Why Can’t I Find A Job? (Reasons You Lost A Job)
We often hear this question: “Why is it so hard for me to find a job?” That’s why we are here to tell you “WHY.”
Several reasons why you may not be able to find a job are that your resume is not ATS-friendly, your references do not leave out positive feedback, you are not qualified, and more!
In this guide, you will understand why you cannot find a job and tips to face these challenges.
Why Can’t I Find A Job?
There are many reasons as to why you need help finding the right job. You may have applied for many jobs and sent your resume but have not received any calls or emails for interviews. Let’s discuss more below!
#1. ATS Software Sift Your Resume
Many recruiters use ATS software to filter the right candidate for the role. They receive thousands of applications daily, so instead of going through each resume, they use ATS software.
However, is your resume ATS-friendly? If your answer is “NO,” there’s no wonder why you don’t get the job while you have the experience and talent.
Solution: Make your resume ATS-friendly by adding relevant job description keywords and job titles in the skills, resume objective, and experience sections. Ensure that you scan your resume using ATS-friendly software.
#2. Your References Giving You A Poor Recommendation
You may have to submit ideal recommendations or references during the job application process.
What happens when your references or former employee doesn’t give positive comments? That’s the point where your job gets ruined.
Solution: Before sharing your references, ask them if they would give a positive recommendation. If they hesitate, ask your colleagues or former employees for help.
#3. 100+ Candidates Applying For The Position
Specific job roles and fields are highly competitive. If more than 100 candidates are applying for the same role, your resume may or may not get selected.
There may be a vast talent pool in such an instance, and it would be easy to be unqualified (even due to a single miss).
Solution: In such an instance, play your networking game. Get in touch with people you know or have previously worked with to land a job or interview. Alternatively, tailor your resume to stand out from the crowd.
#4. You Are Not Qualified For The Job
Nowadays, a wide range of jobs, hierarchies, and positions exist. However, picking the wrong job based on experience and skills makes it less likely to land a job.
Since you have limited experience, considering the wrong job that doesn’t align with your experience and skills wouldn’t help you find a job.
Solution: Do your job search and narrow down the jobs that fit your skills and experience. Once you have tailored your resume, apply for the right job.
#5. Your Resume Consists Of Employment Gaps
If your resume has employment gaps, it may give recruiters the impression that you are less motivated to work. Hence, recruiters may hire people who have been consistently working.
Solution: Add the reasons for your employment gaps in your cover letter, interview questions, or applications. Many companies understand the legitimate reasons for having employment gaps, so ease your shoulders.
#6. You Have A General Resume
If you have a one-size-fits-all resume, you use a generic resume. As generic resumes don’t have job-specific details you are applying for, your resume will be rejected.
For example, if you are applying for “Associate Software Engineer” role, tailor your skills, experiences, projects, and more according to this role.
Solution: You need to create a “Targeted resume” for the position you are applying for. Ensure the resume objective, skills, experiences, projects, and other sections align with the position.
#7. Your Resume Lacks Details
You may not land a good job if your resume is too generic or lacks essential details. For example, your resume needs to have the following information:
- Include the outcomes or goals you achieved in numeric terms.
- Start each point with an action verb.
- Include high-level responsibilities
- Include skills and experiences aligning with the job description.
Solution: Add relevant details based on the job description to make a first impression.
#8. You Are Not Passing Ahead From Interviews
Even though plenty of them can get an interview by passing on their resumes, can you move forward? If you answer “NO,” it’s time to brush up on what you lack when you present yourself at interviews.
Here are they:
- Did you get distracted in a virtual interview? You may get distracted easily in a virtual interview. Hence, find a comfortable spot to concentrate and complete the interview effectively.
- Do you feel afraid while facing interviews? Many people fear facing interviews. Hence, be prepared to answer the questions. For example, you can seek help from your friend for mock interviews or even check out interview-specific questions. All you need is some practice!
- Do you promote yourself during an interview? You do not need to brag or give a long speech; instead, you should indicate why you are worth it. Aligning these points based on your experience can help you ace the interview.
Tips To Face The Challenges In Finding A Job
We understand you might be exhausted from searching for your dream job. Follow these tips, and you will land your dream job soon!
Tip 1: Build The Right Skills
If you don’t have the right skills for the position you are applying for, you should upskill yourself.
For example, identify the essential skills and education you need if you are looking for a “data analyst intern” role. Based on that, fill your skill gap by getting certifications and training.
Tip 2: Attend Job Fairs
There are many job fairs conducted frequently. You can attend a physical or virtual job fair based on your availability.
Make a list of job fairs closer to you. Remember to add them to your calendars, as you may forget.
When you attend job fairs, carry a hard copy of your resume and cover letter so that you can hand them over in person and make a great first impression.
Tip 3: Create An Online Presence
You can make an effective online presence to help people find you. Here’s how you do it:
- Share your projects on social media.
- Share your certifications and experiences.
- Share your blog posts based on your experience or any industry-specific topics.
Hence, specific recruiters would find your work exciting when looking for candidates and contact you directly.
Tip 4: Network With People
Networking helps many people to land a job. Specific candidates may have experience and skills, but how they put themselves in their resumes may need to be corrected.
Hence, you can network with people to see if someone would prefer to offer or recommend you for a job.
Tip 5: Take A Break
Why do you need a break? We understand the frustration behind still being unable to find your job. Yet, a break will help you recharge, identify your weak points, and return better.
A break will give you clarity on how to ace your job search and interviews ahead.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, finding a job is challenging but possible. That’s why you can and you need to use our ATS Resume Checker and the Magic Resume Editor to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly.
We hope this guide helped you understand the reasons for your job loss.