In today’s job market, those seeking employment have reported numerous issues while trying to find work. These can include job pay and positions that do not line up with experience, such as “entry-level” jobs that require years of experience or jobs with incredible experience requirements that only pay $15 an hour.
In addition, the prevalence of online job markets have led to job seekers feeling like they’re applying to more companies than ever before. For example, Zippia estimates that “it takes 21 to 80 job applications to get one job offer, on average.”
Despite this, those trying to find employment say they’re barely getting any responses, no matter how many applications they send out.
Job seekers have reported applying to hundreds of jobs and not receiving any answers, and in some cases, the companies themselves have admitted that they’re not trying to fill the roles for which they’ve posted job listings.
Seeing this, some applicants can get frustrated about the state of the current job market. However, one TikTok user has recently sparked discussion after claiming that there are ways to game the job application system in your favor—ways that don’t involve applying to hundreds of jobs.
In a video with over 358,000 views, TikTok user and talent acquisition manager Gretchen Wiegerink (@gretchenwiegerink) says that “if you’re applying for 100 plus jobs, you are wasting your time.”
“Being on the job market is a job in itself, so quality versus quantity is huge in this case,” she explains. “Take time to read job descriptions. Take time to look at company websites, GlassDoors. You want to make sure that the company’s core values, and also just the job description and what they’re actually looking for in this hire, align with your core values, your traits, your skill set.”
As far as how to make sure your application actually gets read, Wiegerink has a method that she says increases an applicant’s likelihood that their resume will be seen.
“After you apply to a position, go to that company’s LinkedIn immediately. Click the ‘People’ tab, find the talent acquisition manager or HR manager, and send them a connection invite with a note,” she explains, later adding, “Introduce yourself, let them know you just applied for XX position. You can kind of sell yourself with a couple maybe sentences there. Let them know your availability for a call.”
This, she says, actually works to get hiring managers’ attention.
“I’m always on LinkedIn, so when somebody applies and then connects with me and sends a note with that, I will read it,” she details. “And if it’s grammatically correct, maybe their resume is attached, they’re expressing their genuine interest, I will respond to you no matter what. A good recruiter or HR manager will respond to you.”
@gretchenwiegerink #stitch with @amber loeffler Part 1 | How to get noticed by hiring managers! Ask me anything 👏🏼 #jobs #interviewtips #jobapplication #linkedin #hiring #jobsearch #recruitment #corporatelife #resume #fyp #hireme #jobsearchtips ♬ original sound – Gretchen Wiegerink
While commenters appreciated Wiegerink’s advice, many users simply utilized the comments section to voice their issues with the current job market.
“No one will hire me because I’m about to graduate and looking for entry level and apparently entry level now requires a phd and 10+ yrs of experience,” said a user.
“I hear what you are saying and you are on point but people are desperate and need a job,” shared another.
“i don’t have the option to pick and choose what i’m applying for at this point,” stated a third.
“Core values? Most people just need a way to pay their bills,” declared a further TikToker.
We’ve reached out to Wiegerink via Instagram DM.
