About the author
David Oswald
David Oswald
Founder, BurntCV
David Oswald has spent 25 years in learning and development, including in-house roles at Royal Caribbean, Talon.One, JRNI and Arts Alliance Media. He created BurntCV to give job seekers honest, practical feedback on their applications.
Guides by David Oswald
Why job hunting feels harder right now
Far more applicants, software reading CVs first and stretched recruiters. What's changed, and free steps you can take.
More people are applying for every job
Most jobs now attract hundreds of applications. Why it's happening and how to apply smarter, not more.
Software reads your CV first
How applicant tracking systems and AI screening read your CV, why the 75% rejection myth is wrong, and what actually helps.
Fewer recruiters, more tools
Recruiters aren't ignoring you. There are fewer of them, handling far more applications. How to make their job easier.
The silence after you apply
Ghosting and ghost jobs are now common. Why it happens, and how to keep your search moving while you wait.
Job hunting when you're older
Age discrimination in hiring is real and illegal. What the evidence shows, what helps, and your rights in the UK, Germany and US.
Getting in front of a person
Referrals and direct approaches can skip the pile. What the research says and how to network without feeling awkward.