I started my recruitment career helping folks looking for IT jobs in Dublin back in 2006. The email was pretty innovative and people still printed out their CV on that fancy paper and would stroll into an office to hand it over with a firm handshake from HR or the IT Jobs Hiring team in Dublin? Ah, simpler times. Nowadays, job hunting feels more like a full-time IT job in itself—except you don’t get paid, and your boss is a computer algorithm. Welcome to the modern IT jobs application process, where AI is calling the shots and we’re just along for the ride.

Did you know, the average job seeker will apply for over 200 IT jobs. I don’t have the data, but from speaking with jobseekers’ everyday id imagine 299 of those applications people do not hear back from a person. They might get an automated thanks but no thanks email. A staggering 75% of resumes are discarded by ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) before they even reach a human hiring manager.

The IT Job Application Avalanche

Let’s start with the numbers. You’ve probably heard the phrase “spray and pray” when it comes to IT jobs applications. It means sending out as many applications as humanly possible and praying one of them sticks. If the average job seeker applies for over 200 jobs It’s not uncommon for people to apply to hundreds, of jobs before landing a single interview.

It’s like playing the lottery, but instead of picking numbers, you’re crafting cover letters and tweaking your resume for the umpteenth time. And just like the lottery, your odds sometimes feel just as slim. But why is it so hard to get a foot in the door these days?

AI: The New Gatekeeper

Enter AI, the not-so-secret weapon that companies are using to sift through the tidal wave of applications they receive. Automated systems, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), are now the gatekeepers between you and your dream job. And let me tell you, these systems are as picky as a toddler at dinnertime.

ATS software is designed to filter out resumes that don’t meet certain criteria, like specific keywords, skills, or job experience. This means that your perfectly crafted resume could be tossed into the digital trash bin without a human ever laying eyes on it—ouch. I know all about it, I use one. But don’t live by it. I do go through most applications.

To give you an idea, many companies report receiving hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for a single position. With numbers like that, it’s no wonder they rely on AI to do the heavy lifting. But for job seekers, this can feel like throwing your resume into a black hole. Sadly, sometimes that’s exactly what you’re doing. Your CV will enter the system never to be seen by a human eye again.

How Companies Are Coping

So, what’s the deal? Are companies just as frustrated as we are? In a word: yes. While AI has certainly made the screening process more efficient, it’s not foolproof. Companies are constantly tweaking their algorithms to make sure they’re not missing out on great candidates just because their resume didn’t hit the right keywords.

Some companies are even experimenting with AI-driven interview bots—think of them as chatbots with the power to hire or fire you. These bots can conduct initial interviews, ask pre-programmed questions, and even analyze your responses for tone and confidence. Creepy? A little. Efficient? From what I hear its working.

But here’s where it gets tricky. AI might be great at filtering out the obviously unqualified candidates, but it can also be overly rigid. It doesn’t account for potential, creativity, or that je ne sais quoi that makes you perfect for the job.

Surviving the AI Gauntlet: Tips for Job Seekers

So, how do you survive this AI-driven gauntlet? Here are a few tips to improve your odds:

  1. Keyword Optimization: Tailor your resume to include the keywords from the job description. If the job ad mentions “project management,” make sure those words appear in your resume. And use plenty of them, even use alternative or similar words.
  2. Keep It Simple: Fancy fonts, graphics, and unusual formats can confuse the ATS. Stick to a clean, easy-to-read layout.
  3. Network Like Crazy: I can’t emphasis this enough. It’s not what you know, but who you know. A personal connection can help you bypass the ATS altogether.
  4. Consider the Bots: If you make it to an AI-driven interview, treat it like a human one. Be clear, concise, and confident in your responses.
  5. Don’t Lose Hope: Remember, you’re not alone. The process might be tough, but persistence pays off.

The Future of Job Applications

The world of job applications is constantly evolving, and AI is just the beginning. Who knows, maybe in a few years, we’ll be doing virtual reality interviews or submitting our resumes via TikTok. The key is to stay adaptable and keep up with the trends.

At the end of the day, job hunting is still about connecting with people—even if those people are hiding behind layers of technology. Finding a good honest Recruiter will also be worth their weight in gold. But remember, regardless what they say, each Recruiter will only have a small proportion of the market. Keep learning, and keep smiling (even if it’s just to a chatbot).

Elwood Roberts is an easy-going Recruiter. We make transactions easy. We listen and believe it or not, we are very honest!

Other blogs from Elwood Roberts that might interest you include:

https://elwoodroberts.com/2024/06/28/how-generative-ai-will-be-your-friend-in-the-workplace/

https://elwoodroberts.com/2024/06/17/navigating-the-recruitment-process-with-perfect-communication/

https://elwoodroberts.com/2024/04/12/top-tips-for-a-competency-based-interview/