WHY YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION MIGHT NEVER BE SEEN
You probably think you’ve done everything right when you hit “submit” on an online job application. Your resume is polished, your cover letter is crafted, and you’ve clicked through every checkbox in the portal. But here’s the hard truth: submitting an application is just the beginning of a much larger game. A game filled with obstacles and hidden barriers. Many job seekers need to realize that simply applying online is not enough and is not the only way to get what you want!
I am Helmut Meckelburg, a global hotelier, former CEO, Regional Director and General Manager with international hotel companies like Taj Hotels, Hilton and Safir Hotels International. I have been a mentor to many successful hoteliers for many years. It has always been a passion of mine. Now I mentor ambitious professionals in the 5-star hotel industry professionally. In my 40+ year career, I only applied for jobs a few times and know what I am talking about.
After my breakthrough, the Waldorf Astoria in NYC, employment offers and inquiries came to me through my network and a few selected international recruitment agencies. Fast forward to today, the job search landscape has changed with the rise of online platforms over the past decade. But despite what countless career gurus on LinkedIn, YouTube, and other social media say, one thing remains constant:
You’re not just competing with other qualified candidates. You’re up now against a digital landscape where most applications vanish into the void. You’re up against an HR elite, which follows outlandish recruitment practices and assessments and discriminates regularly () mainly in Europe with few exceptions); an elite that has lost the ability to make pragmatic choices instead of labor shortages and high demand for skilled employees.
Today, when you apply online, you’re competing not with one but three distinct groups of candidates.
THE 20% CLUB. APPLICANTS WHO ARE RELEVANT TO THE ROLE
This group comprises the top 20% of applicants directly relevant to the position. These candidates have customized their resumes and cover letters to match the job description. Their skills, experiences, and qualifications align perfectly with the employer’s needs. Imagine a hotel looking for a front desk manager. One candidate has experience managing a similar-sized property, knows the hotel’s software, and has excellent references. They’re part of the 20%.
What sets this group apart? They have tailored Applications: Every part of their resume and cover letter is customized to fit the job posting. They have Relevant Experience: Their skills and previous roles align perfectly with the employer’s needs. They have honed their Presentation skills: Their documents are well-organized, easy to read, and highlight critical points. They have mastered the interview skill question game through practice, reading, and experience.
To join this group, you must treat every application like a business proposal. Highlight the aspects that matter most to the employer and show what you bring. Generic applications won’t cut it. Tailoring your resume or CV to each role is essential. The relevant recruiter or company might only see your document if you do. And they are not interested in your hobbies, life story, and what you have done 15 years earlier.
The 80% Noise: Irrelevant Applications that Clog the System
Unfortunately, 80% of online job applications come from candidates who must fit the role. These applicants mass-apply without considering whether they meet the qualifications. Some dream of landing a role they’re still getting ready for, while others may have technical skills but need more leadership and management experience.
Picture a hotel seeking a front desk manager. Then imagine an applicant who’s worked in retail but has yet to gain hospitality experience. They see “Manager” in the title and apply without reading the full description.
What happens when irrelevant applications flood the system?
Recruiters Are Overwhelmed: The sheer volume of irrelevant applications can cause recruiters to miss qualified candidates. Your Application Gets Buried: Even if you’re a top candidate but apply late, your carefully crafted resume can get lost under hundreds of irrelevant ones THE AFF (Automated Filters Fail):
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will weed out candidates based on keywords, but even qualified applicants can be overlooked when the system is flooded with unsuitable applications. To avoid being part of the noise, only apply to jobs where you meet at least 70-80% of the requirements. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time and contributing to the digital clutter that harms everyone.
The Chosen Few: Candidates Who Skip the Line (Me too).
Here’s where the real competition lies. This group never applies online but still lands interviews. They network, get referred by someone within the company, or connect directly with hiring managers. These candidates bypass the digital pile and go straight to the interview process.
For example, someone meets the hiring manager at a hospitality conference. They hit it off and exchange contact information; the manager sees them as a great fit before posting the job. That candidate might land the role without ever submitting an application. This happened to me multiple times after attending ITB or WTM fairs. I would get follow-up calls from people I met, casually checking if I’d be interested in joining their company.
How Do They Do It?
Networking: Building relationships with professionals in your industry gives you a significant edge. It’s not just what you know but who you know. The connections you foster could open doors to opportunities you didn’t even know existed. A well-placed word from a trusted colleague or acquaintance can take your candidacy from ordinary to exceptional.
Referrals: Many companies prioritize candidates referred by current employees. Referrals often jump straight to the front of the line. They offer the company a layer of trust, knowing someone vouches for you internally, making the hiring process faster and more secure. Always aim to be someone who can be referred.
Direct Outreach: Sometimes, the bold move is the winning move. Reaching out to a hiring manager on LinkedIn or, if you’re on-site, approaching directly can set you apart from everyone else who applied through traditional methods. If you express genuine interest and make a personal connection, this approach can make all the difference. However, this strategy requires confidence—it’s not for the timid.
The Lesson? Don’t rely solely on online applications. Proactively building relationships and engaging with your industry will significantly increase your chances of success. Now that you understand the competition, it’s time to adjust your approach. Here’s how to make your application stand out in a sea of candidates:
Tailor Every Application: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job. Use keywords from the job posting and highlight specific achievements that match the role. For example, if the job emphasizes guest satisfaction, mention how you’ve improved service scores or implemented feedback systems in previous positions.
Beat the ATS (Applicant Tracking System): Many companies use ATS to filter resumes. These systems scan for keywords and automatically reject candidates who don’t match. To beat the ATS, you need to use Keywords from the job description and avoid Fancy Formatting that the system can’t read. Be Specific: Make your resume concise yet impactful, avoiding vague descriptions.
Network Like Your Career Depends on It: Because it does. Attend industry events, reach out to alumni, and connect with professionals in your field. LinkedIn is a goldmine for networking—don’t just scroll through it. After applying for a job, find the hiring manager and send a polite, well-crafted message. This small step can elevate your application from “buried” to “noticed.”
Seek Referrals: Referrals are golden tickets. If you know someone at the company, ask for a referral. Even if you don’t have a direct connection, find mutual acquaintances or alumni and request an introduction. You never know when a random chat can lead to an opportunity. Always be thinking about networking—you might encounter a lead when you least expect it.
Conclusion
The online job application process is competitive but just a small part of the larger puzzle. To truly stand out, you must do more than send another resume. Tailor each application, understand how ATS systems work, and network relentlessly.
Use job portals for research, but avoid sending blind applications online unless you have a name or a trusted source. Want to ensure your resume gets read? Send it by “Priority Mail” or certified mail in Europe. Yes, it’s old-fashioned, but it works—because it’s different. In just a couple of days, your paper application will land on someone’s desk, and chances are, it will get read.
The hidden job market is where the real opportunities lie. While every situation is different, the best way to stand out is to network and connect, not just apply. This will take some work, but with attendance of job fairs, professional fairs like the ITB, WTM, ATM and countless others You will become good at it. A tip, when You first attend, try to go with your boss (if he or she goes) , the introductions provided are very valuable indeed.
So go out there and be one of the chosen few, not just another name lost in the digital pile.
Helmut H Meckelburg