We’ve seen some improvements in
America’s unemployment rate,
but when you also consider the huge amounts of underemployed
workers, the situation gets a lot more grim. Countless job seekers are
being forced to settle for positions below their skill level and wage
requirements because they simply have no other choice. According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
more than one in 10 American workers
are unemployed or underemployed, and some estimate even more. With this
difficult economic climate, embarking on a job search takes courage. If
you’ve spent months looking for work to no avail, it’s important to
reflect on what factors might be driving your misfortune, and whether
those forces are within your control or not. Here are some of the
reasons you might be struggling to find a job.
1. You’re making too many rookie mistakes
The first thing you want to consider is what obvious
missteps you can correct in your job search strategy. From interview
blunders to resume errors,
job seekers make a lot of silly mistakes. You’ll
probably come to know what some of your weaknesses are in the process.
If interviewing isn’t your thing, for example, you could try practicing
with a friend. Without reflecting on your approach, you’re going to keep
making the same mistakes over and over again. So if you can’t figure
out where you’re going wrong, ask for an outside perspective.
2. You don’t have the right qualifications
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Hiring managers want the most qualified candidates, so if
you’re only applying for jobs that could be considered a “reach” for
someone of your skill level, this might be where you’re going wrong. On
the other hand, your resume can be passed over if you’re over-qualified
as well. If you think you’ve hit that sweet spot and you’re still not
getting any bites, you might be lacking adequate “soft skills.” Research
has shown that today’s employers often turn down applicants for a
lack of communication and interpersonal skills
rather than technical qualifications. Don’t dismiss the importance of
how you carry yourself and interact with others in every step of the
application process.
3. You’re not getting past the screening stage
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While the Internet Age has streamlined certain things for
the job search process, it has also perversely made it much more
challenging to get through to the person doing the hiring. When
employers use algorithms to filter applicants, there’s not much you can
do about it, but there are other screening methods you can prepare for.
Fair or not, drug testing is alive and well in the application process
at many companies, so be ready for it just in case. Personality tests
and other assessments could come your way too, but there are
ways to make sure you “pass” these tests by preparing yourself ahead of time and highlighting your strengths.
4. You’re ignoring your social presence
Source: iStock
One part of the screening process that modern-day applicants
must now contend with is the obligatory social media checkup. You’ve
probably heard it over and over again: Get those inappropriate photos
and statements off your social media accounts. This advice sounds
obvious, but it’s not just the red flags that employers are looking for
anymore. There is some evidence that hiring managers will pass over
candidates simply for
lacking a Facebook account.
If that sounds crazy and unfair, that’s because it is. Sure,
it may seem suspicious in this day and age to reject social media
culture, but there are still plenty of Americans who abstain from it for
normal reasons. One of those reasons, ironically enough, might be to
keep their online presence under control when looking for a job. So if
you’re thinking of closing your accounts to make yourself appear more
professional, you may want to consider simply editing your profiles
instead.
5. Job seekers are in a tough spot
Source: iStock
Last but not least, remember to consider the factors beyond
your control. There may be a shortage of jobs in your particular field.
You may have a gap in your resume that has a reasonable explanation, but
some managers will toss your application aside regardless. The culture
of constant layoffs can work against you too, particularly in the
corporate world. And when older, higher-paid workers are constantly
being cast aside, it makes age discrimination another force you may need
to think about. These days, the application and interview process
can drag on and on
like never before. This tips the scale in favor of employers, who are
getting paid for the time they put into the process, unlike the job
seekers who can end up spending weeks or months on a dead end.
When you’re unemployed or “in transition,” a lot of people
will tell you that a winning attitude, a new outfit, and a resume reboot
will fix everything. But there also may be economic and systemic issues
working against you. It’s OK to acknowledge that. The better you
understand how the job market works, the better equipped you’ll be to
finally land the position you want.
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