra effort to highlight your expertise. If you’re looking to make a career pivot, add this language in your cover letter and/or introduction paragraph on your resume - a space at the top that let’s you tell the story that isn’t on the resume (yet!)
If this all feels like a lot, it IS! It’s easier to send off thousands of applications and then be annoyed that we get ghosted - then it’s not our fault - we did our part! But if instead, we take the time to really focus on each potential role and go the extra step, you’ll apply to less roles, but you’ll be more focused on the quality of your application.
Good luck!