Applying for Marketing Jobs in the Age of AI Bots? Our Job Hunting Dos & Don’ts 👀

Looking for marketing jobs, PR jobs or digital roles in Birmingham and the Midlands right now? It’s a competitive market, and it can be tempting to treat your job search as a numbers game – apply for as many roles as possible and hope something sticks….

There’s a difference between applying for lots of jobs and applying well.

As a Birmingham recruitment agency specialising in marketing, PR, creative and digital recruitment, here are a few things we’d recommend.

✅ DO keep track of your applications

If we had a pound for every time a candidate said:

“I can’t remember if I’ve applied there before…”

Applying for multiple jobs is absolutely fine – just keep track of them!

A simple spreadsheet or note can help you record:

• Company and job title
• Salary
• Date you applied
• Who you applied through
• Any follow-ups or feedback

It also helps avoid recruiters accidentally duplicating an application you’ve already made directly.

✏️ DO tailor your CV

You don't need to completely rewrite your CV for every application, but make sure the relevant experience is easy to spot.

Read the job advert and look at the key skills they want.

Applying for a PR job? Highlight your media relations, writing and campaign experience.

Applying for a marketing job? Make sure the relevant channels, campaigns and results are clear.

Don't make the hiring manager hunt for the information they need.

🤖 DON’T assume an AI bot rejected you

We’ve seen lots of discussion about candidates being instantly rejected by AI.

Sometimes there’s a much simpler explanation: knockout questions.

You could be automatically rejected because:

• Your salary expectations are above budget
• You can’t meet the location or hybrid requirements
• You don’t have an essential skill
• You require sponsorship that isn’t available

Always read the criteria before applying, if you’re using a platform like LinkedIn, Reed and Indeed these knockout questions will be at play so it’s worth considering if it’s best to apply on this platform or directly to the employer/ recruiter.

📩 DO follow up

Found a role you genuinely love? Make an impression.

Find the recruiter, HR contact or hiring manager on LinkedIn and send them a quick message.Tell them you’ve applied, why you’re interested and that you’d love to hear more.

You don't have to wait for an interview to stand out.

🚫 DON’T be put off by “500 people have applied”

500 applications doesn't mean 500 suitable candidates.

We reject around 80% of the applications we receive through job boards because they don’t meet the essential criteria.

So if you:

• Have the right skills ✅
• Are happy with the salary ✅
• Can get to the location ✅
• Meet the key requirements ✅

Apply - Don't let a big application number put you off.

👀 And finally… READ THE ADVERT!

It sounds obvious, but check:

📍 Location
💰 Salary
🏠 Hybrid/office requirements
💼 Experience needed
📝 Responsibilities

Mass applying might feel productive, but five strong, relevant applications could get you much further than 50 random ones.

If you’re currently looking for marketing jobs, PR jobs, digital jobs or creative roles in Birmingham and across the Midlands, keep an eye on our latest vacancies.

And remember: track your applications, tailor your CV, follow up and focus on the jobs where you can genuinely show why you’re a great fit.