Do you feel stuck in the job search process? That you send CV after CV and the responses are delayed or missing altogether? That each application feels like a drop lost in the ocean? If it feels like you're putting in the effort but not seeing results, it’s time to rethink your strategy. And one of the most counterintuitive – but effective – recommendations is this: apply less, but better.

According to a Randstad study Jobvite, candidates send between 21 and 80 applications before receiving a job offer. However, a LinkedIn report shows that 89% of employers prefer candidates recommended by someone within the company, and 70% of employees got their jobs through a connection. This means that a large volume of unfocused applications doesn't necessarily bring results – on the contrary, it drains your time and energy without increasing your real chances. Here’s what you should do to get the job you want more easily!

Too many applications = too little attention

Recruiters scan a CV for an average of 6-8 seconds, according to a study by The Ladders. In this short time, they look for one thing: whether you are relevant for the position. If you don’t meet the essential requirements – minimum experience, key competencies, required education – you're quickly eliminated, no matter how many other applications you sent that week.

“Candidates should spend more time applying only to jobs for which they are truly competitive,” says Stephanie Mansueto, recruiter and career coach. She recommends the 80/20 rule: 80% of your applications should be for roles where you have a clearly suitable profile, and only 20% can be for "aspirational" positions, where you don’t meet all the criteria but can argue your potential.

The problem is that many candidates, out of desperation or fatigue, apply in bulk – without carefully reading the requirements and without adapting their CVs. And this leads to the opposite effect: recruiters ignore superficial applications, and the candidate becomes increasingly discouraged.

What recruiters are actually looking for

Spencer Campbell, producer, TV director, and founder of Spencer Campbell Talent Agency, explains it simply: “There’s what you want and what the market wants. You have to find that match point between the two.” Employers look for candidates who can demonstrate plausibility – that is, a clear match between your profile and the job requirements.

That doesn’t mean you have to have 100% of what’s listed in the ad. But you must be honest and realistic: if you can’t support with clear examples that you meet at least 80-90% of the essential requirements, your CV will be ignored.

And if you feel that you “can learn quickly” or are a “resourceful person,” but cannot prove this with previous experiences or certifications, that enthusiasm may not be enough. Recruiters aren’t just looking for people with potential – they’re looking for people who can deliver results quickly.

Prioritize professional network connections

If you’re applying in a targeted way but still not seeing results, it’s time to redirect your efforts toward networking. LinkedIn, MIT Sloan School of Management, and other sources confirm the same thing: relationships matter more than classic applying.

MIT Sloan School of Management analyzed over 20 million LinkedIn profiles and concluded that the so-called "weak ties" – people you don’t know well – are the ones that generate the most professional opportunities. Why? Because they can give you access to new circles and information you wouldn’t otherwise reach.

Spencer Campbell demonstrated that a referred candidate is 20 times more likely to be hired than one who applies independently, without connections. That completely changes the rules of the game.

So instead of sending dozens of CVs a week, it might be more effective to write messages to people in your field. Ask them about their experience, request advice, initiate informal conversations. Every interaction can open a door.

How to apply more effectively for a job

1. Filter the jobs: Apply only to positions where you meet the main requirements. Don’t waste time on jobs that sound good but have no relevance to your experience.

2. Adapt your CV: Every CV and cover letter must be tailored to the specific job. Use keywords from the ad, highlight relevant experience.

3. Prioritize quality, not quantity: It’s better to apply to 3 jobs a week thoroughly than to apply with the same CV to 20 different jobs.

4. Build your network: Talk to former colleagues, mentors, acquaintances. Even a like or comment on LinkedIn can lead to a useful conversation.

5. Prepare actively: Optimize your LinkedIn profile, practice interviews, ask for feedback on your CV. Preparation is just as important as applying.

Ask guidance from a recruitment or staffing agency

Smartemp has over 13 years of experience in staffing services and over 10 years working with multinationals. We offer:

• Personalized consulting. They help you identify roles suited to your skills.
• Fast access to opportunities. They have direct connections with employers.
• Support throughout the entire process. From the interview to contract negotiation, Smartemp offers complete support.

Support throughout the entire process. From the interview to contract negotiation, Smartemp offers complete support.

The partnership with Smartemp is based on communication, trust, and flexibility. We periodically evaluate the services offered and look for ways to optimize activities for both candidates and companies. We ensure that employees can extend their temporary contracts up to 36 months or explore other temporary work options.

Apply to recrutare@smartemp.ro

Searching for and finding a job doesn’t mean applying many times, but applying strategically. Applying randomly, in bulk, wastes your energy and makes you just another name on a list. Instead, an approach based on clarity, selection, and human connections can completely transform your results. claritate, selectie si conexiuni umane poate transforma complet rezultatele tale.

Learn to know your value, to identify real opportunities, and to invest time in professional relationships – even with people you don’t know well. Instead of sending CVs to hundreds of job ads, send 10 excellent applications and initiate 5 relevant conversations. You’ll gain time, confidence, and – most likely – the chance at a truly suitable job.

Sources: 

• Justin Sablich, Need Job Hunting Advice? Try Applying For Fewer Roles, Forbes, May 14, 2025
• Jobvite Job Seeker Nation Report
• LinkedIn: 70% of hires occur through a connection
• MIT Sloan School of Management: The Strength of Weak Ties in Online Job Searching
• The Ladders: Eye-Tracking Study – How Recruiters Review Resumes
• Indeed.com: How Many Jobs Should I Apply To?

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