Over half of job submission attempts fail to progress beyond the initial application phase, according to recent findings by Totaljobs.
In the competitive job market, understanding what recruiters are looking for can significantly increase one's chances of securing a job interview. According to a recent Totaljobs research report, common reasons for job application rejections include poor formatting, incomplete forms, and unexplained employment gaps [1].
To address these issues, recruiters offer several tips to improve candidates' chances of advancing in the hiring process:
1. Ensure your application is well-formatted and fully completed. Avoid careless mistakes and double-check that all requested information is present and clear [1]. 2. Explain any employment gaps clearly. Providing reasonable context for breaks in work history can prevent negative assumptions [1]. 3. Tailor your CV and cover letter to the job description. This best practice aligns with recruiter advice, although it was not explicitly mentioned in the search results [2]. 4. Avoid rambling during interviews by preparing concise, focused answers, since interview rambling can signal a lack of confidence or clarity [4]. 5. Avoid using blatant AI-generated content. Over-reliance on AI tools that produce generic or insincere application materials can lead to rejection or even bans from applying again [5].
In addition to these tips, other relevant advice includes optimizing applications for gender neutrality and avoiding unconscious bias, which improves the likelihood of being seriously considered [3].
Candidates can also take simple steps to improve their applications, such as using grammar and spelling check tools to prevent unnecessary rejections due to noticeable spelling errors [2]. Attention to detail matters in job applications, and simple improvements can make a significant difference.
Furthermore, 74% of job seekers find clear and detailed job descriptions helpful in improving application quality [6]. Matalon, Chief People Officer at the Stepstone Group, suggests ensuring job descriptions are clear and avoiding overly complex application processes to not inadvertently eliminate strong candidates [7].
Finally, technical issues with application forms affect 38% of job seekers, preventing them from finishing their applications [6]. Ensuring that application forms are user-friendly and functioning properly can help attract and retain strong candidates.
In summary, candidates improve their chances by submitting carefully completed, well-structured applications with clear explanations for any employment gaps, preparing thoroughly for interviews, and maintaining authenticity in their materials, steering clear of generic or AI-overused content. By following these tips and best practices, job seekers can increase their chances of securing job interviews and ultimately finding their dream job.
[1] Totaljobs, "Common reasons for job application rejections," June 2025. [2] Recruiter advice, not directly from Totaljobs. [3] Advice for optimizing applications for gender neutrality and avoiding unconscious bias. [4] Advice for avoiding rambling during interviews. [5] Advice for avoiding using blatant AI-generated content. [6] Totaljobs, "74% of job seekers find clear and detailed job descriptions helpful." [7] Matalon, Chief People Officer at the Stepstone Group, advice for ensuring job descriptions are clear and avoiding overly complex application processes.
Education and self-development can involve learning the best practices for crafting job applications to perfection, ensuring they are well-formatted, completed, and free of unnecessary spelling errors. This can lead to improved career development opportunities by increasing the chances of securing job interviews. General news reports also highlight the importance of tailoring CVs and cover letters to job descriptions as a best practice in the competitive job market [2].
