Why It's Easier to Become a NASA Astronaut Than to Find a Job Online Right Now

I regularly meet with the executive tech search team at Fox Search Group to get a pulse on the market and discuss trends in the hiring process. In our latest conversation last week, they shared that a single IT manager role got over 1600 applications when their client initially posted it. 

This means you literally have 2x better odds of being hired if you'd applied to be a NASA astronaut (800 to 1 in 2024). And your odds are even worse than 1 in 1600, because when companies face a deluge of applicants like this, they get overwhelmed and either hire someone they already know or engage a recruiter to relaunch the search. 

No amount of time spent on developing the perfect resume that aligns with the job description or crafting the perfect cover letter will help you in this scenario. 

It was a losing bet to begin with. 

This is why we hear from really talented, qualified candidates daily lately about how they've "applied to hundreds of jobs with no response." And with the rise in popularity of AI-assisted application tools, there are exponentially more applicants for each role than in recent years (many of which are unqualified), making it impossible for companies to truly evaluate each candidate.

What does this mean for job seekers? 

You HAVE to change your approach. Online applications have always been a long shot, but it's nearly impossible now. This means you have to double down into building and activating your network, focusing on target companies instead of ideal job postings, and connecting with recruiters (if that's the right job search channel for you). 

Are you ready to compete for top opportunities in this market?

Book a complimentary strategy call to explore how we can support your next move.

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