I wanted to share some honest observations from the past few weeks from conversations with recruiters, clients and my own network about what’s really happening in the job market at the moment. Some of it is confronting, but I think it’s far more useful to understand what you’re up against than to keep applying blind.
1) The numbers don’t lie
According to SEEK data, the average number of applications per role across all levels and sectors is now sitting at around 400.
That’s not a typo.
Roles that once attracted 30–50 candidates are now regularly pulling into the hundreds. Recruiters I speak to say it’s the highest volume they’ve seen in their careers, and yet, interestingly, they’ll also tell you the quality hasn’t gone up. It’s still only a small percentage of that pool that’s genuinely well-matched and well-positioned. The bar for standing out inside that crowd has never been higher.
2) The desperation trap
There’s a palpable sense of desperation in the market right now and I understand why. But here’s the pattern I keep seeing: people who are anxious about securing a role start applying for anything and everything, stretching their pitch to fit roles that aren’t really a fit.
This approach rarely works so it’s not doing them any favours.
A generic application used to apply to five different types of roles comes across as wishy-washy, that’s if it gets through the initial screening process.
The candidates getting traction are the ones who know exactly what they’re going for and can tell a sharp, specific story about why they’re right for that role. If you’re tempted to cast a wide net right now, it’s worth pausing and asking whether you’re applying with focus because you are truly a great fit, or applying out of fear.
3) Why video is having a moment
Here’s a trend worth paying attention to: recruiters are increasingly fed up sifting through hundreds of cover letters that have all been generated by ChatGPT and read the same.
In response, some are actively encouraging candidates to submit a short video instead of a written application. It’s a small change, but taking the time to record a video shows effort has been put in, rather than generating an AI cover letter. I would be interested to hear if others are also seeing this in job adverts (keep me posted!)
4) Your network is more valuable than your resume
With this many applications flooding every role, a growing number of positions are being filled before they’re ever advertised, through direct approach or a warm introduction. Recruiters simply don’t have time to meet everyone who reaches out cold, but they will make time for someone a trusted contact who has personally recommended. If you are wondering why recruiters are not calling you back, the ones I have spoken to are receiving 20-50 messages a day. It is not due to lack of care; they simply don’t have the time to return that many calls.
If there’s ever been a moment to invest in your network and find genuine advocates, that is, people who can put a good word in for you, flag you for a role, or make an introduction to a recruiter, then it’s now. This isn’t about transactional networking; it’s about nurturing real relationships over time so that when an opportunity comes up, someone thinks of you.
The Takeaway
It’s a genuinely tough market – the volume of applications alone confirms that. But within the noise, the people who are getting results are the ones being deliberate: sharpening their pitch for each specific role, building real relationships instead of relying on applications alone, and finding ways to stand out rather than blending into the pile of 400.
If you need some help with your networking or your pitch, our team is here to help. Reach out to me directly at leah@relaunchme.com.au
