I recently read a story that claimed that at any given time, there are 6 people vying for the same jobs you’re applying for. I’m not exactly sure how they calculated that number or the exact definition of “vying for” since I’d expect that number to be much, much higher actually.
The story talked about how these people are searching the same online job boards you are, are networking just like you are and are preparing for interviews just like you are. In other words, chances are these people are approaching their job search the same way you are.
I would think that in actuality the average number of people applying for a job on a job board could in fact be in the hundreds if not thousands. In that regard, you might actually be competing with that number of people rather than the 6 that they quoted.
Bottom line: jobs are scarce, applicants for jobs are plentiful and the more you can do to separate yourself in a positive way from your competitors, the closer you’ll be to a better job.
