How to Boost Your Job Application Response Rate

Between the numerous applications, cover letters, interviews, and assessments, applying for a new job can feel like a full-time job. And when you apply for jobs and just don’t get a response, it can be quite discouraging. If you’re feeling down about your response rate, this is the article for you. We’re going to break down the 5 main reasons you’re not being called for interviews.

Job application focus areas

The job market right now is tough. Unemployment across Australia is trending upward, and the market itself is slowing. With businesses receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for every role they advertise, most have implemented automation procedures to help with at least the initial steps.

Many companies these days use software to help comb through applications presenting the recruiter with only the most relevant options, by searching for relevant keywords in the applications. The tips we’ve shared below should help get you through this first barrier, increasing your response rate, and helping you to land that first interview.

Follow the application instructions

Every application will have instructions for applying. It might be as simple as hitting Easy Apply on LinkedIn, but whatever the instructions are, follow them. The application instructions are there for two main reasons: to make sure the information received from each candidate is comparable and complete and to screen out those who cannot follow instructions.

In any role, you’ll need to follow instructions to some degree and this is your first chance to show you can. Here are a few key application areas we see candidates leaving incomplete:

• Remember to attach all requested documentation.
• Fill in all sections on the application form, don’t leave anything blank.
• Complete tests and dummy briefs fully, leaving nothing out.

Show you’re qualified

There’s a lot of popular advice on social media, telling candidates to just apply for everything. But after removing all the applications that didn’t follow instructions, the next thinning technique is removing all those that lack the required qualifications or experience.

If a job states it requires a certain technical proficiency, a specific degree, or a level of expertise, make sure you show that you have it. If you don’t have exactly what’s requested, but believe you have something comparable, make sure you make it very clear on your resume and your cover letter. We recommend candidates apply to roles if they have at least 80% of the required skills and experience, and can demonstrate that they are willing and able to make up the difference. If you don’t have that, we suggest you don’t apply yet. Work on your skillset and apply for it next time.

Tailor your CV and cover letter for each application

Many people are in the fortunate position of having broad experience or a variety of proficiencies. If that is you, make sure you have tailored your resume to showcase your different strengths. If you’re a web developer applying for a role that states proficiency in a specific coding language, make sure your resume explicitly states that. Highlight roles where you used it previously, ensuring it’s noted by the software and hiring team. Exclude anything irrelevant to the role to keep it concise.

It’s also important to tailor your cover letters to each position you apply for. These days your cover letter might be just the email that your resume is attached to, but it should differentiate you from other applicants and make the interviewer want to get in touch. Your cover letter is your salesperson, while your resume or CV is your features list or specifications.

Make your application error-free

Speaking of your resume and cover letter, it’s very important to ensure they are error-free. The quickest way to remove yourself from the running in almost any application process is to send in documentation with spelling or grammar errors. Even if you are applying for a job in a language that isn’t your first, there are many free online tools you can use to check and correct your spelling and grammar. Use them and make sure you sound and look professional from the beginning.

Another big red flag is misspelling names, especially when they are shared in the job spec or email address. Take the extra time you need to ensure they are correct before hitting send. Incorrect spelling looks careless and shows the candidate isn’t paying attention to details.

Clean up your social and online presence

The internet has a long history and there’s a good chance a recruiter or hiring manager will Google you. Make sure you do it first, and clean up your online persona. Remove or make private any inappropriate photos, videos, and other content. Make sure your social media profiles are clean, uncontroversial, and generally professional. Look at your internet presence from the perspective of a hiring manager and try to spot any inconsistencies or red flags.

We also recommend that candidates have a good quality, up-to-date professional looking profile photo, especially on professional social networks.

Applying for a new job can be draining, but with these job application tips and focus areas, we hope to help increase your response rate and land that all-important first interview. Looking for more advice on landing your dream job? Reach out today! We’re here to help connect you with the job of your dreams. We hope these job search tips will help you avoid any job application mistakes in the future.