We recently saw recruiter, Candice Marshman, post something that stopped us in our scroll:
“One perfectly executed application > 100 applications at 50% effort.”
Oof. If you’ve ever been on the job hunt, you feel that.
And while it may be tempting to hit “apply” on 10 roles before lunch, the truth is — most online applications today are filtered through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and if you’re not tailoring your application, you’re likely getting filtered out before you’ve had a chance to speak to the recruiter or hiring manager.
So, how do you make sure you’re one of the candidates who does get through? Let’s break it down.
Don’t Just Apply — Apply Intentionally
It’s easy to fall into the trap of applying to anything that looks remotely relevant, but that’s not strategy — it’s survival mode. Instead:
- Apply to roles where you meet most (if not all) of the must-haves
- Tailor your resume and application materials to speak to that specific job
- Focus on quality over quantity — one excellent application is more powerful than ten “meh” ones
Application Q&A
Q: Do I really need to tweak my resume for every job?
A: If you want to get through the ATS and stand out — yes. You don’t need a total overhaul each time, but adjusting the headline, top bullet points, and keywords based on the job description can make a huge difference. Think of it like changing the subject line of an email: the content might be similar, but the hook has to match the moment.
Yes, You Have to Fill Out All the Boxes
Yes, even if you’ve uploaded your resume. Yes, even if it feels redundant.
Many ATS platforms are designed to parse the form fields more efficiently than your resume. If you skip those boxes or provide incomplete answers, you’re giving the system fewer reasons to move your application forward.
If you’re applying via an ATS that parses your resume into form fields, double-check and fix any errors. Formatting can get weird.
Application Q&A
Q: What if the ATS is glitchy and won’t let me add a job or degree?
A: Ugh, yes, this happens. If there’s a field to leave a note or explanation (like a comments section), use it. If not, fill it out as best you can and ensure the information is correct on your resume. Then, go the extra mile: email the recruiter or HR contact (if listed) to explain the issue. It shows initiative and problem-solving.
Follow the Instructions. All of Them.
If the application says to title your file a certain way, do it. If it asks for a cover letter (even if it’s optional), write it. If it says, “include your salary expectations,” include them. These little steps aren’t just busy work; they’re a quick way for recruiters to weed out people who aren’t paying attention.
Application Q&A
Q: The application asks for my salary expectations — but isn’t it a bad idea to throw out the first number?
A: Classic job search dilemma. If it’s optional, you can leave it blank or write “negotiable.” But if it’s required and won’t let you proceed without a number, use the range given in the job description or give a reasonable range based on your market research and your needs. It doesn’t have to lock you in — it just gets you through the door. Think of it as a placeholder for a real conversation later. Whatever you do, don’t enter $0 or $99,999 or any other weird number because the ATS could be set up to disregard anyone who isn’t in the correct range.
Fan Mail > Generic Cover Letters
Recruiters can tell when you’re sending the same cover letter to every job. So stop. Instead, think of your cover letter as fan mail with substance. Show you’ve read the posting, understand the role, and are excited about this job at this company.
Application Q&A
Q: The application doesn’t give me a space to upload a cover letter — what do I do?
A: If there’s no way to include it separately, and it’s a role where a cover letter really strengthens your case, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF file and upload that. Title it clearly (e.g., “YourName_Resume_and_CoverLetter.pdf”). Worst case? You’re showing extra effort, not less.
Be the Easy Yes
Recruiters want to move fast. The more you can make it easy for them to say “yes,” the better. That means:
- A clear, tailored resume
- A cover letter that connects the dots
- No missing documents or skipped fields
- Proof you meet the must-haves
- A thoughtful, mistake-free application
Application Q&A
Q: Should I apply on the company website or use LinkedIn’s Easy Apply?
A: When in doubt, apply on the company’s website. Easy Apply is convenient, but it’s also easy to overlook if you don’t upload a tailored resume or follow up. Company portals are more likely to feed into the internal ATS system, and that’s where decisions are made.
Final Thoughts
The job hunt is exhausting — we get it. But taking the extra time to apply with intention can give you a serious edge. If you’re going to spend 45 minutes applying to a job, make it count.
Before you hit apply, pause and ask: Does this application reflect my best work?
- Re-read the job posting
- Double-check the instructions
- Customize your resume to the role
- Make your cover letter specific
- And most importantly, don’t send it in a rush
Want someone to gut-check your resume or help you customize it for the next role? That’s what I’m here for.