Quality Over Quantity: A Job-Seeker's Competitive Edge

Forbes

15-05-2025

Applying for jobs online is so easy, job seekers are applying en masse.
In today's challenging job market, job seekers often find themselves applying to numerous positions with little to no response. This 'spray and pray' technique is not new. And it's certainly not effective. The instinct to cast a wide net is understandable, but in this economy, it's not about the number of applications you send, it's about the quality and strategy behind targeted opportunities.
The U.S. labor market is showing some signs of resilience amidst economic uncertainties. The unemployment rate remains steady at 4.2% according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) with 177,000 jobs added in April alone.
Despite these gains, job openings have decreased, with total non-farm job openings dropping to 7.2 million in March 2025 from over 10 million a year prior. This decline indicates a more competitive job market in many industries, where standing out is more crucial than it has ever been.
In response to this kind of tightening job market, many job seekers adopt a "more is better" approach, submitting applications to as many positions as possible. This is wildly counterproductive. While it may seem like increasing the number of applications boosts the chance to get noticed, more applications means less time is spent on customizing each one.
'Spray and pray is a survival response, especially in down markets. Job seekers are reacting to an outdated search-and-apply system that was never built for the speed of change in today's job market,' says Diana Tsai, co-founder and CEO of Upwage, an AI interviewing agent.
Outdated processes and technology take part of the blame. Modern recruiting technologies, including Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI-driven tools, have streamlined the hiring process for employers but have also introduced new challenges for applicants.
The ease of applying through online platforms has led to a surge in applications, making it more difficult for individual candidates to stand out. Since these systems can filter out resumes that don't meet specific criteria, many applications may never be seen by human eyes.
'The key isn't how many jobs you apply to,' says talent industry veteran Elaine Orler, 'it's how smartly you align with the systems reviewing your application.'
The good news is that evolution is on the horizon. Orler, the Chief Strategy and Product Officer for Match2Jobs, sees AI as a potential solution to this vast problem if utilized smartly.
'AI can be a powerful ally, helping candidates stay visible and discover better-fit roles over time,' she says, "but when misused, it becomes a silent gatekeeper, filtering out mass applications that lack intent or relevance."
Tsai agrees: 'AI can help, but only if we rebuild the system from the ground up, not layer it onto broken foundations.'
While employers find their footing with how to use AI, how can job seekers survive the jungle of job searching? Outsmarting the competition and the process is a great place to start. To navigate the current job market effectively, prioritize strategic and personalized approaches.
Networking remains one of the most effective ways to advance in the hiring process if candidates make a concerted effort. Engaging with friends, former colleagues, professors, and even acquaintances can ensure you have someone inside the organization to check on the status of your application. Getting creative and finding new contacts is also key. For instance, if you're interested in a corporate role at a retail chain, consider speaking with a local store manager to gain insights about the company and potentially secure a referral. Always follow up with gratitude and keep your contacts informed about your job search progress.
Personalization is absolutely key. After submitting an application, reach out to the recruiter or hiring manager with a tailored message expressing your interest and highlighting how your skills align with the company's needs. Stay away from an AI stock response and get creative with and personal (employer-suitable, of course.)
'Far fewer people reach out to hiring managers than most people think,' says Paul DeBettignies, the Founder of Launch Hiring and best known online as the MN Headhunter. In his 25 years of experience, he consistently advises candidates to find and reach the decision-maker.
If you don't know who to contact, research the company's team or use platforms like LinkedIn to find the appropriate person. Hiring managers will then revet back to the recruiter asking them to prioritize assessing an impressive candidate.
Show that you're truly invested in the role. This could involve creating a brief presentation, sharing a portfolio of relevant work, or proposing ideas that could benefit the company. Do at least one thing to secure the role that demonstrates you went above and beyond. It could be visiting the employer's local outpost and thinking about the customer experience from an employee's lens. Or, following up by email to a hiring manager's LinkedIn post with specific (and concise) thoughts or recommendations. Ensure your efforts are professional and not overwhelming—balance is crucial to avoid appearing overly aggressive.
While online applications are convenient, in-person interactions can leave a lasting impression. Attend industry events, job fairs, or networking meetups in your area or in cities where you're seeking employment. If geographical constraints exist, consider virtual events or webinars to connect with professionals in your desired field.
In these scenarios, AI is often removed from the equation giving creativity and personality a platform to shine. And with AI playing an increasing role in job seeker communications, that matters. Says DeBettignies: 'On the employer side all of the messages look nearly identical.'
Taking it offline can be another way to stand out.
Rather than applying to every available position, concentrate on roles that very closely match your skills and career goals. Tailor each application and communication to the specific job description and hiring manager, emphasizing how your experience aligns with the job's objectives. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of your application resonating with hiring managers. They will gloss right over a resume that looks like everyone else's.
In a competitive job market, job seekers must adopt a strategic, personalized approach and leverage both offline opportunities to enhance visibility and increase hiring chances. In an era where AI levels the playing field, standing out is the only leg up. Remember, it's not about how many applications you send, it's about making each one count.