12 Reasons You Still Haven’t Landed That NEW Job
Maybe you really do just suck….or maybe it’s not you at all :)
Maybe you really do just suck….or maybe it’s not you at all :)
You’re not applying to enough jobs: Some people are lucky, but I always suggest sending out 50–100+ job applications a day to get consistent interviews and results.
You’re not conveying enough interest: Some companies really want a knock-off-your-socks cover letter, others really want thank you notes, others prefer quick follow-ups, some desire a lot or strong energy throughout the interview, some want you to take charge of the interview, some want you to have a genuine reason to join their company other than maybe your real reason, which is to make a living.
Your resume sucks a**: Is your resume dull and uninteresting? Maybe you got a lot of spelling errors? Or it could be that your resume is too wordy or perhaps your resume format looks like sh**. Is the information messy & presented in an ugly fashion? I’m not sure, but it might be one of these.
Your skillset isn’t strong or tailored enough: You did not convey your experience well enough in your resume to get an interview. Maybe you did not articulate your experience well enough when verbally discussing your background, or you did not apply it well enough to their scenario questions in the actual interviews or assignments they gave you.
You’re too different than the culture: Your vibe doesn’t fit in with the people who make up the company or at least the people who interviewed you.
You’re too desperate #thirsty: If you demonstrate over-eagerness, over-communicating, and antsy vibes, you will most likely be written off.
7. You’re offensive: Something you said rubbed someone the wrong way — and you probably won’t ever know what that reason is.
8. You got too many questions “wrong”: As lame as it sounds, some employers are by the book and only believe in answers: a, b, c, d, or e. For these companies, if your answers aren’t perfect or the right answer for the hiring committee, you go bye-bye — even if you got some of them right.
9. You can’t articulate for sh**: You simply don’t know how to communicate.
10. You don’t have enough “experience”: You might actually have enough experience — and you can probably execute on the job— but you did not communicate this effectively on your resume (with relevant years of experience or in your job descriptions), or your interviews (with articulate descriptions of your experience, on top of effectively applying your experience to their questions). *Remember, even if you don’t have by-the-book-experience, you can always acquire new skills or transform your previous experience into a relevant experience for the opportunity you are applying for. Get creative and think outside the box!
11. The timing is off: Sometimes, companies might put the position on hold or the position filled before you were able to finish the interview process. Furthermore, the time that you applied for the job may have been too late or too early. Someone may even have one skillset or quirk that you can’t offer that the company values or desires. There could be many scenarios, but sometimes it all comes down to timing.
12. Other reasons and judgments: racism, sexism, you’re not that likable, too introverted, too extroverted, too professional or uptight, sloppy, not enough experience, too much experience, etc.
The list goes on and on, but these are some of the top reasons and judgements that people may have. I always suggest to highlight your strengths and transform your weaknesses into advantages. For example, if you don’t have enough relevant experience for a job, persuade the employer or find a way (e.g., completing courses, certifications, or self-education) to make your candidacy bring enough expertise. Another example, if a person has a bias about your cultural background, race, or gender, find a way to relate to them and disarm their judgments.
Getting that dream job, that transition job, or just the next step job is more than possible for you, and I want to tell you now that you are more than good enough; never lose sight of this fact. Many reasons (e.g. bias) that a potential employer might say no to you are completely out of your control, but there are also many reasons an employer can say no to us for easily avoidable reasons (e.g. basic professionalism); focus on ensuring an employer has no reason to say no to you for the avoidable reasons.
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Affirmation: I choose to be the most positive version of my past self today.