The jobs that received thousands of applications last month
Brits are competing harder than ever for jobs, as applications have skyrocketed, likely driven by redundacies, furlough and desires for a career swap in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Job board CV-Library reported a record number of job applications in July, with 146 of its listings raking in 500 to 3,000 applications each.
The website usually receives an average of 25 applications per vacancy, it said.
A trainee paralegal role in London was the most-desirable job, raking in 4,228 applications — 169 times the average.
It was closely followed by an HR assistant job with 3,333 applications, and a trainee accountant job with 3,272 applications, both also in London.
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Outside the capital, a warehouse worker job in Northumberland received the most interest, with 2,932 applications.
It was followed by an assembly operative role in Sunderland, with 2,653 applications, rounding out the top five.
Meanwhile, an administrator job in Coventry came in at number 6, with 2,154 applications.
Seven of the top 10 jobs were based on London, with digital marketing assistant (2,131), programme manager (1,742), NHS 111 call handler (1,656) and recruitment consultant (1,627) roles finishing off the top 10.
“The job market has done a complete 180, so while companies may have struggled to recruit before the pandemic, they’re now receiving high volumes of applications from professionals who need a new job,” said founder and CEO Lee Biggins.
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“Unfortunately, if you are looking for a new role it means you’re up against tougher competition than ever before. So, you’ll need to follow some tricks of the trade to help you stand out.”
CV-Library gave the following advice to job-seekers:
How job hunters can stand out
Sign up for email alerts so you’re notified of relevant jobs immediately
Network online — reconnect with old colleagues and make it known that you’re looking for a job
Tailor your CV and cover letter to every job — employers may ask more screening questions now they’re receiving a high number of applications
Keep tack of the jobs you apply for so you can follow up
Be flexible — be aware of your transferable skills and consider work in other sectors, even if it’s temporary
