The Great Application Frenzy: Why You’re Wasting Your Time on Big Brands

Getting a job has become increasingly difficult. The numbers are staggering: 2,539 applicants vying for every 10 open roles. But it’s not just the sheer volume of applications that’s the problem – it’s also who those applicants are targeting.

We’ve become conditioned to chase the most visible companies, without stopping to think about what this means for our chances. Greenhouse CEO Daniel Chait advises going beyond the headlines in today’s job market. For every household name like OpenAI or other high-profile companies, there are countless smaller organizations that could use your skills and experience just as much.

The problem lies not only in the sheer volume of applicants but also in who those applicants are targeting. We’re all guilty of throwing our resumes at every major company, convinced that sheer force of numbers will somehow make us stand out. However, these companies have built-in barriers to entry, including AI-powered applicant tracking systems and multiple layers of screening and assessments.

This isn’t just a matter of “it’s not you, it’s who you’re applying to.” It’s a symptom of our addiction to chasing big brands. We’ve lost sight of the smaller companies that often require more creativity, problem-solving skills, and human touch – exactly what most hiring managers claim they want.

Some advocate for joining the AI-powered job hunt bandwagon. Netskope CEO Sanjay Beri suggests building relationships with insiders to get ahead in a highly competitive market. Glean’s Arvind Jain touts AI fluency as the key skill that’ll set you apart from the rest. However, what about those who can’t or don’t want to join this AI-powered merry-go-round? What about young people struggling to break into the job market?

In 2022 alone, over 1.2 million applications were submitted for fewer than 17,000 graduate roles in the UK. This sea of desperation highlights the need for a shift in our approach. Chait’s advice takes on new significance: it’s not just about finding alternative companies; it’s about shifting our mindset from “me” to “them.” Instead of focusing solely on what we can offer, perhaps we should start by understanding what smaller companies need and how we can fill that gap.

The job market may be broken, but it’s not too late to fix it. We can choose to opt out of this AI-driven hiring nightmare and focus on building genuine connections with people who share our passions. Breaking into a new industry or company requires an entirely different set of skills than applying for a job at the most visible companies.

If we’re willing to think outside the box, perhaps we’ll discover that the real opportunities lie not with big brands but with those who are often overlooked. As we navigate this treacherous landscape, one thing is clear: it’s time to redefine what success looks like in the job market – and stop chasing the same old companies everyone else is clamoring for.