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So, you’ve applied for a job but didn’t get selected. Frustrating, I know. We wanted to put together a short blog to help explain why this happens and what you can do to improve your chances next time.
How We Select Candidates
When you apply through a recruitment company, our role is to be your guide and your advocate. We help with CV advice, market insights, and matching you to roles that genuinely fit.
But from a client’s perspective, we’re hired and paid to find the best person for their position and that can mean a few different things. Some of the key factors we consider include:
How closely your skills match the brief
(tools, technologies, role titles, industry experience, education, regs/codes for specialist roles)Location
If the role isn’t remote, usually most clients prefer someone fairly local if possible. Local applications will often get seen as favourable.CV quality
Layout, clarity, and whether your experience is easy to understand.Relevant industry or technical background
Work rights for Australia
Culture fit and motivations
After reviewing all applications, we screen shortlisted candidates in depth. We usually send the client a shortlist of around four strong profiles, meaning competition is tight.
A typical job ad can receive 100+ applications. We review every one, but speaking with everyone simply isn’t viable. We’ll always provide an outcome, though, and you can ask for more feedback if needed.
How to Improve Your Chances Next Time
Here are a few practical steps that genuinely make a difference:
1. Keep Your CV Updated & Relevant
There’s nothing wrong with tailoring your CV slightly to each role as long as you truly have the skills. Make sure:
Your job titles reflect what you actually do
Your tools, technologies, or processes are clearly listed
Key achievements and responsibilities are easy to find
Location, work rights & relocation goals if applicable are visible
2. Follow Up if You’re a Strong Fit
If you genuinely believe you’re a match for the role, a polite follow-up email is absolutely fine and recommended.
3. Make Yourself Visible
Recruiters don’t rely solely on job ads - we actively search for candidates.
Make sure your profiles are:
Updated on LinkedIn and SEEK & other job searching tools
Set to Open to Work if you’re actively job-hunting
Clear about your location, salary, notice period, and key skills
This increases your chances of being contacted for roles that may suit you even better than the one you applied for.
A Final Thought
Everyone gets declined for roles. It’s not a bad thing, it’s simply part of the process. Consistently applying for positions that genuinely match your background will lead to results.
And if you’re not sure why you aren't getting traction, just reach out. We know it can be hard.
We’re here to help, advise, and support you - as any good recruitment partner should.
Good luck with the job search, and we hope to work with you soon.