This post/question is directed to the rare people who are making hiring decisions these days.
**Background**: Unfortunately for everyone, I’m back to applying to R&D roles (in addition to whatever else I can get). I have a PhD in synbio and 2 years experience at a small (dead) startup. Boston area, US citizen.
I came across a role that I’m…reasonably qualified for and interested in. The problem (in my head) is that the role was posted 1 day ago on linkedin and already has 100+ people clicked apply. That’s not surprising, but what I want to know is *what does that actually mean on the hiring side of the table*
Like, the position calls for MS+5 yoe, or phd + 2 yoe. Are there really 100+ masters and phds sitting out of work? or is it mostly noise (25% noise? 50% noise? 99% noise?) What does the “noise” look like? How are hiring teams actually sifting through all these candidates (and are the people coming out the other end of the pipeline actually perfect fits, or is there just choice paralysis.)
I need to apply to more jobs, clearly, but what does that 100+ number in 1 day mean in reality? When my mind sees that, I think, “this is hopeless, why bother?” Does it mean my resume is very unlikely to be read at this point? Or are teams waiting and sifting through 100+ applicants and they’d be happy to find my needle in a haystack.
Feel free to discuss anything around this topic, I’m sure everyone’s asked before but now it’s my turn. Any calming thoughts for those of us on the outside looking in?