"Trevor, I’ve applied more than 100 vacancies and get no feedback. What’s wrong with me?"
I get these questions all the time. It came up again at our CareerAGILITY Job Seeker Workshop last Wednesday.
Waiting for feedback is torturous, especially after putting all that effort into applying for vacancies.
Let’s be clear:
👉 It’s NOT you. You’re skilled and capable.
👉 It IS the market. Too many job seekers, not enough roles. Recruiters are overwhelmed.
👉 Can you do something about it? ABSOLUTELY!
Job seekers who are active and visible, including chasing feedback, are more successful that those who don't.
Here's my advice to get your job search back on track:
1️⃣ Apply for the right roles.
- Check your suitability against the job ad. Use ChatGPT / GenAI to compare your resume to the job description and optimise it to ensure your resume has the right key words and phrases
- Don’t waste time on roles where you don’t meet the key requirements. If you’re applying for jobs you’re not suited for, expect ghosting.
2️⃣ Stop waiting for feedback, FOLLOW UP!
- After applying: If a recruiter is listed, call or message them within 48 hours.
- No recruiter details? Find them on LinkedIn and connect. Also search to see if you have any contacts you could leverage to reach the recruiter.
- No response? Follow up and try again in a few days. Stay polite but persistent.
- Don't give up, or the effort you put into your applications will be wasted!
3️⃣ Focus on leveraging your network to find 'hidden' vacancies.
- 70% of jobs never hit job boards, but they're in your network.
- Message former colleagues and managers, let them know you’re looking.
- Comment on LinkedIn posts and engage. Be seen.
4️⃣ Be visible on LinkedIn.
- If you don’t post or engage, you’re invisible.
- Fix your headline, summary and work experience.
- Post twice a week. Share insights or industry trends.
- Comment on others’ posts—it keeps you top of mind.
5️⃣ Treat job searching like a sales job.
💡 You are the product (the most important product of all!). Don’t just submit applications, create opportunities by:
- Make calls
- Send messages
- Ask for referrals
6️⃣ Reframe rejection.
If 100+ applications led to nothing, don’t blame yourself, adjust your strategy.
- Are you following up enough?
- Are you applying for the right roles?
- Are you networking and being visible?
Your next job is out there. But activity and visibility will get you there faster.
If you’re stuck, reach out. CareerAGILITY is here to help.
Your move...
#JobSearch #CareerAGILITY #Networking #FollowUp #Visibility #jobsearchtips #careeradvice Talentology AU
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