We examined some of the hopefully, short term and often lingering effects of job search induced mental anguish in my last blog post. Let’s get reasonable here for a bit and take a look at the honest, reasonable causes of lack of phone calls, interviews, second interviews and technical analysis of job search challenges……
Competition- In a highly competitive, and candidate saturated job market the odds simply aren’t in your favor, statistically. This search is simply a numbers game these days, keep in mind please. Linkedin posts the number of job applicants to any given open position, often hundreds of resumes submitted for one role within a few hours.
Competition is quite fierce, companies can attain highly qualified(often ‘overqualified’) for positions at ‘lower than market value’. Think outside the box to get an edge in the marketplace, as the best opportunities fly under the radar.
Misalignment of Skillset- Your don’t quite measure up. If possible and not totally desperate stick to job submissions that you qualify for. Notice the basic and preferred skills listed. If you lack a preferred skills, consider attaining additional certificates, courses and unpaid work in order to level up your game a bit. Remember industry standards are constantly influx and keeping up with changes will posit
Resumes and Cover Letters- Obviously, a subpar resume isn’t taking you anywhere anytime soon. Resumes should be detailed and accomplishment based, readable and enable easy critique from Recruiters and Hiring Managers. Stay away from generic, unpersonal form and lazy vibes, especially in the creative field. Call or emall to fix these issues also….:)
Cover letters-Can be a bit more general, correct grammar and well crafted, eye pleasing delivery get a positive nod. A few sizes fit in most cases, concentrate on the resume first and foremost.
Interviews- You are likely blowing it here without a doubt. Zero prep work and nervousness are the likely culprits of non advancement here. Lack of repoire and affability and inability to directly answer important never help. Think rehearsal and relaxation. Give this group a reason to want to be around you specifically, five days a week, all day.
Overqualification-You will be seen as soon to be bored, transient and a waste of time/bad investment most of the time.
You Are Not The Referral- Best case scenario is to become the referral via networking. This is not about being everyone’s favorite, referrals have a built in company relationship and can be seen as a person more likely to last the test of time.