Why Haven’t I Gotten Hired Yet?

Despite the current labor market heavily favoring the job seeker, many people are still finding it difficult to get a new job.

If you are having a hard time finding a job, it probably has more to do with your tactics than your qualifications. Assuming you’re applying to jobs that you’re reasonably qualified for, the following tips can help you fix any bad job search habits that may be keeping you from getting that position you want.

Make Sure You’re Getting the Word Out

If you were let go from your last job, you probably aren’t feeling too confident, and feelings of insecurity can linger. Many people in this situation admit to having problems with depression and anxiety, in addition to financial and other challenges.

While you may want to avoid talking about your situation, you need to let it be known that you’re looking to get a new job. Sometimes, it helps to think of yourself as “between jobs,” rather than being unemployed.

Network Both Online and In-Real-Life

Looking for a new job gets a lot easier when you know people who can connect you with good opportunities. Conversely, networking is also how many companies find new employees, with many surveys showing around one-fourth of jobs are filled through referrals.

Networking involves a lot more than just attending networking events and handing out business cards. It can be done at church, on the sidelines of a kids’ softball game or at the end of the bar. If you’ve got networking on the brain and you’re out-and-about, you will be about to identify countless opportunities to expand your network. Keep an open mind and talk to people form all walks of life. You never know when you’ll meet someone who can help you out.

When you do make a new contact, follow up with an email or text, ideally within few days of meeting them. Also, be sure to the person on LinkedIn.

Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter Every Time You Apply

Most hiring personnel have been in the game long enough to be able to spot a one-size-fits-all resume. When you customize a resume, you not only avoid looking like a lazy applicant, you also stand a better chance of catching a hiring manager’s eye.

Be sure each resume you submit speaks to each specific job posting. For instance, if the job posting says a company is seeking someone with experience in JavaScript, your resume should highlight the most impressive work you’ve done with the language.

Cast a Wider Net

If you’re not having any luck by focusing on a specific job or industry, you absolutely need to expand the scope of your search. Consider which of your skills can transfer to different industries and ask folks in your network about job possibilities you may be overlooking.

We Can Make Your Job Search Easier!

At Career Concepts, we specialize in connecting ambitious professionals to best-fit career opportunities. Please contact us today to find out how we can make your job search easier.