{"id":7984,"date":"2025-06-27T15:31:17","date_gmt":"2025-06-27T05:31:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fprs.com.au\/?p=7984"},"modified":"2025-06-27T15:31:17","modified_gmt":"2025-06-27T05:31:17","slug":"quality-over-quantity-how-applying-for-fewer-roles-can-get-you-hired-faster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fprs.com.au\/quality-over-quantity-how-applying-for-fewer-roles-can-get-you-hired-faster\/","title":{"rendered":"Quality Over Quantity: How Applying for Fewer Roles Can Get You Hired Faster"},"content":{"rendered":"

Job hunting often feels like a numbers game – submit 100 applications and hope one sticks, they say. But what if you could land a job with half the effort? Some job seekers are realising that fewer, more focused applications<\/strong> can deliver stronger results.<\/p>\n

Experienced recruiter and coach Stephanie Mansueto<\/strong> advises targeting positions where you meet most of the hard requirements\u2014think qualifications, experience, software skills\u2014and at least some preferred criteria. As a rule of thumb, be about 90% confident that you can make a strong case to recruiters. Mansueto also recommends the 80\/20 rule:<\/strong> devote 80% of your applications to roles you\u2019re well qualified for, and 20% to reach positions. This way, you’re not wasting time chasing every job just because it’s available.<\/p>\n

\u201cApplying to jobs you might want but aren\u2019t competitive for can waste your time,\u201d<\/em> she says. This doesn\u2019t mean completely ignoring aspirational roles\u2014you just need to strike the right balance.<\/p>\n

Spencer Campbell, founder of Spencer Campbell Talent Agency, compares job hunting to a marketplace: there’s what you want<\/em> and what employers need<\/em>. Recruiters often perform a quick \u201cplausibility check\u201d on a CV\u2014if your skills match the job\u2019s minimum requirements, you\u2019re in the running. So before you hit submit, pause and ask: Do I really match what they’re seeking?<\/p>\n

Even if your qualifications shine, without a contact in the company, your application may go unseen. That\u2019s why networking delivers the best return on investment.
\nLinkedIn data shows that 70% of people hired had a connection within the company<\/strong>. It has been found that referred candidates were almost 20 times more likely to be hired<\/strong> than those who applied cold. And you don\u2019t need a close relationship – weak ties<\/strong> (acquaintances or past colleagues) often yield the most opportunities. A large MIT study of 20 million LinkedIn profiles revealed these connections lead to unexpected roles. Reach out with a friendly message or request a casual chat\u2014it can open doors you didn\u2019t know existed.<\/p>\n

Make your time count<\/h2>\n

Dedicating time to refine fewer applications means you can:<\/p>\n