ZipRecruiter Gives Job Seekers a New Way to Get Noticed Faster
TECHNOLOGY
ZipRecruiter Now Lets Job Seekers Jump to the Top of the Resume Pile.
For millions of job seekers, the modern application process often feels like shouting into a void. You hit "submit" and hope for the best, only to find yourself lost in what many call the "application black hole." Today, ZipRecruiter unveiled a significant product innovation designed to solve this frustration: Be Seen First.
The new tool allows job seekers to move their application to the top of the recruiter’s pile, nearly doubling their chances of starting a conversation with an employer.
Context Over Keywords
In an era of automated hiring systems, great candidates are often buried under a sheer volume of resumes. Be Seen First shifts the power back to the individual by allowing them to add a short, personalized note to their application. This note gives candidates a space to explain their enthusiasm, fit, and unique personality, qualities that a traditional resume often fails to capture.
“Something as simple as telling a veterinary clinic, 'I've been in pet care for 5+ years, and I'm the person who remembers every dog's favorite scratch spot,' can make all the difference,” said Megan Allen, Chief Product Officer at ZipRecruiter.
The Data Behind the Boost
ZipRecruiter’s internal data shows that this "signal of intent" is highly effective. Job seekers who utilize Be Seen First are nearly 2x more likely to enter the interview phase. By prioritizing candidates who take the extra effort to communicate their specific interest, ZipRecruiter is helping turn one-way applications into two-way opportunities.
Solving the Volume Problem
The benefit isn't just for the applicant. For employers, Be Seen First acts as a high-intent filter. Recruiters are often inundated with hundreds of generic applications, making it difficult to find the truly motivated candidates. A dedicated dashboard now prioritizes these boosted applications, allowing hiring teams to focus their time on the people who have already demonstrated extra effort and clear communication skills.
“Hiring teams want to move quickly from scanning applications to having real conversations,” noted Scott Steinberg, VP of Job Seeker Product. “They are eager to prioritize candidates who show their enthusiasm.”
How to Use 'Be Seen First'
The feature is currently available on tens of thousands of job listings across the platform. Job seekers can look for the purple Be Seen First badge on eligible job posts. Once they apply, they are prompted to add their personalized message, which instantly moves their application to the front of the line.
Humanizing the Algorithm
In 2026, the labor market is moving away from "The Great Freeze" and back toward a period of active hiring. However, the technology gap remains a hurdle. ZipRecruiter’s Be Seen First is a masterclass in "Humanizing the Algorithm". By creating a product that prioritizes effort and context over mere keyword matching, ZipRecruiter is proving that the most successful tech platforms of the future will be those that re-inject human connection into automated systems. For brands in the SaaS and HR space, the lesson is clear: your value isn't just in the "match", it's in the momentum you provide.