Ever wonder why after so many applications, you’re still not getting the job? After pulling out all the stops, it can be disheartening when you realize it doesn’t seem to be helping you get a job. You’ve sent out application after application, and still you end up rejected. You think you’re qualified, and you know you fit all the requirements. But for some reason, you just have no luck with the job hiring process.
Job hunting can be a numbers game, but strategy, rather than luck, is what makes it successful. If you're aiming blindly, you'll find that you'll repeatedly get rejected or worse, ghosted. In this blog post, we will discuss the common reasons why no one wants to hire you. Armed with this information, you can work fixing issues and improve your chances of landing the job offer of your dreams.
Top Reasons Why You’re Not Getting Hired
- Your resume isn’t optimized or it’s too general - If you’re not landing interviews, the problem might be how you’re presenting yourself on your resume and/or in your cover letter. When you leave a winning first impression with these documents, your chances of getting hired go up. Do not just email the same resume to every company you’re applying for. If your resume is too generic, companies will fail to see how you will specifically add value to their team. If you want your resume rewritten for free, try out our resume tool at earnbetter.com!
- You don’t have enough relevant experience - This is the most obvious reason why you might not be getting hired. If you’re applying for jobs that require a certain level of experience, you don’t meet those qualifications, then it’s no wonder you’re not getting hired. The best way to combat this is to only apply for jobs you’re actually qualified for.
- You haven’t built your network in the industry - So, you think you have done everything right. You were top of your class. You have enough work experience. Still, you’re not getting hired. Why? Connections matter. Referrals go a long way in the process of job hiring. Several jobs do not even advertise their openings anymore, because companies would rather stick to the people in their spheres. Put yourself out there! Develop a knack for intentional networking; in other words, connect with the right people.
- You didn't showcase your accomplishments - Your resume and cover letter didn't reveal your accomplishments and show how you've impacted the bottom line for your prior employers. Using numbers to quantify your achievements is an excellent way to impress a potential employer.
- You lack interview skills - You have all the skills they’re looking for. You’re experienced, and you have had your fair share of success in the workplace. You make sure to apply for the right positions and study the job description well enough. Still, you never get hired. Chances are, you already know why you are just not the best interviewee. Look into common job interview questions and practice answering them. Exercise giving concrete examples when you are asked situational questions. All these practices will help develop your interview skills. Prepare early for the interview and before you know it, you’re no longer unemployed!
- You're overqualified - Being overqualified for a job can raise red flags for most recruiters. They'd regard the applicant as someone who might feel underemployed and quit in a short while. Because hiring is a costly and time-consuming process, most companies would rather not have short-term hires. To increase your chances of getting hired, match the skills on your resume to the job you're applying for. Prepare to show that you're willing to do the tasks required, even if they are less complex than your last job.
- You look too desperate - You’ve realized that you aren’t making any progress. It has been such a long time, you think, and you’re still a couch potato. Then, the desperation seeps in. You send in application letter after application letter for every job opening you search online. Finally, an employer calls you in. You arrive overly excited. You explain how they are your dream company, and that you are willing to work for whatever position they assign you to. Sounding too enthusiastic may make you seem that the company will be doing you a favor by hiring you. The hiring process is a mutual relationship. Tell them how much you want the job but also show them why they should want you.
- You didn't research the company - Another factor that could affect your job search is not doing enough research on the company and role. During an interview, many employers ask questions to assess a candidate's knowledge of the company and the job. They want to know that a potential employee has done their homework on the company and is genuinely interested in working there. Having knowledge about the company is one way to demonstrate your interest.
- You failed to follow instructions - Job postings often state what candidates have to submit with their applications. Applicants should follow these instructions to the letter. Employers will use job application instructions as a test to see how closely you read and follow directions. So, if an application requires three writing samples and you only supply one, guess what? You’re not going to be considered for the position. Don’t claim to be detail-oriented and then fail to follow the instructions in the job posting.
- It's not you, it's the company - It's possible that the problem has nothing to do with you. An unforeseen change in circumstances might have impacted the readiness for an employer to hire. It's possible that no candidates are being called in right now for interviews for many reasons like the job was put on hold, the company has re-evaluated its need, they hired an internal candidate or too much else is going on.
Job rejection can be frustrating and you’re not alone. If you keep thinking, “No one wants to hire me,” it’s time to take a good hard look at yourself and your job search tactics. Use the tips above to identify areas that need improvement. Once you make some changes, you should start seeing results. Be patient and keep pushing forward, and eventually, you’ll find the right job for you!
And if you need any support with your job search, such as an updated resume or personalized cover letter, head to earnbetter.com and we can help -- for free!