Are These Issues Ruining Your Chances?

Nancy Anderson
Posted by in Career Advice


Finding a great job can be difficult, but it's especially hard if you're making mistakes that ruin your chances with hiring managers. A job search is a job in itself, and it's important to step back from time to time and assess how your actions are influencing the outcome. If you're getting discouraged in your job search, work on these issues to improve your prospects.

Inadequate Cover Letter

Cover letters are still an important part of your application package. Make sure yours does its job. A great cover letter is neither too stuffy and formal nor too casual. Instead, succinctly share why you're interested in the specific position and why you're uniquely qualified for the job. Use a friendly but professional tone and keep it to less than a page. Remember this is your introduction to the hiring manager. Be extra careful with your proofreading to ensure you make a great first impression.

Bad Resume

Does your resume ramble on by giving your job history for the past 20 years? Is it difficult to read or not clearly relevant to your current job search? Long resumes and resumes that are hard to read are quickly discarded. Make sure your resume is well-organized and the reader is able to see clearly how the points on the resume relate to the open position. Focus on your achievements and include quantifiable data whenever possible. Bulleted lists and white space make it easy for the reader to pick out key points in just a few seconds.

Poor Qualifications

Although it's possible to get a position without having all the required qualifications, not being qualified is a huge disadvantage, especially if the applicant pool is large. If you're applying in a field where most applicants are better qualified than you, go ahead and seek more training. Add courses you're currently taking to your resume to show you're willing to continue learning and growing in the field. If you feel you're highly qualified but are still overlooked, consider seeking extra credentials to help you stand out from the crowd during your job search. For example, become certified in technologies commonly used in your field, join a professional organization and attend conferences, or add CPR and first-aid certifications to your credentials.

Not Enough Effort

Many applicants feel discouraged in their job search after only sending out a few resumes. Don't let that happen to you. It can take hundreds of applications before you get a job offer. If you're determined enough, eventually you'll get interviews. If they don't lead to offers, seek feedback to help you do better in the future. The only sure way to avoid getting hired is by not trying, so get out there and network, research and apply.

If your cover letter and resume are on point, your qualifications are high, and you're making enough effort but still aren't getting any responses, have someone in your field take a look at your application materials with a critical eye. Concerted effort is the best way to remedy any issues for a successful job search. What steps have you taken to improve your chances of getting hired?


Photo courtesy of Sira Anamwong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 

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  • Nancy Anderson
    Nancy Anderson

    @Jason G thanks for your comment. So sorry to hear what you are going through. Have you exhausted all possible job leads? What about on LinkedIn? Networking opportunities? Temp agencies? What about a recruiter who will work for you? Friends? It's a great time of the year for construction and lawn service positions. It may not be exactly what you are looking for but it should help with your finances. Suicide is not the answer as you well know. What would happen to your girls? The jobs are out there Jason. Keep searching. Make sure that you are treating the search as a job. Put in the time - every day. Get resumes out there. Follow up on them. Try the agencies. Since you are getting access, have you gone through them for job assistance? What about something like FedEx or UPS? I know that in my area they are begging for drivers. Just something to bring money in while you search for your dream job. Another big one in my area is Aldi's. They are growing so fast now - sort of gobbling up the smaller grocers. May not be the ideal but it will keep a roof over your head. We wish you all the best.

  • JASON G.
    JASON G.

    I've been looking for work since Walmart fired me the day after I got injured through no fault of my own. Though I ultimately was awarded unemployment (for being terminated through no fault of my own) I have not found consistent work since November 2016. I've had my resume reviewed multiple times by multiple people. I've paid to have my resume and cover letter updated. I make it a point to tweak my resume and cover letter to match positions to which I am applying. I've done odd jobs in construction, managing small projects, and some tech writing work, but it is no where near enough to keep me or my daughters from ending up homeless. I no longer qualify for assistance because I've exhausted it. I now only get food help. I consider ending my life often because I do not have value if I am not making money for my kids. I'm going to therapy, but I don't see the point. If I do not have a good job making money so that my girls and I do not end up homeless, then I have no value and would be better off dead. Unfortunately, suicide is only an option in this country for terminal illnesses. The only place I know of that offers assisted suicide where I might be able to go is in Switzerland or Sweden. If I had money to go there, I wouldn't feel suicidal.

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