Drive by Friday
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Drive by Friday –
A little less scattergun, a little more strategy!
We've all heard the frustrations surrounding recruitment - not enough feedback, lengthy processes, unanswered applications, and candidates left wondering what happened.
But let's flip the conversation for a moment. What about the applications employers and recruiters are receiving?
Recently, I advertised a National Sales Management position and received more than 200 applications. Fantastic interest, you might think! However, approximately 80% had little or no relevance to the role, despite the selection criteria being clearly outlined in the advertisement. Applications included backgrounds in nursing, administration, and call centres, with little or no demonstrated sales management experience or leadership capability.
Now, I'm all for transferable skills, career changes, and giving people an opportunity. You don't need to tick every box to be considered. But surely there needs to be some connection between your experience and the position you're applying for?
Applying for a job shouldn't be a numbers game!
A scattergun approach of applying for everything and hoping something sticks isn't necessarily going to get you anywhere.
Instead, take a little time to be strategic:
Read before you apply: Understand what the employer is looking for.
Show your relevance: Highlight experience and skills that relate to the position.
Sell your strengths: Don't just list responsibilities - demonstrate achievements and results.
Make it personal: A tailored application is far more meaningful than a generic resume sent to everyone.
Be realistic: If you don't have the essential experience, consider whether this is the right opportunity or whether there is another pathway to get there.
Recruitment is a two-way street. Employers and recruiters need to provide a professional and respectful process, but candidates also have a responsibility to put forward a considered and relevant application.
Remember, it's not about applying for the most jobs. It's about applying for the right jobs and giving yourself the best chance of being noticed.
A little less scattergun, a little more strategy!
Sometimes, the best application isn't the one that arrives first - it's the one that actually makes sense.
"That's a wrap for this week!
Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend and remember, we're always here to help you find the right people and the right opportunities."
"Right Job, Right Skills, Right Approach."
Simpli-U - Apply with Purpose. Make it Count!
LET'S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
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Because the right conversation can lead to the right move.
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Lorraine Singer
Director & Consultant – Simpli-U
Recruitment Solutions for the Novated Leasing, Salary Packaging & Automotive sectors
Australia-wide | Solutions all about ‘U’