October: When the job search reality kicks in...
Olivera Andjelkovic
HR Consultant ?? Executive Coaching, Employee Training and Development, People Management
There are so many fake and ghost jobs out there
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If you mainly search for jobs on LinkedIn, always check if the job is sourced from other job boards. Jobs sourced from other boards may not always be up-to-date or accurate.
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Some boards don't allow advert deletion, meaning closed jobs might still appear, inviting applications. Or perhaps a company has updated the job description, but LinkedIn hasn't picked up those changes.
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So what to do?
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Always verify on the company's website to see if the job is still live and ensure you're applying for the right opportunity. A little extra research can go a long way! ??
Job search reality bites
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?? You won't hear back on every application.
With hundreds or even thousands of applications per posting, companies can't always respond personally. Don’t take it to heart if you only receive a generic rejection email.
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?? Feedback is rare.
Most companies can't give detailed feedback due to legal reasons. If all you hear is, "We went with another candidate," don’t dwell on it. It’s not a red flag or a poor reflection on you.
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?? Rejection happens—even when you’re a perfect fit.
Sometimes, it's about timing, competition, or internal decisions that are out of your control. It doesn’t mean you’re not qualified or that the company made a wrong decision. Just keep going.
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?? Ghosting is frustrating, but it often happens.
Recruiters and hiring managers may go silent, often due to heavy workloads. It’s not fair, but it does not reflect your worth as a candidate. Focus on your next steps, and don't let it weigh you down.
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But remember: The job market is tough, and the process can feel rough. It’s not you—it’s the reality of today's hiring environment.
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Why do I have to go through so many steps in the job application process?
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It's not because companies want to be difficult. The practical reason for the rise in the last 12 months is the rise of automated job applications. These applications have made it easier and faster for unqualified candidates to apply.
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The extra steps, like essay questions or cover letters, are designed to filter out those who aren’t genuinely interested (or qualified).
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With AI tools making applications too easy, recruiters are even more flooded, and the process gets longer and longer.
What can you do?
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?? Take the time to personalise your application—it'll help you stand out in a sea of automated ones.
?? Understand the application process better:
If an application requires you to answer yes/no questions upon submission that are specific to the job description, that means that those requirements are dealbreakers and essential qualification criteria. With that in mind, make sure your resume demonstrates the details to support those answers. If you say yes that you have experience in contract acquisition in response to a question, ensure that your resume details this as well. The resumes I've rejected said 5/5 yes to the questions, but there was no mention of any of those factors in the document. Don't assume. Add the relevant experience in your resume to be crystal clear and explicit.
When the application asks you about equal opportunties - in the EU, companies are required to collect certain demographic data for diversity monitoring. This information is typically separated from your application (not visible to recruiters) to prevent bias in the selection process.
When the application asks for “right to work” verification, EU law requires us to verify every employee's right to work. We often start this process during the application to avoid issues later. When the application has GDPR compliance questions – those are legal requirements under the GDPR to ensure we're handling your data properly.
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Stay focused, stay resilient, and keep adapting!
The job search might be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategy, you'll find your path.
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Also, keep in mind - if you are employed and the employer needs to cut costs, even the most committed employees might be let go. Don't let loyalty keep you from exploring other opportunities:
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So many people are reaching out after years at a single company, wondering where to start when layoffs happen. Times have changed, and you need to change with them.
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Work smarter, not harder. Invest in your career and your future wisely. ??
Thank you so much for reading and following me. ??
Wishing you a successful and productive October! ????
Would you like some help in your job search? Here is how I can help you:
Use my new Kindle e-book "The Fast-Track Job Search: Brief guide to landing a new job" as an affordable source (NOT for people looking for shortcuts or automation, but for those who want to land their next role faster): https://amzn.eu/d/76bPo1D
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1 个月Super insightful article into the job search and application process which will benefit a LOT of people so as always, I appreciate the thoughtful content!!