Why Can’t I Find A Job? Top Reasons and Solutions
Let’s see why it can be hard to find a job and the reasons that cause this. We also look at what you can do to move you from job searching to securing a new job.
Glassdoor Team
Glassdoor Team | Author & Career Expert at Glassdoor | 16 Feb 2021
Job hunting can seem like a full-time job. If you’re putting hour after hour into searching for a new job but aren’t finding anything that takes your interest. Or, if you’re applying to dozens of jobs but aren’t hearing anything back, it can be extremely frustrating. All is not lost, though, as there could be reasons why you haven’t found a job yet.
Let’s see why it can be hard to find a job and the reasons that cause this. We also look at what you can do to move you from job searching to securing a new job.
Why is it hard to find a job?
You’re dedicating time to searching for a job, but it seems like nothing is happening. It can be a real knock to your confidence and motivation. The truth is, sometimes it’s hard to find a job and other times you may secure a new job quickly.
One reason why you're struggling could be that the hiring market is more competitive. For instance, if companies are making redundancies or having to lay staff off, that means there’s more people applying for the same jobs. On average, 250 applications are received per job, but we wouldn't be surprised if some jobs receive much more.
There may be more specific reasons why you can’t find a job. Here are four reasons along with possible solutions:
- Companies are hiring internally
Hiring a new employee can be costly for a company. To save time and money, instead of looking externally, an organisation may choose to look internally to fill vacancies. There’s no way of knowing if a company prefers to promote internal staff over bringing in new people. This isn’t very helpful if you’re trying to find a new job!
If there’s a company (or two) you’d love to work for, look up their Glassdoor Company Page and see what feedback has been left on the Interview section. This may provide a clue as to whether they hire externally or internally.
Delve deeper and search by job title to discover what skills and experience the employer prefers candidates to have. If you find your skills and experience lack in some areas, then consider investing in some training to strengthen your application.
- You need upgrade your job search skills
There are hundreds of job sites and recruitment agency websites on the web. Searching each one isn’t a good use of your time. When do you come across a job you’re interested in, it may mean having to upload your CV and cover letter to each site.
There’s an alternative, smarter way to find a job - create a Glassdoor account. Once you’ve uploaded your details, sign up to receive job alerts by email. You’ll be notified when new jobs that match your details or match your previous job searches are added. Follow companies that you’re interested in working with and be notified when they post a new job.
By adding your latest CV to your Glassdoor profile, you can easily and quickly apply to jobs that you think are a good match for your skills and experience.
- Your CV isn’t getting noticed
An employer or recruiter may receive 250 CVs or more in response to a job advert. Employers don’t have time to pour over each CV. In fact, they spend as little as seven seconds looking at your CV.
Before hitting the ‘Submit’ button, spend time checking your CV for any spelling and grammar mistakes. Something as simple as a misspelled word could put off an employer. Check that your CV is structured in a way that is easy to read. Employers are used to seeing CVs that follow this structure: personal statement, skills, work experience, education and additional information. If your CV is laid out differently from this, it may be harder to read.
Additionally, your CV should be tailored slightly to each job you apply to. Sending a generic CV each time can reduce your chances of being selected for an interview.
Related: How To Write A CV
- Your job search is too narrow
A lot of people focus their job search online. That’s fine, as most employers and recruiters advertise their open vacancies on the web. Yet, there’s a source that people sometimes forget to tap into when looking for a job, and that’s friends, family and acquaintances.
The more people you speak to or the more people who know that you’re looking for a job the more opportunities that may come your way. Get in touch with family, friends or ex-colleagues and let them know you’re available for a new position. The simplest way is to send an email explaining the type of job you’re looking for and attach a copy of your most to update CV.
Update your LinkedIn headline to state that you’re open to new opportunities. Create a post that explains the type of job you’re looking for and ask your connections to share it with their wider network, or tag any jobs they may think are suitable for you.
There’s no harm in asking others to help you find a job - it can even speed up the process!
Glassdoor Team
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Tags:Job Search
