Why You Aren't Getting Results from Your Job Search

You’re not taking initiative

The perfect job won’t appear out of anywhere. Lucky are the handful whose dream jobs fall into their laps. Effective job hunters are aware that they have to be proactive in going after jobs and looking for leads, equipped with the a strategy in their job hunt. With the resources in today’s advancements, there is no excuse not to take action. Numerous online courses are readily available for use to both update your current skills and provide foundational basics to industries or skills that you want to venture to. Studies have shown that there is a link between success in the workplace and being proactive. Proactive employees are associated with promotions, salary increases and job satisfaction. The more you believe that you can achieve your goals and take steps to reach them in your career, the there is higher your likelihood of success than those who don’t. If you opt to sit idly, you’ll likely remain jobless or stuck in a job that you dislike.

Your eyes don’t have that certain sparkle

Do you remember how you’d tell a friend about your awesome holiday, or your romantic date? Or do you recall how your friend looked like when they told you those stories? I don’t mean that you get as giddy when you’re looking for a job, but there should at least be the same sparkle in your eyes when you do. When you send in applications for role that don’t give you that eagerness, you shouldn’t be offended or startled when hiring managers would say you lack passion. While knowledge is passed on and skills can be learned, no one can fan your passion into flame but yourself. Being passionate about the job you’re applying for should be expressed in your cover letter – why you want the job, and what you think you’ll explore once you land it.

You don’t market yourself

LF Job searching is the best opportunity to sell yourself. You won’t be able to get the role if you don’t show your knowledge and skills. When you do market what you’re capable of, make sure you’re not sounding off as cocky or bragging. While this is different from being confident, some people can’t distinguish the boundaries of which is which. Talking about our past achievements can be useful, but ranting about how you went to this prestige university can be taken to be smug.

They can’t see your potential value on your CV or resume

Your resume or CV is the first thing recruiters will see of you and it’s going to determine if you’re heading to the next hiring process or not. If these documents don’t show how you can be an asset in their organization, they’re going to look for someone who has value instead. Make sure that you have an impressive CV or resume so that you can have an interview opportunity with the company.

You didn’t do your research

Not knowing anything about the company, its key persons, or what they do, while you sit there in the interview will do you no good at all. It will convey send the notion that you’re either lazy or uninterested. Potential employers will expect you to at least do some basic research about the company. Companies put out websites not only for potential clients, but for practically anyone, including job seekers, to get information about them so make sure you utilize this.

You channeled a vibe of entitlement

When you go into your interview, remember that it isn’t the time for demands. Sometimes, initial salary negotiation doesn’t even happen here, although you may be asked or an expectation. While you can quote your compensation according to your market value, asking potential employers for a long vacation as soon as you’re hired, won’t land you the job. If they feel that you can demand like this ion your interview, they would wonder what else you would ask for once you’re employed.

You’re either under or overqualified

This can be an issue when someone is constantly looking for a job for a long time. If you’re willing to take any job, even that which is below your pay grade, or if you don’t have the educational background or experience for the role you like, it may be high time to re-calibrate your aims. Reflect on your goals and adjust your expectations as necessary.

You lack networking in your industry

Today’s workforce is very competitive, and it is important to network. Based on a study collated by Interview Success Formula, 80% of the 3. 6 million job openings in the United States in 2012 were not advertised. It is likely that recruiters scouted for suitable talents within their current circle or their current connections. Don’t hesitate to get involved in your industry and be present in conferences and events and network.

You didn’t come off as likable

If your interviewer simply doesn’t like you, then you can’t get the job. Even if you are qualified, the interviewer’s preference is also a factor in getting the role. You may see this as a discouragement, but there are actually ways that you can sway your way into being likeable during the interview. Make sure that you leave a positive impression and don’t neglect little things like a genuine smile, confident posture and appropriate eye contact.

You don’t have a list of companies you want to work with

Going back to being proactive, don’t sit idly for companies to reach out to you. Instead, make a list of 20 to 25 companies or organizations where you want to work. You can find the appropriate contact by looking for who holds the position of your boss (or another title of the supervisor or manger of the job you want) in that company and find their contact details. You can then send an email introducing yourself, your skills and what you can contribute to the organization. If you don’t get hired through this because they currently don’t have vacancy, then you’ll become a connection whom they can call if they do have the role open.

You’re not utilizing social media platforms

While you have an extraordinary LinkedIn profile, you might not be in groups or have activity that could further your reach or visibility. LinkedIn’s Advanced Search allows you to create a target list, and posting regularly in these mediums can keep you in the loop to be recommended for opportunities.

You have a standard resume or CV

In the case where you’re applying for different roles in several companies, make sure that your documents are tailor-fit to the job you’re applying for. You can’t have a standard or generic CV and resume and stand to stand out. Your documents should align to what they need, so you have to put in the effort of tweaking them each time before sending them over.