I spend a lot of time telling you that networking is the single most effective way to land a job, and I absolutely stand by that. The best opportunities usually come from relationships with recruiters, hiring managers, or insiders who can help open a door.
But here’s the important caveat 👇
Even with strong networking, you will still need to apply to jobs. And I want to make sure you don’t talk yourself out of applying before you even hit “submit.”
The Truth About “500 Applicants”
You find a role that sounds exciting.
The responsibilities align perfectly with your background.
You’re confident you could do the job well.
Then you see it:
“500 applicants.”
Your stomach drops 😩
Take a breath, because that number is almost always misleading.
LinkedIn does not know how many people actually applied for a job. LinkedIn cannot see inside a company’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS). That number simply reflects how many people clicked on the posting, not how many completed an application.
Many of those people never apply at all.
And here’s even better news: recruiters consistently report that only 15–25% of applicants are actually qualified for a given role. So the real competition is often far smaller than it looks.
If you’re qualified, don’t let a number on a screen eliminate you.
Apply Smart, Not Just Fast
Once you decide a role is worth pursuing, here’s how to increase your odds:
1. Customize your résumé before you apply
Pull key skills, tools, and responsibilities directly from the job description and weave them naturally into your résumé.
If you want help, use this prompt with ChatGPT:
“You are a hiring manager for [role/company]. Please look at this job posting and identify the top 15–20 core competencies I should highlight on my résumé. List them in the order they appear.”
2. Apply on the company website when possible
Hiring teams often trust direct applicants more. It signals intention, not mass applying.
3. Pair your application with targeted networking
Even a great résumé benefits from a human advocate.
Find the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn. If they’re not listed, search the company name + “recruiter” under the People tab.
Send a short, professional note explaining why you’re a strong fit, backed by 2–3 concrete examples.
4. Leverage first- and second-degree connections
If someone you know works there, ask for insight, not a favor.
If you share a mutual connection, ask for an introduction.
This is not pushy. It’s normal, strategic job search behavior.
Timing Still Matters
Ideally, apply within the first 24 hours if you can. Some postings move quickly once enough qualified candidates are identified.
But don’t assume it’s too late. Many hires happen well after that initial window.
Networking opens doors.
Applications make your interest official. Both matter.
So the next time you see “500 applicants,” don’t let fear make the decision for you. If you’re qualified and genuinely interested in the role, apply and follow it up with smart, relationship-driven outreach.
You got this 👊