ONLY 20% of Employment is Found Through Direct Applications??

In conversation the other day, I heard a startling statistic that only 20% of employment is found through direct applications – that is, simply submitting your resume to job postings on company websites or job boards.? I am not brilliant at maths, but that suggests that 80% are found through other means, and so people need to either quadruple up their effort applying directly, or, better, find ways to

Finding a job is an art that has evolved over time, especially with technological advances, shifting work landscapes, and changes in hiring strategies.? While the job market can feel complex, it is useful to understand how people actually secure employment today.

Why do direct applications make up such a small portion of job acquisitions, and what methods can you employ to maximize your chances of landing your next role? ?Leaving the Military and having to go through this experience with little or no knowledge of the receiving job market is daunting at the best of times, so, how do you find the alternative routes into that new role? ?Read on, dear friend…

In this article, we will explore the dynamics behind this statistic and examine effective strategies for finding employment beyond just applying online.

Why Only 20% of Employment Comes from Direct Applications?

At first glance, this 20% statistic might seem incredibly low, especially given the convenience and accessibility of online job boards. After all, platforms like Monster, Indeed, Reed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are filled with thousands of job listings. ?However, a deeper look reveals why many job seekers fail to secure employment solely through direct applications.

1. High Competition: ?Job postings on popular websites attract hundreds, if not thousands, of applicants. ?Employers often filter out the majority of resumes using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), software that scans resumes for keywords. ?If your application doesn’t match the ATS criteria, it might never be seen by a human recruiter.? ?As many of you will also discover, you might not then hear anything back from the company or the recruitment firm.
2. Hidden Job Market: ?A large percentage of job opportunities – some estimates suggest as high as 70-80% are never advertised. ?These jobs exist in what's called the hidden job market, where employers prefer to fill vacancies through internal promotions, employee referrals, or through their networks, avoiding the time and costs associated with publicly posting a job.? We will all have heard of recruitment bonuses offered to employees to bring in good people that would be a fit and with the requisite background and already somewhat of a known entity.
3. Networking: ?The saying "it's not what you know, but who you know" holds some truth. ?Many roles are filled through networking, personal referrals, or relationships that have been built over time. ?While sending a resume online is simple, it can feel impersonal, and without connections to advocate for you, your application can easily be overlooked.? Leaving the military, you are joining one of the biggest global networks – “Veterans” – and so you are well advised to grow it and use it.? I would go further and say leverage it, we help each other.

How to Find Employment Beyond Direct Applications

Given that only 20% of jobs are found through direct applications, it’s critical to adopt a more holistic approach when job hunting. ?Otherwise, according to maths, you will need to do five times as much to build to the same probability.? We know it is important to worker smarter and not harder.? Here are some highly effective methods to find employment:

1. Networking – Your Most Powerful Tool

Networking remains one of the most effective ways to land a job. ?According to research, 80% of professionals consider networking crucial for career success.

• Leverage LinkedIn: LinkedIn isn't just a platform to list your work experience. ?It’s a dynamic networking tool where you can connect with industry professionals, join groups, participate in discussions, and showcase your expertise. ?When you engage with posts, send meaningful messages to industry leaders, and share insights, you keep yourself visible to potential employers and start to build an online presence and brand.
• Attend Networking Events and Job Fairs: ?Whether virtual or in-person, attending industry-specific events, conferences, or job fairs is a great way to meet potential employers. ?By establishing personal connections, you may learn about opportunities that aren’t widely advertised.? Be aware that there are a lot of Networking organisations out there that expect you to pay a membership fee, some will charge on entry to cover costs of coffee, tea and food, but there are many free networking opportunities too.? Within the Armed Forces Space, there are lots of Job Fairs other than the CTP; British Forces Resettlement Services , JobOppO , BuildForce Programme , to name just a few, and many of the big ERS companies will hold Insight Days.
• Informational Interviews: ?If there’s a company you admire, or a position you’re interested in, don’t be afraid to reach out and request an informational interview. ?This isn’t an application for a job but a conversation to learn more about a person’s role, the company’s culture, or industry trends. ?Grabbing a coffee face to face and having a meeting for which you are well prepared can elicit information and build a connection.? Often, these meetings turn into referrals when a role becomes available.
• Join Professional Associations: ?Almost every industry has professional organizations. Becoming a member allows you to connect with key players in your field. ?Many of these groups host events, conferences, and workshops where you can meet people and learn about job openings.

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2. Tap into the Hidden Job Market

Because so many jobs are filled without being publicly advertised, accessing the hidden job market can be a game-changer. ?Here are strategies to penetrate this often-elusive space:

• Referrals: Many companies have internal referral programs where employees are incentivized to refer candidates for open positions. ?Leverage your network, and if you have connections or acquaintances working in companies you’re interested in, ask them to keep an eye out for roles that might fit your skillset. ?Being referred increases your chances of getting an interview because companies trust their employees to recommend strong candidates.
• Cold Outreach: ?Don’t be afraid to take the initiative by sending a tailored email or LinkedIn message to hiring managers, department heads, or HR representatives. ?Express your admiration for their company and your interest in contributing to their team. ?Connect with the people in the type of role you’re looking for and set up that “informational chat”.? This approach may not yield immediate results, but you’ll plant seeds for potential opportunities down the line. ?Using Premium LinkedIn for a couple of months could well be a good investment for this approach.
• Freelance/Contract Work: ?Sometimes full-time jobs arise from short-term projects. Offering your services as a freelancer or contractor allows you to get your foot in the door and prove your value. If a company likes your work, you might be the first they think of when a full-time position becomes available.? Clearly, this is an approach that needs some more research and it has the additional complexities of how to advertise and get to market, but worth consideration if your skills lend themselves to the opportunity.

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3.??????? Tailor Every Application

How many times have you heard this? It must then be true! If you're applying to a position directly, make sure your application stands out. Here’s how to maximize your chances of getting noticed through direct applications:

• Customize Your Resume for Each Job: ?One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is sending the same resume to every job. ?Remember, as mentioned earlier, some companies use ATS to filter out irrelevant candidates, so your resume needs to include keywords from the job description. ?Ensure your resume highlights the skills and experience most relevant to the specific role.? Some people might equally suggest copying the job description and pasting it into the bottom of your CV, and then putting it in white font and font size 1!? The ATS will still see the compliance!? However, be warned, ATS systems are becoming more intelligent, and are seeing such things as the use of AI.? Be smart.? Be aware.
• Write a Compelling Cover Letter: ?Your cover letter should not be a generic statement of interest. ?Tailor it to the job you’re applying for and express why you’re excited about the company, how your background fits the role and share the value that you bring to the role. ?A well-crafted cover letter can make a difference in catching a hiring manager’s attention.? Be personable and honest.
• Follow Up: ?After you’ve applied, don’t hesitate to follow up with a polite email to the recruiter or hiring manager. ?In the first instance, it always good to thank people for taking the time to meet, and share some thoughts on the interview with them, such as something you discovered as part of the conversation.? Express your continued interest and ask about the next steps. This shows your enthusiasm and can help move your application to the top of the pile.

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4.??????? Make Use of Recruitment Agencies

Another route is to enlist the help of recruitment or staffing agencies. ?These agencies work directly with employers to fill specific roles, and they often have access to unadvertised jobs. ?Many agencies specialize in certain industries, so you can target firms that focus on your field.? There are also companies that do “Reverse Headhunts” placing you into roles with their clients, after you have gone through some preparation.? These organisations often charge for their services, so look around, and see if you are able to get a referral from your network, if this approach is of interest.

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5. Develop an Online Presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence can significantly boost your job prospects:

• Portfolio Websites: ?If you work in a field such as design, writing, marketing, or software development, having a personal website that showcases your work is essential. ?This allows employers to get a sense of your style and skill level before even reaching out to you.
• Blogging and Thought Leadership: ?Publishing articles or starting a blog can position you as a thought leader in your industry. When potential employers see that you’re engaged in current trends and capable of producing high-quality content, they may be more likely to consider you for a role.
• Intelligent Interaction:? Engage thoughtfully on posts on Social Media and provide some perspective.? This builds your personal brand, can position you as a thought leader and shows you are engaged in the field that might elicit further conversations.

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6. Upskill and Stay Relevant

The job market is constantly evolving, and staying relevant is key. ?Invest time in developing new skills or earning certifications that make you more marketable:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of professional courses. If you’re looking to switch industries or roles, online courses can help you gain the necessary qualifications.? There are lots of free courses available to build out your skillset, and such sites as iDEA.Org can help you follow courses and get training that will enhance your CV.
• Volunteer: ?Volunteering for a nonprofit organization or community project can also provide valuable experience and demonstrate your commitment to a cause, making you more attractive to future employers.? The Cadet Forces are always seeking Adult Volunteers so you can knowledge share with the future service personnel.

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7. Use Social Media Strategically

Social media, especially LinkedIn, is a key tool in modern job searches. ?However, other platforms can also be useful:

• Twitter: ?Many companies announce job openings and engage with potential candidates on Twitter. ?Follow industry leaders, recruiters, and company pages to stay updated on new opportunities.
• Instagram/Facebook: ?For creative industries or roles, platforms like Instagram can serve as an informal portfolio. ?If you’re a designer, marketer, or artist, maintaining a visually appealing and professional Instagram feed can attract attention from potential employers.
• TikTok:? The platform is a mix of content from advertising to spiritual, from humour to conspiracy theories, however, getting into delivering useful content into the ecosphere and being used to getting a media presence could often support in your brand development and equally generate a more personal experience if a hiring manager does a search on your name and finds some great content.

?Conclusion

?While direct applications still account for around 20% of job placements, this alone is not the most reliable strategy to secure employment. The hidden job market, networking, and personal referrals play an outsized role in determining who gets hired. ?By diversifying your job search techniques—focusing on networking, tailoring applications, using recruitment agencies, developing a personal brand, and continuously upskilling, you significantly increase your chances of landing the right role.

In today’s competitive job market, you need more than just the right qualifications.? You need to be visible, strategic, and proactive in your approach. ?By using the methods outlined above, you can set yourself apart from other candidates and increase your odds of success. ?Happy job hunting!