Don’t Game the System: Five Things to Take Note When Applying, Says Hiring Pro

By Moon Harper

Mar 21, 2024 06:24 AM EDT

According to Donald Knight, chief people officer at Greenhouse, the abundant hiring platforms and technology designed to simplify the application process have made it almost too easy to apply to numerous jobs today. While enhancing accessibility and efficiency in hiring is positive, Knight warns that it can also result in job-search burnout.

Knight informs CNBC Make It that completing a job application used to require around 40 steps, but now most people can do it in less than seven steps, taking as little as 45 seconds in total. Many job seekers have publicly shared their experiences of applying to hundreds of jobs without receiving any responses afterward.

Here are five steps Knight offers to help individuals focus their job search and stand out from the competition:

1. Utilize Referrals

Knight explains that the simplicity of job applications has resulted in a surge of applications per position, many of which are often of lower quality. According to Greenhouse data, the average Greenhouse job received 228 applications in February this year, marking a 45% increase from February 2023. Recruiters are as busy as ever, reviewing nearly 400 applications per month on average as of January of this year, up from 184 per month the previous year.

In light of this, Knight suggests that a referral can significantly distinguish an applicant from recruiters who are overwhelmed with applications. Seek referrals from individuals who work at the company, such as former colleagues or individuals you have previously networked with, who may also receive a referral bonus for their assistance.

2. Build Unique and Personal Connection

If you do not have any referrals within the company, Knight advises that it is a nice touch to connect with the recruiter or hiring manager alongside your application. Consider sending them an email or personal LinkedIn message about yourself and that you have just applied for the role.

Former Google and DoorDash recruiter Nolan Church supports this practice. He mentioned to CNBC Make It that during his time at DoorDash, CEO Tony Xu would receive such emails and forward them directly to him, which, approximately 90% of the time, he would scheduled calls with, says Church.

3. Be Selective

Just because you can apply to a job quickly does not mean it is worth your time. Knight advises candidates to be selective and not apply for jobs they do not want to avoid wasting their time, the recruiter's time, and the time of someone who truly desires the role. Instead, prioritize what you desire in a new employer, such as a better role, flexible work, or improved benefits, and apply accordingly.

4. Tailor-fit Your Resume

Knight advises that customizing your resume for each application remains valuable. While AI tools such as ChatGPT can assist by identifying and emphasizing details from the job posting that align with your experience, it is still important to proofread and ensure your materials are authentic. According to Knight, recruiters appreciate candidates who have invested their thoughts into their application and prioritize those who appear most relevant.

5. Don't Game The Process

Knight advises against relying on AI to manipulate the application system. For instance, a majority of job seekers, 57%, admit they would insert keywords in white font on their resume to boost visibility to hiring technology, as per a Greenhouse survey. The intention is that including segments of the job description on your resume will prompt an AI screener to recognize it as a strong match and advance you in the hiring process.

According to Farah Sharghi, a tech recruiter, the tactic, known as white fonting, is considered ineffective. Applicant tracking systems do not filter resumes based on keywords, she explains, and when a human reviewer reads the text, they will promptly notice if the job description has been copied to embellish your resume. Knight shares this sentiment, advising candidates to emphasize their existing skills and align their language with the job description instead.