Get Hired: The Ultimate Guide to Tackling Job Search Obstacles

Have you ever found yourself asking, "Why can't I find a job?" It's so frustrating. You're qualified, you have experience, and you're a hard worker, and yet you struggle to find a job. If so, you're not alone.

So what's the problem? In today's economy, it can be challenging to find a job that is both rewarding and feasible. Too many people compete for too few jobs.

As frustrating as job hunting may be, it is important to not despair and to continue to search for new opportunities. In this article, we will help you troubleshoot the reasons you may not be getting hired and provide solutions to help you move forward in your job search.

The first step in the job search process is getting your resume noticed. A well-written resume will lead to interview opportunities. If the reason that you are not able to find a job yet is that you have not been invited to any or enough job interviews, here are some of the most common causes and how to this problem.

❌ Your resume is too generic.

If your resume is for everybody, it's for nobody. A common mistake people make is to write a generic resume that can be used to apply for any job. This is a big mistake that may cause you great opportunities during your job search. 

While there is no need to write a new resume for each job, you do want to tailor your resume to each position so that it highlights the experiences and skills that are most relevant.

❌ Your resume has errors.

Sometimes the problem of not being able to find a job could be as easy to fix as a typo or grammatical error on your resume. This can be easily overlooked, but it can make a big difference. If your resume has any errors, it will reflect poorly on you and could lead to your application being rejected outright.

❌ Your email/cover letter is too generic.

Another common mistake that may result in you not being able to find a job is having a generic email or cover letter. Just like your resume, you want to tailor your email and cover letter to each position so that it shows why you are a good fit for the job.

❌ You don’t have enough relevant experience or your qualifications don’t match.

If you're just starting out in your career or if you're changing careers, it can be difficult to find a job that is a good match for your qualifications. This can be especially true if you don't have any relevant work experience. This is a common obstacle in the job search process but don't worry, we're here to help!

❌ You are not applying for enough jobs.

Third time's the charm, right? Unfortunately when looking for jobs in a competitive market, this idiom does not ring true. The more jobs you apply to, the better your chances of landing an interview are. If you're not receiving any interview invitations, it's possible that you're not applying for enough jobs. It can be tempting to only apply for jobs that are a perfect match for your skills and experience but sometimes you have to cast a wider net in order to find a job.

❌ There is a gap in your employment history.

If you have been out of work for a while, it can be difficult to find a new job. This is because employers may question why there was a gap in your employment history and whether or not you will be able to perform the duties of the job. To overcome this obstacle during your job search, you will need to be able to explain the gap in your employment history in a positive light.

What if you have been able to get interviews but can't seem to get past the interview stage and get the job? If this is the case, you might be making one of the following mistakes.

🚫 Your answers were not tailored enough.

Whether or not you get a job highly depends on your ability to stand out from other candidates. In order to stand out, you need to be able to show that you have what it takes to do the job. This means that you need to do your research and tailor your answers to each specific job. How do you do that? Try to avoid using generic answers in your interviews and instead focus on specific examples of times when you have used the required skills.

🚫 You didn’t ask good questions during the interview.

Asking questions is a great way to show that you are interested in the job and the company. You need to make sure that you are asking relevant and insightful questions. Practice asking good questions will definitely help you find a job.

🚫 You didn’t show enough interest.

If your interviewer gets the sense that you're not interested in the job, they are less likely to offer you the position. To get hired, make sure that you are expressing your interest in the role and the company during the interview by asking questions and being engaged in the conversation. You can also try reaching out to the interviewer after the interview to thank them for their time and express your interest in the role.

🚫 There was a difference in salary expectations.

If you and the employer are not on the same page when it comes to salary, it can be difficult to move forward in the hiring process. It's important to do your research so that you have a realistic idea of what the job is worth. You can also try to negotiate with the employer if you feel like you're being undervalued.

Aside from tackling these specific obstacles, there are a few general tips that can help you to succeed in your job search.

🎯 Do thorough research of the company and position.

If you cannot find a job, you might want to consider investing more time in researching the company and position. This can help you to stand out from other candidates who may not have done their research.

🎯 Ask for interview feedback.

If you can't seem to get past the interview stage, it can be helpful to ask for feedback from your interviewer. This can help you to understand what you can do differently in future interviews and get hired successfully.

🎯 Consult career coaches.

If you're struggling to find a job, it can be helpful to consult with a career coach. They can help you to assess your skills and experience and give you guidance on how to improve your job search strategyies.

🎯 Pay attention to your body language.

Your body language can say a lot about you, so it's important to be aware of it during your job search. Make sure that you are making eye contact, smiling and sitting up straight. Idea body language during job interviews should convey confidence, interest and engagement.

🎯 Rehearse before going to the interview.

It can be helpful to rehearse your answers to common interview questions before the actual interview. This can help you to feel more prepared and confident when you're in the room with the interviewer, which is especially important if you have lost faith in your job search.

By following these tips, you can improve your chances of getting a job. Just remember to stay positive and keep trying, even if the process takes longer than you expected.

If you’ve been job searching for a while without any success, it can be discouraging. While adjusting your job search strategy is important, there are also a few other alternative strategies to consider.

💡 Try a temporary job.

If you can't find a job, a temporary job can be a good way to make some money and gain some experience. This can help you to improve your resume and give you something to do while you continue your job search.

💡 Try an internship/apprenticeship.

If you're having trouble finding a job, an internship or apprenticeship can be a great way to get your foot in the door. These programs can provide you with experience and skills that can help you to get a full-time job in the future. In many cases, internships can also lead to full-time job offers.

💡 Try a lower-level position.

If you can't find a job at your desired level, it can be helpful to try applying for a lower-level position. Don't be afraid to start small, as entry-level jobs could be great stepping stones to the career you want.

💡 Try a different industry.

If you can't find a job in your desired industry, it might be helpful to try looking for jobs in a different industry. This can help you to broaden your search and increase your chances of finding a job. Try browsing through the recommended jobs section on job boards or using a job search engine such as LinkedIn or Glassdoor.

--- Originally written by Candy Ho ---