5 Key Insights: The Positive Impact of Your Application on Hiring Managers
In the ever-evolving job market, understanding what recruiters value in a job application is essential for making a strong impression. A recent survey by Stepstone, a leading job portal, sheds light on this subject, with insights from career expert Lena Ludwig.
Lena Ludwig, a career expert at Stepstone, emphasises the importance of a well-crafted cover letter. It should be short, specific, and tailored to the position, demonstrating a candidate's ability to align with the company's culture and values, and proving their suitability for the role. Using a professional template optimised for applicant tracking systems is recommended to ensure clarity and effectiveness.
Recruiters also value efficiency, transparency, and mobile optimisation in the application process. Applications should be concise (ideally under 15–20 minutes to complete) and include clear details such as salary, benefits, and remote work options. Poorly structured or lengthy applications risk high abandonment rates, as 60% of candidates abandon applications that are too long or not mobile-friendly.
While the survey does not specifically mention references, professional endorsements and alignment with employer expectations are generally valuable in recruitment. Cover letters and applications that highlight relevant achievements and credentials indirectly support the importance of references.
Creative design is less highlighted as a top priority for recruiters. Instead, they prefer professional formatting that ensures readability and ATS compatibility over flashy or overly creative designs.
Job application videos are rarely helpful for most positions, and should only be used where they are explicitly expected or fit the industry.
In summary, recruiters in 2025 value tailored, professional cover letters and efficient, well-structured applications that respect candidates' time and provide transparency about the role. Creative design and job application videos are less highlighted, while references remain implicitly important as part of a complete, credible candidacy.
According to Lena Ludwig, what counts above all are information that proves one's skills in a job application. A CV should usually not be missing in a job application. It is crucial to ensure correct spelling and clear recognition of skills and experiences, as a well-structured application with clear recognition of skills and experiences can make a better impression than a graphically demanding one.
In light of the insights from career expert Lena Ludwig, a CV is crucial in a job application, ensuring correct spelling and clear recognition of skills and experiences. Furthermore, aligning one's lifestyle and values with the company culture, as demonstrated in a well-crafted cover letter, is essential for making a strong impression upon recruiters.
