50,000 applicants – one job – one winner! Here’s how my coachee did it!

“500 people have already applied for this role!!” I hear this from people constantly, and for most, it’s where the story ends, they talk themselves out of even trying, convinced the numbers make it hopeless. 


He applied for a prestigious 2-year international placement. 50,000 people applied! The competition was fierce and the market felt “impossible.”

Yesterday, he signed his contract! 

Same numbers everyone else was staring down. Same “impossible” market. The difference wasn’t the odds, it was what he did with his shot.

Two things stood out to me as his coach, and I think they matter for anyone job hunting right now:


Instead of dwelling on the numbers or leading with “there’s so much competition, what’s the point,” he showed up and focused on the one thing he could control: being memorable. He didn’t try to be the “perfect” candidate; .

During 6 rounds of interviews and 3 presentations, he didn’t just showcase research and skills, he brought his love for the game. He didn’t hide his interests; he used them. In his final interview, a shirt of his favourite player was visible in the background. It wasn’t just a prop; it was a conversation starter that made him unforgettable to senior leaders.

The barrier so many jobseekers face isn’t the market. It’s the story they tell themselves before they even hit ‘submit.’

My job as a coach isn’t to change the application numbers. It’s to help people get out of their own way, show up authentically and turn “there’s no point” into “watch me.” 

Huge congratulations on his well-deserved win.

What’s one ‘impossible’ goal you’re currently pursuing? Add it to the comments below 

If you’d like to hear more about how my Career Coaching Services can help you, your team, your organisation – get in touch