I speak to brilliant candidates every single day, and I hear your frustrations with "the market" way too much! It's incredibly tough, messy and confusing out there right now, and it's easy to feel disheartened, overlooked, or even a bit lost in the process.
Job searching can be a genuinely stressful, emotional, and vulnerable time, and it's completely understandable to feel the weight of it. While it should be a time of possibility and excitement, often, it's anything but.
At Beyond The Book, we're fiercely committed to open communication and transparency, and we believe a better recruitment process benefits absolutely everyone. So, instead of dwelling on what's going wrong, let's explore how, as candidates, you can empower yourselves and navigate these challenges with a bit more confidence.
All isn’t always as it appears – application numbers!
You scroll through job boards, see a role that looks perfect, then notice it has hundreds, even thousands, of applications. It's deflating, isn't it? That feeling that you don't stand a chance is completely valid.
However, here's a little insight that might help: a significant number of those applications won't actually be a strong match for the role. In fact only last week I received 139 applications in 24 hours and only 5 were anywhere near what the Ad called for! Many people apply speculatively, or without thoroughly reading the requirements.
Our advice: Please, don't let those numbers put you off! Take a deep breath and thoroughly read the job advertisement and role description. If you genuinely believe you have the skills and experience, and the location works for you, then absolutely make that application. You're already ahead of a large portion of those applicants just by being selective and informed. Conversely, if it's clearly not a fit, it’s okay to acknowledge that and channel your precious time and energy into roles that are truly aligned with what you're looking for. This targeted approach can save you so much frustration in the long run.
Be true to you and the right opportunities present themselves!
It's one of the most frustrating experiences: you apply for a role, invest your time in interviews, only to discover the reality of the job is completely different from what was advertised. It feels like a massive waste of your valuable time and emotional energy.
Our advice: Be as clear as possible about what you're truly looking for. When you're engaging with a recruiter, be really specific about your skills, your non-negotiables, and what you need from your next role. We're here to help you, but we can do that best when we have a clear picture. The more precisely you can articulate your ideal opportunity, the better we can match you with genuinely relevant roles, helping you avoid those disheartening surprises down the line.
The Professional Courtesy of Communication
"Ghosting" – it's probably the biggest cause of frustration right now. Applying for a role and hearing nothing. Being invited for an interview, going through the process, and then silence. It leaves you feeling unheard, disrespected, and in an awful limbo. While we fight incredibly hard for timely responses from employers, candidates also have a significant role to play in fostering a culture of mutual respect. Everyone needs to play their part, to try to stamp ghosting out. Wouldn’t it be nice if in time we could look back and say “do you remember when ghosting was a thing!
Our advice: If a recruiter or hiring manager reaches out to you about your application, or to follow up after an interview, please endeavour to respond. Even if you've had another offer, or simply decided the role isn't for you, a quick, polite, professional response is always appreciated. It closes the loop, shows respect for their time, and helps maintain positive relationships. Remember, the recruitment world can be smaller than you think, and professional courtesy goes a long way.
We truly understand that job searching can be a challenging, emotional journey. But by taking a proactive, informed, and respectful approach, you really can make the process a little better for yourself.
Let's work together to make the recruitment journey a more positive experience for everyone involved.
