Someone once said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Is that why your job search is driving you crazy? Are you applying for hundreds of jobs and getting nowhere? Well, maybe there's a reason; let's take a look at some possible reasons why you might not be getting the job.
1. Your email address
Would you email your grandmother from that address? Your racy email might be funny to your friends and your clever wordsmithing might even land you your perfect lady-love, but I promise you it won't rope you any kind of gainful employment. Stick with something simple. The only thing before the "@" should be some combination of your first and last name and maybe some numbers if needed. Is it boring? Yes. Will it keep you from getting hired? No.
2. Your empty profile
Imagine how hard it would be to grocery shop if everything came in the same plain white box. You wouldn't know if you were buying grapes, Grape Nuts or ground beef. Although it could make for an interesting breakfast experience, you don't want any surprises when you're making the most important meal of the day.
Employers get hundreds of applications, you need to let them know what they'll be getting if they bring you in for an interview. So do your best to make your packaging look as awesome as possible. That means letting them know exactly what you're made of: your profile needs to include your experience, skills and education. Even if you've never worked before, be sure to put something here, like volunteer experience.
3. Your out-of-date contact info
*doo doo doo* "Your call cannot be completed as dialed. Please check the number and call again." This is quite possibly one of the most annoying things to hear in the history of prerecorded messages. And if a hiring manager hears it when he tries to call you, he'll write off your application completely. Talk about missed connections.
4. Your choosiness
There is something to be said for being selective in your job search. Surely you don't want to apply for a position as a lawyer if you've never been to law school. That doesn't mean you can't keep things interesting. Spice things up by broadening your horizons. Maybe you're thinking about jobs as a cashier (good choice!). Don't just apply for retail cashier jobs; that's limiting yourself. You could be a cashier at a restaurant, or even get into customer service.
5. Your mom
There is a fine line between helping and hurting, and your mom calling to check on the status of your application is definitely hurting. We don't recommend checking on your application over the phone anyway, but having your mom (or spouse, or friend) do it is way worse. More than anything, it just makes it look like you don't care enough about the job to check for yourself. It also gives the impression that your mom is all up in your beeswax, which isn't a good thing.
6. Your luck
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it just isn't going to happen. The position might already be filled, or you might not be the right person for the job. Whatever the reason, it just wasn't meant to be. It's okay, because there are lots of other jobs out there. Jobs that you would be perfect for! So what are you waiting for? Start your job search today.
About Amy White
My problem is my speech. I have a stutter and it has gotten worse. Employers won’t give me a chance. I can’t even get a job flipping burgers at McDonald’s. How am I supposed to ge hired?
Hello Robert, you need to focus on your strengths rather than your weaknessess. When introducing yourself to a potential employer, make a lighthearted joke of your stutter. This shows them that it isn’t an issue to you – which will make them think it won’t be an issue for them. It isn’t something you can control, so rather than trying to hide it, embrace it. All the best with your job search Robert.
I think applying for a job at all is insanity. Why bother? And people writing this are clueless. I doubt too many people are actually stupid enough to be doing any of the things on this list. Yet here you are with the advice. How about some REAL advice, like to skip college since it doesn’t do anything for you. Look for work outside of the US. Consider porn or prostitution. Or possibly listing the most reliable methods for suicide, bankruptcy or avoiding that bench warrant for not paying your child support. The bottom line is there are more good, decent, qualified people out there than there are jobs for them. Until greedy shareholders stop putting pressure on CEO’s to race to 0 and eliminate that “pesky” labor cost that so cuts into their profits and people start getting hired and money starts changing hands, there is no hope and suggesting anything else is simply victim blaming. It is the equivalent of asking a rape victim what she wore.
I’m fifty years old and have Asperger’s syndrome…and I’m still looking for my first job. Any suggestions?
AMEN Fed Up! What you said is sad but VERY True!
Fed Up is absolutely right. This article offers only the most basic common sense advice, but does not address the real issue of non-existant jobs! Time for us to hold the big O accountable for not creating an emergency jobs program. I am no Republican, but this has gone on for too long now, too many people are really suffering. Also can’t miss the opportunity to say John Q and others like you lose your one nut sac.
I cannot find work either. I have been everywhere and nobody wants me. It is like the system is rigged against me.
I have been out of work for seven months and its really getting me down. I did everything right as far as my resume, I have lots of experience. I keep getting the ” we found other candidates more qualified than you” email. this is ridiculous. I do not know what else to do. I have been looking for a job since my company went into bankrupt and our futures was uncertain. that has been over a year. this article is for school kids who’s looking for their first job.
I have been out of work for 12 months and can’t get and interview in my Pharmacy Technician field which I have 4+ years experience in a hospital setting. Today I started to apply for anything that will give me a paycheck, Domino’s, McDonald’s, etc. If nothing comes in soon I will have to cash in my retirement just to survive. I have given up on the American dream and ever being able to retire.