The Only Piece of Job Search Advice You Will Ever Need!
Russell Ayles
We love building Retail & Ecommerce Teams // Ex ASOS.com // Recruitment business owner.
It's time you stopped overcomplicating your job search.
If you spend too much time on LinkedIn, like I do, you will no doubt be bombarded by advice on what you need to do to stand out and secure your next role.
You need to network like a pro as all the jobs are hidden!
You must spend hours tailoring your CV for every application
You should cram your CV full of keywords because of the ATS!
You have to grow your personal brand
You need to use LinkedIn everyday! Post and comment, be seen!!
There are no doubt more you have seen.
Now, I am by no means saying these are not good pieces of advice (except the ATS one, that is complete BS - we all know that....right?)
Do you want to know the only piece of advice you will ever need?
It may blow your mind.....
It isn't for the faint hearted.....
Ready?
No really.... are you ready?
BE. QUALIFIED. FOR. THE. JOB
Yep. Yep Frickin Way!
Look, I know this sounds simple. But simple is good.
Amidst the 'Hacks' and 'Tricks' the most important thing will always be to be qualified for the job.
This advice is relevant for the vast vast vast majority of people.
The mindset is similar to saving $4 on a coffee each day at work by making one yourself, to just go and wax $400 eating out on the weekend.
Of course, these little things here and there will help, but if you are applying for jobs you are not qualified for, then it doesn't matter how good your LinkedIn banner is, or that you post every day.
Let me throw some insights at you from my years in recruitment. We will go into each in a bit more detail in a moment.
- 90% of applications are not relevant for the job. By a long shot.
- Over 80% of roles are filled by people applying via a job advert
- You don't want to 'beat the system' or 'bypass the recruiter'
- Get referred by someone you know, not through networking.
- Keywords are important, but not for the evil 'Bots.....
I'd like to explain.
1. Around 90% of applications are not relevant for the job. By a long shot.
This is just true. I have recruited across a few different industries, across hundreds of different roles, and this remains the same. The majority of candidates are not anywhere near suitable.
I am not talking about having 3 years' experience as an Accountant when the advert is asking for 5. I am talking about people applying who are working in a pet shop on Saturdays, with no finance experience.
Some applications are a bit more relevant, but are missing essential systems experience or sector experience that might be asked for.
2. Over 80% of roles are filled by people applying via a job advert
This is a fact. We tracked this figure in most companies I worked in and it was always over 80%.
80% came from our careers site, or a LinkedIn advert, or any other advert. Numbers-wise, it is the most likely way you will secure your next role. Jobs are advertised 99% of the time. There will of course be exceptions. Executive appointments may often be recruited via a Search Firm for example.
The other 19% would be made up of Agency Candidates, Candidates sourced using LinkedIn Recruiter, Referrals, Internal Candidates etc.
3. You don't want to 'beat the system' or 'bypass the recruiter'
The systems and recruiters are there for a reason; to find and manage the candidates through the process. It is their job. If you purposely go out of your way to avoid either, it could be to your peril.
By all means, if you know the hiring manager, or are connected, there is no harm in reaching out. But do everyone a favour and apply online also. It is helpful to everyone.
The ATS is not rejecting you without someone looking at your CV - so please don't worry about that.
4. Get referred by someone you know, not through networking
Another one from the LinkedIn Career Coach Gurus.....get someone in your network to refer you.
No. Don't.
Not if you don't know them and they don't know you. As a recruiter, the first thing I would ask the person referring the candidates is probably along the lines of
'What are they like?'
'Do you think they'll be a good fit for us?'
'When did you work with them/How do you know them?'
If the answer is 'I don't really know, they messaged me on LinkedIn' then you are not getting any preferential treatment. If anything I'm questioning your logic for doing what you did.
However - if you do actually know someone in the business and they do refer you. BINGO. Providing you are somewhat suitable for a role, we are having chat. If someone who works with us thinks you could be an asset to the business, then I'm wanting to talk with you.
5. Keywords are important, but not for the evil 'Bots.....
I'm not even talking about the ATS anymore. It stresses me out too much. Take a look at my article here if you still believe they do half the things these Career Coaches say they do....
In short, they're not rejecting you based on keywords. Certain words, or 'keywords', are important FOR THE HUMAN PERSON WITH EYES reading it. Things like Systems, Product, Specialisms.....
And remember. Recruiters are only human. Don't give them / us such a hard time.
NOTE - Any advice I give is from my experience in my sectors and industries. Check my profile and my experience before you decide if what I am saying is relevant to you.
This is what you should do whenever you read advice on LinkedIn that you think is for you.
Take a look at the poster.
Who are they?
What is their experience?
What makes them qualified to give advice on this subject?
If you are unsure of any of these, probably best not to listen and move on.
About me.
If you don't know me, I am Russell. Job Search Coach, Talent Consultant and LinkedIn Top Voice. I have almost 20 years of experience recruiting in Agency and In-House across Retail, Fashion, FMCG, Consumer, Digital and Media.
I now help job seekers in their job search, from identifying the job that they want, to CV review and writing, getting the most out of LinkedIn, Interviewing with knowledge and confidence and everything in between.
Interested in working with me?
Get a live 1-2-1 LinkedIn Review and strategy plan
Get a live 1-2-1 CV review and detailed plan on how to improve it
Work with me for 8 weeks and get EVERYTHING covered
Or, just message me on here, or hello@thejobsearch.coach and we can have a chat about what you are looking to achieve, and if it would be a good fit to work together.
Thanks for reading,
Let me know if you have any questions or comments. If you disagree with me I'll do my best to be courteous....😂 but seriously - I like a good debate - let's talk!
Russell Ayles - The Job Search Coach
Business Manager - Financial Services & Banking. Making significant cost reductions by employing analytical skills, implementing controls and policies to manage expenditure.
2yThere is a lot of advice and it is hard to filter. There are those who are maybe more qualified than you to give advice and they are people are aren,t even close to your level of knowledge who are giving out advice. How are jobseekers meant to sift through the constant bombardment of tips and tricks??
Resume Writer - Job search Guidance. Assisting with Private and Government Sector Resumes & Applications. Helping everyday Aussies with Job applications since 2008. Hit the Link below to get in touch via my website.
2yGreat read, “be qualified” can be debatable I’ve had people “change careers” and not be qualified for roles, get interviews and be hired.sometimes people don’t ✅ 💯 of the boxes and that’s ok.
I help CFOs of Telecoms and Technology companies in London and Southeast England deliver operational cost savings in excess of £10m by leading Commercial Finance teams and Transformations effectively. |Finance Director|
2yGreat insights, thanks Russell.
Corporate & Government Affairs | Marketing & Communications | Project Management | Strategy | Industries: Financial Services, Technology, Industrial, Real Estate
2ySo true and so simple. Sometimes though it also depends on the market and the size of the company. I find that in Greece where I live, personal (or family) connections can be useful, as most companies are small or very small. It shouldn't be that way, it harms both candidates and businesses.