How to deal with job applications

It’s not uncommon for me to receive anything up to 50 applications per day and I pride myself on being fully committed to responding to all successful (and unsuccessful) applications, as painstaking and tasking as it is.

My responses are tailored to each individual, they are honest, but more importantly they’re designed to keep a lasting relationship with my potential applicant. I’m building my talent pipelines.
You see, keeping applicants on my radar is vital to my role. Everyday new positions and opportunities for candidates are popping, so if the job wasn’t right this time, next time I know exactly who to call.
But just today, I received the following feedback from one of my applicants:
“I'm really surprised that a multi award winning creative director with the work, awards, contacts, experience and clients that I have, just gets this automated response?? Can you explain why?”

If you’re an applicant and you’ve found been in this position, don’t give up! I know it’s frustrating, but you just have to take it on the chin. It’s all part of the process. If you’re seeing endless knock-backs start rethinking your CV or folios. Make sure what you send is appropriate for the spec.
And you should ask for feedback, but ALWAYS remain professional. If you’ve been left with your feathers ruffled, don’t let them know about it. You might ruin your chances of them asking you back in the future.

The job market is highly competitive –ferocious in fact. Recruiters, hiring managers and talent scouts get flooded with hundreds of CVs. It’s a quagmire and time for screening is limited. You’ve sussed it… this is exactly why you’ve had little or no feedback. So, perhaps a generic or  automated response is to be expected. Smart recruiters will do what I do, and keep you in their talent pipeline for future openings.

Make sure your CVs and cover note (if you do one) are clear, punchy and informative, bullet points, brand names and sector experience are the key highlights you need to include. People don’t have time to read reams of information. So, one last piece of advice for all the essay writers out there in you, give it a miss…

Good luck.