Exceptional Job Applications in a Sea of 800: Why Three Stood Out to the CEO

As someone with a wealth of experience in leading tech companies and running her own business, Jennifer Dulski is no stranger to the hiring process.

In the summer of 2024, she advertised a chief of staff position at her firm, Rising Team. The posting was met with an overwhelming response of more than 800 applicants.

Within this large pool, three applications distinguished themselves.

According to Dulski, the founder and CEO of Rising Team, each standout candidate incorporated an innovative touch: one included a slide presentation, another sent a video with slides, and a third offered what they called a 'user manual' — a term familiar to those versed in Dulski's team-performance platform. This indicated deep research into the California-based company.

These candidates were selected for interviews.

"Their approach was notably distinct due to their thorough exploration and inventive approaches," Dulski noted.

In today's U.S. job environment, where job postings have decreased and hiring has slowed to its most restrained rate in a decade, such creativity is increasingly crucial.

Uncertain economic variables like tariffs and interest rates are causing many CEOs to hesitate before making significant staffing decisions.

Exceeding the Ordinary

Dulski, who has spent years in top positions at significant firms such as Yahoo, Google, and Facebook, emphasized the importance of a meticulously crafted and well-researched job application.

Among those who reached the final stages for the chief of staff role, several lacked direct experience. However, their ability to deliver something extra made a significant impression.

Conversely, Dulski also encountered applicants who took the easy route, submitting perfunctory online applications. Such candidates often failed to address specific queries from Rising Team.

Out of the massive wave of applications, Dulski's team dismissed those that began with repetitive, placeholder phrases indicating AI-generated content.

Creating a captivating application is essential in today's hiring landscape, especially as job listings have shrunk in recent years, declared Cory Stahle, an economist.

Stahle pointed out, "The labor market has become tougher for those seeking employment."

For individuals with limited professional connections, crafting a superior application can be a strategic advantage, said Dulski. While insider recommendations can spark interviews, meticulous application efforts can compensate for a sparse network.

Dulski teaches at Stanford Graduate School of Business and advises early-career students to network persistently, even directly contacting potential employers.

Nonetheless, when networking falls short, she advises candidates to pour effort into differentiating their applications.

"Going the extra mile to distinguish yourself is a tactic available to everyone," she affirmed.

This holds true regardless of professional connections or personal advantages.

Mastering the Essentials

Despite thorough research into potential employers, it's imperative not to overlook the basics, suggested Susan Peppercorn, an executive coach.

This demands a compelling résumé and a polished LinkedIn profile, where hiring managers will likely begin their evaluation.

Clarity in expressing what sets you apart is critical, Peppercorn advised.

While a personalized application, solid résumé, and sharp profile might not guarantee a position, they accentuate one's qualifications.

Dulski remarked on the necessity of standing out amidst a flood of applicants.

The hired candidate, though lacking prior chief of staff experience, still won the position due to other compelling qualities. Dulski's referrals also earned interviews for her other top contenders at various companies.

"Exceptional talent will find opportunities, even in challenging job markets," she stated.