How to stand out in job applications in a competitive job market

How you can stand out in job applications

Are you applying for a new role? You might be facing more competition than ever. According to data from Seek, there was an average of 184 job applications per listing in April 2025. This is one of the highest figures on record.

According to Seek, this is being driven by a rise in new, unique applicants, rather than the same individuals applying for multiple roles.
This coincides with a drop in the number of advertised roles, making the employment market more competitive than ever.

So, what’s driving this trend, and how can job-seekers and employers respond?

What are some of the reasons for this?

With the current cost-of-living crisis, one of the key drivers for this could be employees seeking higher pay. According to research, 63% of workers said they were in the job hunt after being passed over for a pay rise. 39% of workers were promised a significant pay rise this year that never arrived.

Indeed, some of those applying for work are actually looking for a second job, as they face cost-of-living pressures.

Experts predict this trend will only continue. They say many employees will look to jump ship if they don’t receive a pay rise in their mid-year performance review.

How can employers respond?

Employers should recognise that for many workers, concerns about the cost of living are paramount. Addressing these can help keep your staff engaged and loyal.

However, businesses say they aren’t in a position to increase wages as they face financial difficulties.

Experts say that if you can’t afford to give your workers a pay rise, this makes having a strong workplace culture even more important. Flexible working policies can also help employers to retain quality staff.

How to stand out in job applications: Tips for job-seekers

Don’t worry about the number of applications

Recruiters say that even if you can see a job you are interested in has a high number of applications, this shouldn’t discourage you from applying. Sites like Indeed and Seek often indicate how many people have applied for a role. However, they don’t show you if the applications were quality or even complete. It also doesn’t reveal whether applicants followed up with the employer to show genuine interest.

Pay attention to the small details

According to recruiters, it’s not as hard to stand out from others as you might think. This is especially the case if you have the right qualifications and skill-set for the role. Highlighting your recent achievements will help your resume to stand out. Don’t forget to also include basic contact information like your phone number or email address. Recruiters say it’s surprising how many job-seekers leave these details out.

Leave out unnecessary details

Try not to include overly personal details like your age, marital status or a photo of yourself in your application.

Show your enthusiasm

As mentioned earlier, calling the employer after submitting your application can show you are enthusiastic about the role. If that is not possible, you could try sending them an email or messaging them on LinkedIn.

If you are finding the search for a new role challenging, you are not alone. With the job market more competitive than ever, applying for a new role can be tough. Public Service Resumes can assist. We offer tailored services including professional resume writing in Melbourne and across Australia. We also offer tailored interview preparation support and career planning and coaching.