15 Job Search Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

Whether you are actively job seeking or thinking about making a career switch in the near future, it is good to know how to best utilize the job search process. With technology and human resources techniques evolving rapidly, you need to keep up to date with what to expect so you can make sure you’re making the kind of impression that will land you your dream role.

  1. Your resume is not read in detail
    While it seems unfair, most recruiters only examine your resume for a maximum of 6 seconds. To make the most of this, ensure your resume is easy to skim, contains on the most relevant information, and is visually appealing. Although it is tempting to cram in as much detail as possible, adding more information may mean you get overlooked as your resume simply doesn’t stand out.
  2. Most positions receive over 250 applications
    The job market has become much more competitive than ever before. According to a recent study by Glassdoor, a single corporate job opening attracts over 250 applications. With such stiff competition, it makes sense to create a winning resume as well as ace any aptitude tests that may appear in the pre-interview stage.
  3. 2% make it through to the interview stage
    Once you’ve applied for the job, you may be surprised to know that up to six of these candidates will be shortlisted for an interview and only one person will be offered the job. If you are having trouble getting a job or the interview process is getting you down, knowledge of these facts will make you more resilient, help you keep a positive frame of mind, and should motivate you to do your very best in every stage of the recruitment process.
  4. Job hire boards are not what they seem
    Who hasn’t used a job hire board when looking for their next opportunity? Unfortunately, a job hire board may not be the most effective method of obtaining a job from the employee’s point of view. While 42% of job hunters utilize job boards, companies state that only 14.9% of their hires come from candidates they’ve found on job boards. If you’re only looking at job boards and not having much luck, consider alternative methods such as contacting recruitment agencies directly, tracking down headhunters, or going through traditional advertisements or company-hosted listings.
  5. Personal referrals are still the gold standard
    It’s been said that networking is the best thing for your career, and it turns out that this saying is completely true when it comes to discovering a new job opportunity. According to a study done by LinkedIn, the number 1 way candidates discover a job is through a personal referral. Knowing this, it’s a great idea to get involved in your industry, keep your LinkedIn up to date, and check in with previous colleagues, current colleagues, and friends to find out whether a new opportunity is waiting to be discovered.
  6. Unprofessionalism can destroy your chances
    Common sense isn’t so common when it comes to job applications. While many of us created our email addresses when we were much younger, there is no excuse for keeping an immature email address now. If you have one of these email addresses, it is worth changing it now. According to statistics, 76% of resumes are rejected if the candidate includes an unprofessional email address. Is your email address professional enough?
  7. It’s still not okay to include a photo
    While it is trendy for people to include images of themselves on their resume, it is still not okay from an employer’s perspective for candidates to include a snapshot on their resume. According to statistics, businesses reject 88% of resumes when they include a picture. While this does not say why these images were rejected, it is reasonable to assume that these employers viewed the images as unprofessional. If you’re tempted to add an image, don’t – you’re wasting valuable resume space.
  8. Your resume is read by a robot
    Most applicants don’t realize that candidate applications are scanned by tracking software before they’re even looked at by human eyes. This is why it is so important to tailor your application to the needs of the job. Make sure you strike all their keywords, and your application will be sure to pass the initial screening stage, which removes a massive 75% of the total number of applicants. If you haven’t had much luck in the job application process lately, perhaps this is the reason why?
  9. Employers judge you on your behavior
    We all know we have to be on our best behavior during every stage of the job interview, but did you know that seemingly minor issues can cause you to lose the job? According to a recent study, 70% of interviewees lost the job for being too fashion forward, 67% of candidates failed to make positive eye contact, 55% were rejected simply because of their behavior, how they dressed and even how they walked into the building. Pay attention to all of these areas and your chances of getting the role should skyrocket.
  10. Job seekers prefer social media
    The job search landscape has changed exponentially over the last few years. Now, 79% of job seekers use social media in their job search, with many applicants actually finding their new roles on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Employers are becoming aware of this trend and are changing their hiring practices to suit; are you using social media to track down new opportunities? If not, you may just be missing out.
  11. Candidates are applying quicker than ever before
    It’s incredible to think that employers receive their first application within 200 seconds of a new opportunity appearing online. If you see a position you want, try to apply for it as soon as you can. This doesn’t mean rushing it and submitting a poor-quality application. Instead, take the time to craft a perfect resume and cover letter that stands out from the influx of applications they are sure to receive.
  12. Cover letters often go unread
    Job applicants typically spend a lot of time writing the perfect cover letter. Unfortunately, only 17% of recruiters actually take the time to read them in detail. While this does not mean you should scrimp on your cover letter, it does mean that you’ll have to put more effort into your resume, which is where they spend more of their time.
  13. Companies prefer employed candidates
    It’s completely unfair, but most companies and recruiters, given the choice, would prefer a currently employed candidate over an unemployed one. In fact, 44% of recruiters stated that someone with an extended period of unemployment would almost definitely struggle to get a new job. If you’re in this position, don’t despair. Consider taking on volunteer work, a part time, or casual role until you can secure a full time position.
  14. Recruiters tend to overlook graduates
    Unfortunately for graduates, they are often considered unprepared for the world of work. 66% of recruiters stated in a recent survey that they would not want a graduate instead of an experienced worker. If you’re a graduate, make yourself stand out by getting as much experience as possible. Consider taking on an internship, doing volunteer work, or taking part in a project that showcases your readiness to enter the workforce.
  15. Recruiters check your social media profiles
    You probably know that recruiters Google your name and look for you on social media, but you probably didn’t know that 93% of recruiters admit to using these tactics. Use this to your advantage by creating a professional looking range of profiles that showcase you in the best light possible. Make sure you keep anything personal off social media or update your privacy settings so those posts are only visible to your immediate network.

A better job search
Now you know the inside tricks the recruitment field employs, you are better equipped to approach the job search process with confidence. Spend time preparing a better application, make sure your first impression exceeds their expectations, and you are sure to step into an exciting new opportunity in the near future.

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