190: Why you shouldn't let the high number of applicants stop you from applying

Interview Boss
20 jul 2025 32 min
190: Why you shouldn't let the high number of applicants stop you from applying
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About this episode

<p>POV: You’ve just stumbled across an AMAZING job ad on LinkedIn, but you immediately notice that dreaded “100+ applicants” warning, and suddenly, imposter syndrome kicks in.</p><p>In this week’s episode, Sarah and Emma break down the truth behind LinkedIn’s job stats and why that scary number might not be as intimidating as it seems. We unpack the four different “buckets” of applicants, explain how many people actually meet the full criteria (hint: it’s less than you think), and why being a good match still gives you a solid shot, even in a tough market.</p><p>If you’ve ever felt discouraged seeing high applicant numbers, this episode will change how you think about competition and help you refocus your energy where it counts.</p><p>🏀 Shoot Your Shot - Shoutout to Celia who bought us 6 coffees!</p><p>"Hi Emma and Sarah, I just wanted to say how incredibly grateful I am for your podcast. Earlier this year, I was laid off and the job market in my city has been brutal. I felt defeated and had to deal with all the lows of job hunting, including being ghosted by recruiters after investing so much time in interviews. I actually found your podcast while I was feeling especially frustrated after completing all the interview rounds with a company, only to think the HR contact was ghosting me. That’s when I came across one of your episodes where you talked about how being the backup candidate isn’t always bad. Fast forward a month, I realised I needed to shift my approach and the way you emphasized storytelling in interviews really clicked. I went to an in-person panel interview with six people and left them so impressed that I received a life changing offer. But here’s the twist. I ended up turning it down because I got an even better offer from the original company I thought had ghosted me. It turns out they hired internally for that first role, but a similar position opened up and they wanted me for it. I’m now a month in and I’m genuinely happy and confident, thanks in no small part to the skills, mindset, and advice I learned from you both. For all my fellow job seekers out there, don’t lose hope and focus on storytelling or your 'best bits,' as Emma and Sarah would say. Thank you both so much. Your work truly makes a difference."</p><p>🎥 Check out BRAND NEW free training - Top Interview Tips <a href="https://www.interviewboss.com.au/top-interview-tips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.interviewboss.com.au/top-interview-tips</a></p><p>🏫 To get step by step help with your interview prep on demand check out our Interview Academy<a href="https://www.interviewboss.com.au/interview-academy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.interviewboss.com.au/interview-academy</a></p><p>☕ Did our podcast help you out? Want to say thank you in coffee form? Shout us a virtual coffee here:<a href="http://www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.buymeacoffee.com/interviewboss</a></p><p>☎️ To book an interview coaching session with Sarah, go to<a href="http://www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.interviewboss.com.au/coaching</a> </p><p>❤️ Follow us on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/interviewboss/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> Instagram</a></p><p>📒 Check out our website for free jobseeker resources</p><p><a href="https://www.interviewboss.com.au/resources" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.interviewboss.com.au</a></p>

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