Obtaining a job in this day and age is not the same as it was in the time of your parents or grandparents. There is no such thing as lifetime employment, and there is also no such thing as job security.
However, why precisely is it so challenging to get employment in this day and age? Is it because of you, because of how companies operate, or because of the state of the economy?
1. Businesses are very selective and hold themselves to unattainable standards.
Do you find it annoying when businesses require applicants to have a significant number of years of experience yet providing them a salary that is slightly more than the minimum?
Companies sometimes wait until the very last minute to relax certain hiring standards, despite the fact that their expectations about the kind of candidates they might recruit are often irrational.
Solution:
You have nothing to lose by sending in your application, even if you don't meet all of the requirements. When firms discover they are asking too much of applicants, they will choose the best alternative they have available, which may be you if you are qualified enough.
2: The applicant tracking system is not interested in reviewing your résumé.
A large number of businesses are now using software known as applicant tracking systems (ATS), which may automatically exclude resumes from consideration if they are missing particular keywords.
It is terrible that this is the case since it means that many resumes are not even being seen by a person. Your application could be discarded without ever being reviewed by a human resources representative.
Solution:
Using the job advertisement as a guide, populate your application with as many relevant keywords as you can. Include your proficiency in Excel if the job description calls for it. Include "attention to detail" in a section devoted to soft skills if it is required for the position.
Take this step strategically and avoid include anything that isn't relevant on your CV. However, it is essential that you include relevant keywords. Today, we have no choice but to compete in this game...
3 - Bias against jobless persons
The longer you are jobless before finding work, the more difficult it will be for you to get work. Being jobless is sometimes associated with a negative "stigma."
There are some supervisors who believe that if you don't have a job, it must suggest that you aren't a good worker because they ask, "If he's excellent, why doesn't he have a job?"
Solution:
Even if you don't have a job, you should make an effort to keep yourself occupied by beginning a side company, volunteering, getting a certification, or attending a conference or workshop.
Any relevant experience or skills that you may highlight on your resume will work to your advantage.
4. To apply for positions, you must do so only online
The year is now in the 21st century. Do I have it correct that we wish to do all of our business online?
The issue with having this attitude is that it makes it difficult to compete with the hundreds of other people who are applying for the same job as you.
Emails and online job applications provide challenges for making a positive first impression, and it might be difficult to differentiate oneself from the other candidates in these venues.
Solution:
Create a few dozen copies of your resume, and then distribute them personally to businesses in the area. Make your introduction and then inquire about employment opportunities.
If you make a positive first impression, you will be astounded by the amount of companies and managers who will consider giving you an opportunity.
The process of applying for employment online lacks the human touch. Meeting potential employers in person can significantly boost your chances of landing a job.
5 - Due to the fact that there is intense rivalry, supply and demand
When there are more individuals seeking for work in an area, it is more difficult to find work in that area. It all comes down to supply and demand.
The result is that businesses become more selective and less inclined to pay salaries that are equitable.
Solution:
Try all you can to differentiate yourself from the other people in the field. You should update your résumé, inquire for references, and consider getting a new degree. It is not what you want to happen if your resume is simply another piece of paper in a stack.
6.You do not adapt your CV to the specific requirements of the position.
It is simple to submit the exact same resume to a large number of different organizations. I understand it, I've been there… It requires a lot less of your time, and it gives you the impression that you are truly making progress toward improving the issue.
This is what is known as a "shotgun" strategy to finding work. On the other hand, you want to develop more "sniper" tendencies.
Solution:
Personalize your application materials for each job that you submit them to. You don't have to make changes to everything; simply focus on the most important aspects.
Both the overview of your experience and the talents section should be tailored to the requirements of the organization that is recruiting.
Mentioning your expertise in providing customer service, for instance, should be done consistently throughout your resume if you are looking for a position that demands talents in this area.
7- Due to the weak state of the economy
It seems that there is a downturn in the economy every ten years. And this year has definitely been one for the record books... This is not something that we have any influence on.
You are not to blame for the difficulties that have been brought about by politicians and the poor management they have shown of the economy.
Solution:
When the economy is bad, a lot of individuals make the decision to go back to school. Others are putting forth even more effort to improve their employment prospects. Keep in mind that the economy has not completely stopped.
A rate of unemployment of 10 percent indicates that millions of new jobs are being generated each month despite the existence of unemployment (or destroyed). The economy is active and growing. Have faith, do not surrender, and keep making an effort.
8: You are not participating in any kind of networking.
Did you realize that up to 70% of all job openings are never advertised? These are positions that are only available to persons who have extensive professional networks.
Being sociable and cultivating professional relationships is thus of critical significance. No one really lives on their own.
Solution:
Make it known to your loved ones, family members, and other people you know that you are seeking for work.
Attend and participate in meetings, events hosted by your industry, as well as conferences and seminars.
Connecting with individuals in your field may be facilitated via the use of social networks and online forums.
Request that your resume be sent to those in authority who will be making the hiring decision.
9 - You have been the target of prejudice in some kind.
Unfortunately, a lot of individuals get turned down for jobs for reasons that have nothing to do with whether or not they are qualified to do the work.
It may take the shape of ageism, sexism, racism, or any other kind of prejudice.
Solution:
You have the right to file a complaint with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) if you believe that you have been discriminated against when applying for a job. They will listen to your case and take further action without charging you any more fees.
10 - You're a job hopper
Employers could get the impression that you are a job hopper if you have a lengthy list of previous employment on your CV but spent very little time at each position you had.
They believe that you will get dissatisfied with the position quite fast and seek employment elsewhere. And since recruiting new workers and providing them with training is a costly endeavor, they may decide against employing you only for that reason.
Solution:
If you tend to switch jobs often, you can consider working as a contractor or as a freelancer instead. Because of this, you will have a wealth of options to work on a variety of projects with a variety of firms.
You also have the option of developing a functional or skills-based resume, which places a greater emphasis on your abilities and less on your previous employment experiences.
11 - Global competitiveness and the practice of offshore
Cost cutting and profit improvement are two goals that are always on the minds of business owners. Regrettably, it often comes at the expense of the employees.
Many jobs are sent to third world nations since the cost of labor there is much lower than in developed countries. Why would a corporation pay a worker in the United States $50,000 when they could pay an employee in India $5,000?
Solution:
Put your attention on developing abilities that are "offshoring-proof." Anything that is prohibited from being sent outside of your nation. It is not possible to contract out the work of becoming a teacher, plumber, or police officer.
12 - You are looking for employment in the incorrect fields.
If your application for the job is well targeted, there is a greater chance that you will be hired. If your CV makes you seem like a salesman, you shouldn't expect to be accepted for a position as a software engineer.
Having said that, there are situations when you may desire to change careers. How do you execute it?
Solution:
If switching professions is your objective, one option is to look for work at the entry level. That's the easy way to accomplish things, but there are clear drawbacks to doing it that way.
Building your expertise on the side via extracurricular activities such as classes, internships, or mentoring programs is an additional option.
13 - Organizations that promote from inside
There are certain businesses that would rather employ from inside. They prefer to employ recent college graduates and then promote them to higher positions within the company.
Because they are familiar with their current staff, there is no possibility of making an unsatisfactory hiring. But how exactly does one be hired by one of these businesses?
Solution:
There is no easy answer to this problem, other than graduating from college and finding work. The majority of consulting firms operate in this manner.
You also have the option of getting a job in a rival firm and then moving laterally to the organization of your choice. If you showcase the talents and experiences you gained while working for a rival, it will be much simpler for you to receive the position.
14 - You do not have the necessary credentials or education.
There is a possibility that employers may not hire you due to your lack of education. A diploma from an accredited high school or an associate's degree from an accredited institution is often required for entry-level work in most modern businesses.
Before they will take a chance on you, some businesses require that you possess a certain set of hard skills or qualifications.
Solution:
It is never too late to earn a certification that will propel your job forward or to go back to school to finish what you started. At this point in time, it is possible to get degrees and even certificates via the use of the internet alone.
You are eligible to participate in government-sponsored job training programs even if the skills you possess are out of date.
15 - Currently, businesses are in the process of compiling applicant databases.
There are certain job advertisements that never lead to an offer of employment since the company is just interested in building up their prospect database. This information is only accessed once there is a genuine need for employment inside the organization.
Solution:
There is not much that can be done about this situation. Just keep applying.
If you keep coming across the same advertisement more than once, it might mean one of two things: either the company is having trouble finding the ideal individual, or they are just building up their candidate database.
16 - You're overqualified
Do you have a master's degree yet you're looking for a job that just demands a high school diploma? You have much too many qualifications. There is nothing inherently wrong with it; nonetheless, some businesses would prefer not employ someone like you.
They just take it for granted that you will quit once you discover a position that pays more.
Solution:
Either look for work that is appropriate for your level of education, or be prepared to conceal the fact that you have a degree. It's possible, even if you don't believe me.
17 - Incompetent recruiting firms
There are certain employers that contract the employment process out to other agencies.
These businesses don't always grasp what the ideal applicant looks like, so they end up employing a lengthy and unrealistic list of qualifications that they bring up from some type of database.
Because so few individuals are able to fulfill those conditions, no one is employed.
Solution:
Some folks discover that getting an interview is as simple as using the same keywords that were used in the job posting. The issue that arises then is, are you able to succeed in the interview?
You'll discover that for a lot of positions, those prerequisites aren't going to be verified at all, and they really aren't essential at all.
18 - You have excessive expectations
Finding work typically requires a period of roughly 9 weeks on average. There is nothing you can do to prevent an increase in that number in the event that the economy continues to be weak.
And it goes without saying that if you apply for positions that you aren't qualified for and don't have any experience, your chances of landing a job are considerably lower.
Solution:
Have patience, but the most essential thing is to keep your realistic perspective. Put in applications for positions that match your skills and experience.
19 - You're awful at interviewing
Interviewing is a skill. The more you engage in the activity (or learn about it via study), the more proficient you will become at it. There are definitely a lot of errors you're doing that you're not even aware of.
Solution:
Dress appropriately for the job interview, do research on the organization before going there, read up on job interview questions, and make sure you study them well. You need to prepare for it as if you are going to battle and make plans accordingly.
20 - You don't have work experience
This should come as no surprise. It is more challenging to find work when you have little experience in your field.
Some businesses are looking for someone with "50 years of expertise" in a certain new technology, and they are unwilling to employ somebody with less experience.
Solution:
Conduct research to find programs offering apprenticeships. Find work as a trainee somewhere. Put in the time and effort on a side project that will provide you the same kind of experience that you would acquire on the job.
You need to start things going, and you can't sit around and wait for businesses to come to you.
21 - The formatting of your resume is sloppy.
This is a mistake that many people make. Resumes that are overly long, utilize typefaces that are difficult to read, lack sections detailing relevant abilities, and do not include an objective statement or executive summary are more likely to be rejected.
Solution:
Conduct research on the best practices for creating resumes, review the resumes of other professionals working in your area, and make use of existing resume templates.
You don't have to do everything by yourself; instead, you can take use of the resources and experiences that other people have to build a killer CV.