Last Updated on September 20, 2024
Glassdoor reports that for every corporate job there are 250 applicants, 4-6 people who get interviewed, and 1 who gets the position. In other words, 249 out of 250 applicants get rejected for the role. For one reason or another, 99% of applicants get rejected from every job. But, why?
The following article will be broken up into 21 different mistakes and explanations to facilitate a clear walkthrough of each problem and solution. Follow along to find answers to the question “why can’t I get a job?”
21 Mistakes Stopping You From Getting A Job
Now, there could be a number of different external factors limiting you from getting a new position. These are not beneficial to work through because they are beyond your control. This section will focus on factors that are within your control that can lead to you landing that awesome gig you want! Why can’t you get a job? Here are 21 mistakes you might be making:
1. You paused your job search after getting a few leads
While it is natural for any job hunter to become homed in on one opportunity, this mistake could greatly limit your options. If you just chase after one lead, then you blind yourself from the others that could be sitting right in front of you. Don’t jeopardize your options by getting distracted by one opening, interview, or offer. Keep working throughout the process to ensure that you end up with a variety of options that are truly ideal for you.
2. You have a generic cover letter and resume
Now, one of the key job search mistakes is failing to set up your resume and cover letter as specific as you can to each job description. Still have questions or wonder about more specifics regarding your resume? Here is a great resource that explains why your resume keeps getting rejected.
3. You haven’t practiced your interview out loud
If you haven’t practiced your interview out loud, you haven’t worked through the kinks and awkward phrasing that will come up when you are in the interview. Verbalizing your responses to common interview questions is a crucial step that helps your answers come across as educated, prepared, and confident. Take time to look into common interview questions and how to best respond to them. Here is a resource that could help you get ready for some common interview questions.
4. You didn’t research the company
This is perhaps one of the most important pieces of any successful application. Employers want to know that applicants are invested in their company. Whether you’re interviewing for a large or small business, interviewers will often ask questions about your knowledge regarding their company. Coming up empty handed to these questions is a quick way to get your name moved to the “no list” of candidates. Research the company. Figure out its CEO, values, goals, and culture. Also, have a good understanding of what this specific role is looking for. An understanding of the company will help your resume and interview stand out from the others.
5. You didn’t follow up after an interview
If you are asking yourself “why can’t I get a job?” then you should also be asking yourself “have I sent a follow up?”. If you haven’t sent a follow up email after your interview, this could be sinking your chances of landing a new gig. While you must be careful not to come across as annoying or overbearing in a follow up email, this email is a way to express your interest and investment in the position. Hire Integrated has an in-depth look at this topic with templates.
6. Your resume wasn’t specific enough
If you didn’t look at the job description and edit your resume according to the position, then likely your resume won’t get you an interview. Resumes commonly get filtered through Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) and don’t make the cut if they don’t match specific qualities in the listed description. Take the time to make every application specific. You may be wrecking your chances of moving through the application process if you don’t take extra time during this step.
7. You didn’t network
Perhaps this point has already been beaten into your brain, but in case it hasn’t: You often must successfully network to get a job. Your network is your “in” with the company that sets you apart from all the other applicants that are just a sheet of paper. Having a reference in the company who can vouch for your name can often do more than any cover letter, resume, or qualification, no matter how remarkable any of these might be. Reach out to family, previous colleagues, classmates, friends, and anyone you can in order to get a leg up on other job candidates.
8. You are underqualified (or overqualified)
Sometimes being overqualified can harm your chances of landing certain jobs. Employers could be worried that you will have salary expectations that they can’t afford. They also might need someone for that position for the long term and they might be concerned that you will not be in it for the long haul. Does this mean you shouldn’t apply to jobs that you are underqualified or overqualified for? Of course not. All this is saying is that having qualifications that don’t match up with job descriptions could be why you haven’t received the offer you’re looking for.
9. Your resume is poorly formatted
While this point has already been briefly addressed, a second look would be beneficial. Having an unprofessional resume could explain why you can’t get a job. Match your resume style to your industry. If you are in a creative industry, then feel free to take risks with your resume and use colors and designs that might be unconventional. However, most industries look for a clean-cut, simple, and straightforward resume. While creativity is great, it is better to air on the side of caution and keep your resume professional.
10. You don’t express passion/interest
A common piece of feedback from interviewers is that those they interviewed simply didn’t express passion during the interview. People are not nearly as good at hiding their emotions as they think. An employer can quickly notice if someone is excited about the job. While skills can be learned on the job, passion is not something that can be taught. Lacking a natural passion and interest in the position could quickly get you knocked out of the running. Be sure that you are applying for jobs you are truly interested in and could see yourself doing.
11. You aren’t asking good questions
If you want to show your interest, passion, and investment in the job then there are few better things to do than ask genuine questions. Your questions could relate to things like the job, the interviewer, the company, or the culture. Ask things like:
- What are some examples of things that I would be working on?
- How would you describe the company culture?
- What attributes does someone need to have to be successful in this role?
- What’s your favorite part about [the company]?
- What are your goals for this position?
12. Your salary expectations are unrealistic
Be sure that what you expect to get paid matches up with the industry standard, your experience, and the companies you are applying for. Otherwise, they will quickly toss out your application since they cannot accommodate your salary expectations.
13. You haven’t applied for enough jobs
Why can’t I get a job? Well, one reason could be that you have not applied for enough positions. According to TalentWorks, one job offer requires between 100-200 job applications. It takes job hunters a month or two (or more) to get a job. If you have only been applying to a few positions for a week or two, then a lack of time and volume could be greatly hindering your search process. Your probability for finding a position will greatly increase as you apply for more and more positions.
14. You haven’t asked for feedback
If you have had several interviews and have been unable to find success, something that could be limiting you is that you have not asked your interviewers for feedback. While this is an awkward concept, the payoff from asking for constructive criticism could be significant for your job hunt. Don’t be afraid to ask for some feedback in the interview or over email. Be sure to be respectful and never be demanding or make your interviewer feel uncomfortable.
15. You don’t learn from your mistakes
If you do the exact same thing every time, then you will likely see the same result every time. Be flexible and willing to change. Adjust your strategy, act on the feedback you receive, and improve your job applications and interviews based off what you learn. Putting in the time to improve your approach could be the game changer for your job search.
16. You haven’t shown you’re a good fit for the culture
Perhaps one of the most important elements of an interview for an employer is gauging how well you will mesh with their company and team. If your personality doesn’t fit in well with the rest of the company, then you likely won’t pass through that round of interviews.
17. Your only applications are on online job boards
Over half of all job openings are not posted on online job boards, meaning the competition for those online postings will be much more competitive than those that are under the table. This is where networking comes in handy. Networking allows you to uncover those hidden job opportunities that are only available for those who are in the right place at the right time.
18. You don’t have enough references
Oftentimes employers rely on references to back-up the claims of job candidates. Not having enough (or any) references could be why you can’t get a job. If they have no one that can verify your skills and explain more about you, this could stifle your job chances. Depending on where you are in your career will decide who to have as your references. Commonly, a reference is a past boss or co-worker. It could also be a professor, neighbor, or friend if you are just beginning your professional life.
19. You haven’t done informational interviews
Informational interviews can be helpful in several ways. If you go into a job interview knowing nothing about the position, then that will likely hurt your odds. Information interviews are valuable ways to learn industry lingo, assess your interest in the field, and gain insights on how the job really is. Beyond this, informational interviews can be a great way to network your way into a job or an interview. They are especially beneficial because no matter what the outcome of an informational interview is, you either can come away with additional knowledge or an opportunity to interview for a position.
20. You don’t have the right qualifications
Although you might have great qualifications for one job, those same skills might not translate to another. Be sure that you have met all the skill requirements on the job application to ensure that your job hunt success rate goes up. Carefully go over job descriptions and find additional skills that you can add to your toolkit. Be patient in gaining new skills, it won’t happen overnight.
21. Your expectations aren’t realistic
While it is important to reach for the stars, having unrealistic expectations could answer the question: “why can’t I get a job?” Coming into an interview with high salary demands or other non-negotiable job requirements can be a bad signal for employers. Be sure to come across as flexible and adaptable in what you want and expect from your potential employer. Aside from this, you might also simply expect to find a job too quickly. It often takes people months to find a job, especially the right job for them. Just give it some time and you will certainly find what you are looking for.
Why Can’t I Get a Job: 3 External Factors
Have you successfully avoided all 21 mistakes listed above? If so, there could be other factors at play that are limiting your ability to land a job. Although this is not an exhaustive list, here are 3 external factors that could explain why you can’t get a job.
1. A Poor economy
There is a high possibility that economy in decline could be what is holding you back from finding a job. A struggling economy affects a variety of aspects of daily life, particularly in terms of the job market. If the financial environment around you is in poor condition, your likelihood to find a job could be poor as well.
2. A competitive industry
This point doesn’t need much explanation. If you are in a competitive industry, then you will naturally have difficulty finding a job. Stick it out, follow the advice listed here, and you will be sure to find that success follows eventually.
3. A Little Bit Of Bad Luck
At the end of the day, you might just be experiencing bad luck. So, why can’t I get a job? You might just be getting unlucky. Volume becomes your friend in this scenario. The probability of you finding a job with an increased number of submitted applications will only increase. Trust the process and keep working through it!
Wrapping Up On "Why Can't I Get a Job?"
No matter what factors in this article might be affecting you, know that your unemployment bout or job search won’t last forever. Make the changes you can and then just keep on trying. You will make it through this difficult time and land your next job. The reward is worth the work!
Acting on this advice will certainly be beneficial to you in your job search. If you have struggled with the question “why can’t I get a job?” then hopefully this advice can turn your luck around and help you get the offer you have been looking for.
Still looking for a job? Hire Integrated can help.
Emily Rushton, Founder and CEO of Hire Integrated, has over a decade of experience in recruitment, helping companies solve high-volume hiring challenges. Her unique, storytelling approach has made her a trusted leader in the industry, helping both businesses and candidates succeed.
