Looking for a job can be very frustrating, especially if you have a lot of financial obligations. If you’ve tried for so long to get hired but without success, you’ll feel getting a job is easier said than done. Although, in some instances, your skillset or experience does not match the job you applied for, there may also be situations where you may be fully qualified for the job but still not get hired after applying. Knowing why you’re failing to convince potential employers can help prepare you for the rest of your job search. So are you constantly being turned down? Here are some possible reasons why you’re not getting hired and what you can do.
1. You have a bad rap or online reputation
In a world where almost everything revolves around social media, your online reputation can harm your chances of getting a job. Companies are beginning to check applicants’ online activities and social media pages before hiring to ensure they hire the right people. Social media posts that support the wrong cause, touch on sensitive topics, indicate hate speech, and so on can force a potential employer to not consider your application. So ensure that you have a good reputation online. There could be other factors beyond your social media activities. For instance, suppose there’s anything like a mugshot of you or a criminal record circulating online. That can also affect your chances of getting a job. Thankfully, you can find experts that can remove mugshots online, giving you the fresh start you need and increasing your chances of getting hired.
2. You’re not applying proactively
Having a passive approach to job application hardly gets the right results. Being passive with your job application means applying for openings without following up, failing to pursue leads after interviews, and applying to a few jobs. It may indicate a lack of seriousness with your job search approach. Being proactive with your job search means applying to more jobs each week and strategizing your search. When strategizing, you focus on jobs that suit your qualifications and skills. You also understand your expected job responsibilities and other factors, such as potential income. A proactive job search also involves reaching out to or contacting a potential employer after interviews. Even if you feel it’s out of your hands, experts believe that following up can help you land the job you interviewed for. That’s because it demonstrates your honesty and reaffirms your desire to move forward.
3. You appear as a job hopper
Most companies do not want to hire job hoppers or candidates with a history of commitment to a single job. That is why it’s important to keep track of how often you’ve changed jobs in the past. While there’s nothing wrong with moving from one company to another for the right reasons, it may not throw you in a positive light in the eyes of a potential employer. Leaving a job after 2 or 3 months can be a red flag for many employers, so it’s best to leave such information out of your job history. Companies want people who can commit long-term, and short job stints may not help. Consider including 2 or 3 months of employment only if they are internships or short-contract jobs. But don’t make them the focus of your resume or cover letter.
4. You’re not passionate enough
A job interviewer can tell if you lack passion, even if you have a solid resume. You can always learn a skill, and employers know that. But igniting passion in a worker can be a bit more challenging. One of the main reasons why people lack passion is because they apply for positions that do not excite them. But if you’re truly excited about your application and potential job, don’t forget to indicate that in your cover letter and during the interview. And give reasons for your excitement and why you can’t wait to start your new journey.
5. Your cover letter and resume are not impressive enough
Your resume and cover letter are your first forms of introduction. They give a potential employer a good idea about who you are, even before an interview. A sloppy cover letter and resume can significantly dent your job search. You can find several free cover letter samples and resume examples online to guide you. Try avoiding a general resume or cover letter. Create one specific for each job you apply for. Of course, it takes extra effort, but it will improve your chances of getting hired. Ensure that your documents highlight your achievements and suitability for each job. Also, check for proper formatting, grammar, spelling, and facts.
6. No one knows you
You’ve probably heard someone say, “it’s not what you know; it’s who you know” when getting a job. And there’s a lot of truth in that. Connections and referrals are getting people into job positions quicker than you can finish typing your cover letter, and you don’t want to miss out on this power. Granted, not everyone is lucky enough to know people in the right positions, but don’t let that discourage you. You can take advantage of industry connections and network opportunities to get referrals. Start by looking for companies in your industry that offer referral programs and find ways to apply. You can also join professional networking platforms online, participate in online quizzes and earn referral rewards, or find other ways to broaden your understanding of your industry.
7. You didn’t research the company
Inadequate research on the company and role you’re applying for is another thing that can affect your ability to land the job. Most employers ask questions about the company and the role during interviews, and they do this to test an applicant’s knowledge of the job and potential employer. They do that because they want to know if an applicant has put effort into learning about the company. Such effort indicates that the applicant is interested in working for that organization. When researching a company, know who the CEO, founder, or owner is. Also, learn the company’s mission, goals, values, job roles, and culture.
