Should You Apply to Jobs with 100+ Applicants?

Should You Apply to Jobs with 100+ Applicants?

“Does it even make sense to apply for jobs with 100+ applicants? It’s so demotivating.”

I hear this question constantly, and it feels logical to hesitate. But what you see on LinkedIn or job boards doesn’t reflect what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

Here’s what really matters.

1. The real competition is much smaller than you think

When a role shows 100+ applicants, it doesn’t mean 100 strong candidates.

In reality:

• many applications are irrelevant

• some don’t meet basic requirements

• others are clearly copied, rushed, or misaligned

Out of 100+ applications, recruiters usually consider 10–20 truly relevant profiles.

So yes, it does make sense to apply.
If you don’t apply, the answer is guaranteed to be no.

2. Timing matters more than total applicant count

Another thing most candidates don’t realize: recruiters rarely review all applications.

Often:

• they start reviewing early

• they stop once they find enough suitable candidates

• later applications may never be opened

That’s why applying quickly matters far more than the total number you see.

A delay of even a few days can cost you an interview, not because you’re weak, but because the process has already moved forward.

3. It’s humans reviewing applications, not a perfect system

Despite automation, job applications are still handled by people.

That means:

• CVs can be overlooked

• profiles can get lost

• strong candidates can be missed

This is why politely flagging your application (for example, with a short follow-up email or message) can make a real difference.

Done right, it’s not pushy, it’s professional.

The key takeaway

You’re not competing with 100 people. You’re usually competing with a small, focused group, often fewer than 20.

What matters most is:

• relevance

• timing

• visibility

If you want to improve how your applications are seen, and avoid wasting energy applying blindly, structure and feedback matter more than volume. If job applications feel random or discouraging, ongoing guidance can help you focus on what actually moves the needle.