Why You're Not Getting Hired (And How to Fix It)

Let's face it: it's not simply poor luck if you've been looking for jobs and getting no response. There's a reason why, after 8 PM, your inbox is silent than your grandmother's Nokia. Don't worry, though; we're here to point it out and assist you in fixing it.

The following are the most typical causes of not getting employed, along with solutions:

1. Your CV Looks Like It Was Made in 2003

Recruiters aren’t judging you (okay, they kind of are), but they are skimming your resume for a reason to move on. If it’s a wall of text, outdated fonts, or has "Objective: I want to grow in a dynamic company" at the top, it’s time for a glow-up.

Fix it: Make use of a modern, clean template. Emphasize outcomes rather than just obligations. Don't just show what you were meant to do; show what you did. Do you need assistance? Here are some free templates.

2. You’re Sending the Same Application to Every Job

Copying and pasting won't get you a job. A generic application smells to recruiters like leftover salmon in the break room. Why should they bother to call you if you don't care enough to customize your application?

Fix it: Make your cover letter and resume unique to each position. Bring up the name of the business. Some of the job posting's keywords should be mirrored. It triples your chances and takes ten minutes.

3. You’re Applying to Jobs You’re Not Even Close to Qualified For

Dream large; we understand. Applying for a position as a "Senior Data Scientist with 10 years experience" after only learning about Excel last month won't cut it, though. Even worse, it could cause you to pass on practical chances.

Fix it: Try to find employment that uses at least 70% of your present skill set. Level up gradually after that. Enroll in free online courses. Create little projects. Put them on your CV.

4. You're Ghosting the Follow-Up

You click "submit" and disappear. A huge error. Following up is professional, not desperate. Recruiters manage dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of applicants. You can get back on their radar with a courteous reminder.

Fix it: Hold off for a week. Kindly provide a brief follow-up. "Hello [Recruiter's Name], just checking in regarding my application for the [Job Title] role," or something similar. If there are any further steps, please let me know. Once again, thank you.

5. Your Online Presence Is… Questionable

Recruiters do, in fact, Google you. You can be more harmed than you realize if your Instagram is wild and public or your LinkedIn is a dead town.

Fix it:

• Add your most recent employment, qualifications, and a real photo to your LinkedIn profile.

• Clean up anything you'd be embarrassed to explain by searching for yourself on Google.

• Keep your personal social media accounts private unless they enhance your professional image.

Bonus Tip: You’re Waiting for Motivation Instead of Building Discipline

Brutal truth: Looking for a job is terrible. It is exhausting, dull, and painful to be rejected. However, you will still be unemployed when the leaves change if you wait until you "feel like it."

Fix it:

Make a small daily goal. One CV adjustment. Just one application. One follow-up. Be present on a regular basis. Little efforts pay up big time.

Final Word

You’re not broken. You’re not lazy. All you need is improved resources, more astute tactics, and a little prodding from a persistent grandma in your head asking, "How's the job search going?"

Give that question some thought, and then take action now.

👉 Do you need assistance locating online jobs or with your resume? To begin, click this link.