4 answers
Yvette
Student
Bowie, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
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What can I do to increase my chances of getting a job?
why is it so hard to get a job to hire me.
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4 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
353
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Yvette - I have been through several job hunts so I think I can relate to your frustration. You may never know why you don't get a specific job, but there are general points of advice:
First, look carefully at the job description and your qualifications. If they don't match - even if you know you could learn what is missing - you likely will not progress in the search
Second, make sure that your resume and cover letter (if that is requested) use key words from the job description. If not, automatic systems may eliminate your resume before a human even sees it
Third, check for typo's, grammar mistakes, or getting the name of the job or company wrong; these mistakes could indicate carelessness to a potential employer
Fourth, if you know someone else in the company, try to contact them. Perhaps they could recommend you or at least tell you about the culture at that company. Sometimes a recommendation could be the deciding factor between two equivalent candidates
Fifth, use your manners with anyone you meet associated with that job so you leave a good impression with everyone
Sixth, if you at least interviewed for a role, ask if you could have feedback about your candidacy. Most of the time, they will not provide it for fear of legal repercussions, but it will help you stand out positively. And there may be another role for which they will consider you.
Last, remember that you may not a job that you are qualified for. But maybe there was someone a little more qualified or better known to the employer. But keep applying. Your turn will come.
First, look carefully at the job description and your qualifications. If they don't match - even if you know you could learn what is missing - you likely will not progress in the search
Second, make sure that your resume and cover letter (if that is requested) use key words from the job description. If not, automatic systems may eliminate your resume before a human even sees it
Third, check for typo's, grammar mistakes, or getting the name of the job or company wrong; these mistakes could indicate carelessness to a potential employer
Fourth, if you know someone else in the company, try to contact them. Perhaps they could recommend you or at least tell you about the culture at that company. Sometimes a recommendation could be the deciding factor between two equivalent candidates
Fifth, use your manners with anyone you meet associated with that job so you leave a good impression with everyone
Sixth, if you at least interviewed for a role, ask if you could have feedback about your candidacy. Most of the time, they will not provide it for fear of legal repercussions, but it will help you stand out positively. And there may be another role for which they will consider you.
Last, remember that you may not a job that you are qualified for. But maybe there was someone a little more qualified or better known to the employer. But keep applying. Your turn will come.
Laura Castro
L&D
3
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Laura’s Answer
Maybe you need a different approach; if what you are doing is not working, think of a different way to get there.
-Identify why you want to pursue that career.
-Identify what is not working
-Identify what is missing (knowledge, skills, passion?)
-Set a new way of getting there; most of the time, there are several ways to accomplish something
-Be patient
-Learn from all the practice you've gotten
-Identify why you want to pursue that career.
-Identify what is not working
-Identify what is missing (knowledge, skills, passion?)
-Set a new way of getting there; most of the time, there are several ways to accomplish something
-Be patient
-Learn from all the practice you've gotten
Megan McCoy
Career Coach
162
Answers
Lakeland, Florida
Updated
Megan’s Answer
It is tough out there right now to get a job.
The job market ebbs and flows and sometimes it is just about timing and luck.
If you are in a competitive area where lots of people are applying it can be hard to get a job.
Don't let it get you down, it is normal.
You can always put your best foot forward by getting help with your resume and cover letters. Practicing your interview skills and asking for feedback from places you have interviews that reject you.
You can also look at volunteering, part-time jobs, and internships to get your foot in the door at a company or to build your resume.
Best of luck!
The job market ebbs and flows and sometimes it is just about timing and luck.
If you are in a competitive area where lots of people are applying it can be hard to get a job.
Don't let it get you down, it is normal.
You can always put your best foot forward by getting help with your resume and cover letters. Practicing your interview skills and asking for feedback from places you have interviews that reject you.
You can also look at volunteering, part-time jobs, and internships to get your foot in the door at a company or to build your resume.
Best of luck!
Ruthie Chatman
When you are built on a solid foundation, you become UNSTOPPABLE!
2
Answers
Shreveport, Louisiana
Updated
Ruthie’s Answer
Certain situations simply challenge our beliefs, while at other times, we might be accepting less than what we're truly worth or imposing boundaries on our own potential! If we have faith in ourselves, we can accomplish anything!
That dream that you've been wanting...pray about it!
Even if it's a career idea and not just a job, take action on what you want to master!
Keep going, you've got this!
Ruthie recommends the following next steps: