Sorry job seekers...if you’re not a top 3 applicant, you’re white noise to recruiters.
Finding a job should be easy, right? So why does it sometimes feel like a never-ending rollercoaster?
It’s easy to feel discouraged. Some vacancies attract hundreds of applications. AI resume parsing can be brutal, and recruiter ghosting is rampant.
But here’s the reality: irrespective of how many applicants there are, only the Top 3 make it to the shortlist and have a chance of success.
👉 And here’s the kicker: the Top 3 aren’t necessarily the best candidates—they’re the ones who are suitable and are noticed.
So, what does it take to be successful?
1️⃣ You have to be noticed!
Here’s how you can rise above the noise and make the cut:
🎯 Optimise Your Resume
A one-size-fits-all resume doesn’t work. Recruiters, employers, and AI systems are all searching for key words and phrases that match the job description.
✅ Tailor your resume to every job.
✅ Use GenAI tools cautiously to refine your resume—but be careful of AI hallucinations!
2️⃣ Be Proactive, not Passive
Sending in your application is not enough. Recruitment lacks transparency, so you have no idea where you stand. Are you applicant #2 or #222?
Recruiters typically look at 10–20 resumes to find their Top 3, so how do you make the cut?
📞 Follow up—constantly and consistently.
- Many job seekers hesitate, feeling guilty about “bothering” recruiters. DON’T!
- A recruiter’s life is all about the hustle—they hustle their clients daily. They are used to it!
🔥 Follow up every day or so—phone, text, email, LinkedIn DM—whatever it takes.
3️⃣ Secure Your Shortlist Spot
Make sure the recruiter confirms that you’re in the shortlist.
⚠️ Recruiters will often ask you to provide your Authority to Represent to secure your candidacy, but beware—they have a habit of not sending all represented candidates to their client shortlist.
⚠️ Get a guarantee (preferably in writing) that you will be included in the client shortlist. This step ensures your efforts don’t go to waste.
4️⃣ You Need to Hustle
Being passive gets you nowhere—hustle your way to success!
- Use your connections: You might have better client connections than your recruiter. Offer to leverage them to help the recruiter place you.
- Take action if your recruiter is flaky: If they’re not responding or seem unreliable, make a move.
• Change recruiters.
• Escalate to their manager.
• Remember, you are important—you deserve the best!
• Demand feedback: Don’t rest until you get it. Recruiters focus on success, not failure. Don’t let them off the hook without providing you with valuable feedback.
The Bottom Line!
Recruiters and employers are laser-focused on finding their Top 3. If you’re not standing out, you’re not being seen.
Be strategic, bold, and relentless.
💬 What strategies have helped you make it into the Top 3? Let’s discuss in the comments!
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