What Those Job Board Numbers Really Mean (and Why You Shouldn’t Panic)

(Spoiler: 432 applicants are not 432 qualified competitors)

You’ve just applied for a job on LinkedIn or Indeed.

You hit submit and immediately see it: “472 people have already applied.”

Cue the stomach drop. You picture a virtual line of hundreds of other candidates — all better qualified, faster, sharper, with color-coded résumés and executive references. You close your laptop, grab a cookie, and think, “Why bother?”

Before you start catastrophizing, let’s pause. Those big numbers are one of the biggest myths in modern job hunting.

After nearly five decades in recruiting (yes, 49 years), we can confidently tell you that the number means far less than you think.

The Truth Behind the Numbers

When job boards display “500+ applicants,” it doesn’t mean you’re competing against 499 people just like you. It means 500 people clicked apply.

And trust us — not all those clicks represent serious contenders. Many applicants are:

·       Nowhere near the job location (and aren’t planning to move).

·       Not legally authorized to work in the U.S.

·       Applying to everything that says “Assistant.”

·       Or using the “Easy Apply” button like it’s a reflex.

So while the number looks intimidating, the reality is that only a fraction of those applicants will even make it past the first review.

Why Those Numbers Are Misleading

1. Location, Location, Location

You may live in the right city, but plenty of other applicants don’t. Up to 20% of the applicants we receive do not live in the U.S. Many job seekers apply nationwide, even if the job clearly says “on-site only.” That eliminates a large portion of “competitors” right off the bat.

2. Work Eligibility

Some applicants may need visa sponsorship or lack authorization to work in the U.S. That’s another group removed before the first interview.

3. The “Spray and Pray” Crowd

Some candidates apply to anything remotely relevant. “Executive Assistant”? “Marketing Coordinator”? “Event Manager”? Apply, apply, apply! Recruiters can tell at a glance who’s serious — and who’s just hoping something sticks.

4. Experience Mismatch

Administrative roles vary widely. The Executive Assistant who’s managed a CEO’s global travel calendar is not competing with someone who’s managed wedding events or is becoming a life coach (yes, we see it all the time). If your background actually fits the job, you’ve already narrowed the field significantly.

5. Job Board Algorithms Love Big Numbers

LinkedIn and Indeed don’t filter for eligibility or skill — they just count submissions. It makes the posting look popular and active, but the number isn’t a measure of quality.

The Math That Should Reassure You

Let’s take a peek at what the data really says:

·       SmartRecruiters’ 2025 report found the average U.S. job posting gets about 74 applicants.

·       CareerPlug’s 2024 study analyzed over 10 million applications — showing that only about 0.5% of applicants are ultimately hired.

And here’s where that works in your favor: Those stats include everyone. If you’re thoughtful, qualified, and actually meet the job requirements, you’ve already jumped into the top percentile.

What Happens Behind the Scenes

Here’s a simplified version of what happens when you (and everyone else) apply:

      500 people click “apply.”

      120 live or can legally work in the U.S.A.

    70 live in the area and can realistically commute to the location.

      40 have relevant experience.

   10 can be a possible fit.

     5 get interviews.

     1 gets hired.

So no, you’re not one of 500. You’re competing with maybe 10 to 15 realistic peers.

And if you’ve tailored your résumé, written a professional cover letter, and have the right mix of experience and attitude, you’re already ahead.

What You Can Do to Stand Out

1. Apply Thoughtfully

 Don’t rush through “Easy Apply.” Take a minute to align your résumé with the job’s key words — that small effort helps you pass the first screening.

2. Show Local Commitment

 If you live nearby or plan to relocate soon, mention it clearly. Recruiters love knowing you’re ready and available.

3. Highlight Relevant Experience

 Be specific: “Managed C-suite calendars across time zones,” “coordinated confidential communications,” or “supported hybrid teams of 50+.” Precision sells.

4. Follow Up Professionally

 If the company lists contact info or a recruiter, send a short, polished note expressing interest. You’d be surprised how many people never do.

5. Don’t Let the Numbers Scare You

 Even if a posting says “300+ applied,” remember that number is inflated. Focus on being one of the few qualified candidates — not one of the many who just clicked.

A Reality Check — and a Pep Talk

When LinkedIn says “528 people applied,” don’t panic. Half don’t live nearby, some can’t legally work here, and a few probably thought “Executive Assistant” meant “executive in training.”

If you’ve got the experience, skills, professionalism, and drive, you’re already in the top tier.

And if you’re feeling lost in the job-hunt noise, remember: there are firms (like ours) that specialize in matching truly qualified administrative and executive assistant professionals with the right roles.

Because in the end, hiring isn’t about volume. It’s about the right match. And you might be exactly the match, but you will never know unless you apply.