If you’ve applied to dozens of jobs and heard nothing back, you’re not alone.
It’s not just tough out there—the system itself has changed.
Here’s what’s really happening ⬇️
📉 More Applicants, Fewer Openings
- Layoffs in tech, finance, and media have flooded the market.
- Companies are cautious—slowing hiring, automating roles, leaning on contractors.
➡️ One mid-level job can now attract hundreds (or even thousands) of applications.
🤖 The ATS Problem
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and AI filters are the gatekeepers.
They scan résumés for:
- Keywords
- Formatting
- “Fit” scores
If your résumé doesn’t align, it may never reach a human recruiter.
Even LinkedIn searches are algorithm-driven: activity, engagement, and keywords all impact visibility.
👉 Being qualified isn’t enough—you have to be discoverable.
đź’ˇ Skills That Matter Most
Yes, technical skills like Python, Salesforce, and Excel matter.
But employers are prioritizing:
- Adaptability
- Communication
- Emotional intelligence
These don’t show up in keyword scans—you have to demonstrate them in your content, interviews, and stories.
⚡ How to Break Through
✅ Customize your résumé with keywords from the job posting
✅ Optimize your LinkedIn headline + “About” section with measurable results
âś… Post, comment, and engage to increase visibility in searches
✅ Network strategically—referrals often bypass the ATS entirely
🌱 The Bottom Line
The job market isn’t just competitive—it’s coded.
You’re not failing. The system is filtering.
Once you understand the rules, you can play smarter:
👉 Optimize.
👉 Engage.
👉 Network.
That’s how you get past the black hole—and onto a hiring manager’s desk.
🔍 Curious? I built a LinkedIn Optimization Kit for 2025 to help job seekers show up, get seen, and land interviews faster.
DM me if you want the link.
—Mark Shotton
