Should You Still Apply For Jobs With Hundreds Of Applicants?

Summary

In this episode, JT O'Donnell offers key job-search strategies for standing out in a competitive market. She emphasizes the importance of avoiding mass applications and suggests backchanneling by reaching out directly to people within the department. JT also provides insights on how to impress executives during interviews by asking how you can make their job easier. Additionally, she promotes her free Job Search Resource Center and the premium 'Work at Daily' platform, where job seekers can access expert coaching and tools to speed up their career progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Avoid using AI tools for job applications, as they lead to applications that are often considered fake or irrelevant, causing recruiters to overlook qualified candidates.
• 😀 Many companies, including Amazon and Anthropic, are banning the use of AI in job applications, and doing so can result in being banned from consideration for the job.
• 😀 Applying to jobs through major job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed is often ineffective due to the high volume of applicants and reliance on automated tracking systems (ATS).
• 😀 Back-channeling is a crucial strategy for job seekers—reaching out directly to people in the department you're applying for can increase your chances of getting noticed.
• 😀 When reaching out on LinkedIn, be polite and professional. A personalized message is key, showing you're genuinely interested in the company and role.
• 😀 Ask for guidance when connecting with someone in the department, rather than directly requesting a job. This can lead to being recommended to the hiring manager.
• 😀 Job seekers should prioritize applying directly on the company's website, as these applications are less likely to be lost in an ATS black hole.
• 😀 The number of applicants for a job often means that only a small fraction of them will be seen. Recruiters may only review the top 50-75 applicants from a large pool.
• 😀 Stand out by showing you're committed and willing to put in more effort—applying online alone is no longer enough in a competitive job market.
• 😀 During interviews, especially with multiple executives, ask how the role impacts their work and what specific actions they’d expect from you to make their jobs easier, demonstrating a proactive mindset.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the show mentioned in the script?

The show aims to help job seekers by providing answers to their career-related questions. It encourages active participation and community support, fostering smarter job searches and more effective career development.

How can viewers contribute to the show?

Viewers can contribute by recording and sending in their questions via voicemail. This helps the community by addressing commonly asked questions that others may have, enhancing the overall learning experience.

What is the Free Resource Center, and how can it benefit job seekers?

The Free Resource Center is a job search platform created by the speaker's team that offers various resources to aid job seekers. It's entirely free and doesn't require credit card information. It provides tools and insights for navigating a competitive job market.

Why is applying directly through a company's website recommended over traditional job applications?

Applying directly through a company's website is recommended because it bypasses the high volume of applicants that typically apply through job boards. This method, referred to as 'back-channeling,' increases the likelihood of getting noticed and securing an interview.

What is Work It Daily, and what services does it offer?

Work It Daily is a platform designed to accelerate job seekers' progress. It provides personalized coaching, step-by-step training videos, and a community of job seekers. The platform is subscription-based, offering a 7-day free trial to new users.

How can job seekers benefit from joining the Work It Daily platform?

Job seekers can benefit by receiving personalized coaching, attending live sessions, gaining access to extensive career resources, and engaging with a supportive community. The platform is designed to speed up the job search process and help individuals grow professionally.

What unique feature of Work It Daily makes it convenient for users?

Work It Daily offers a gym-membership-like experience for career development. Users can access all resources and training from the comfort of their own home, making it both accessible and convenient.

What kind of content does the Work It Daily platform provide?

The platform offers a wide range of content, including career coaching, LinkedIn and personal branding classes, live Q&A sessions, and video training covering every aspect of job searching and professional development.

What advice does the speaker give about job searching in a competitive market?

The speaker advises against applying to jobs with hundreds of applicants. Instead, job seekers should focus on direct applications through company websites, and learn new strategies to stand out from the crowd.

How does the speaker interact with viewers during live sessions?

The speaker hosts live sessions where viewers can ask questions in real-time. These sessions are an opportunity to get personalized advice, learn new strategies, and interact directly with the expert.