500+ Job Applications & No Offers. Now What?

As a former recruiting executive, I hopped to the other side 20 years ago to become an advocate for YOU, the worker. I write weekly on LinkedIn about topics that help people build better careers. Thanks for reading - I'd love it if you decided to follow my newsletter by hitting the subscribe button above!

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to host a livestream on LinkedIn with a job seeker who has to date, applied to over 500 jobs and hasn't gotten a single job offer.

Peter's story...

Peter Zezas is a bright, kind recent grad who had tried everything he could (or, so he thought) to get hired. He finally took to TikTok to vent his frustration. And it caught the eye of a Bloomberg reporter who interviewed and featured him in an article that went viral.

When the article was sent to me by a colleague, I reached out Peter with an offer: If he was willing to come on my Job Search Table Talk show and discuss his situation, I would provide some real-time feedback and job search coaching to help him get hired.

Here is the recording of our live discussion:

More importantly, here are four takeaways I would hope anyone in Peter's situation would consider:

1. It's not your fault that school doesn't teach us how to find a job. Or, that the job search market is competitive right now. BUT, it is your responsibility to get out of your comfort zone and keep looking for new things to try and learn so you can get the results you want. Peter is curious and open to learning. Which makes me certain we are going to get him results!
2. Functional resumes don't work. Focus on a resume format that is skimmable and documents your expertises in the logical and chronological fashion needed to screen you "in" for the job instead of "out". Peter used our resume tutorial and template to not only update his resume, but to help him document and embrace his value to employers. This helped him gain clarity and boosted his confidence!
3. Keyword optimizing your LinkedIn profile is vital. If want recruiters to find you, you must update your profile the right way. With now more than 1 BILLION users (congrats LinkedIn!), you must make sure your profile is set up correctly so that you will be found and considered for jobs.
4. Focus on a target job search where you can use your connection story to help the employer see why you are fit for the job. With so many people competing for the same jobs and having relatively the same experience, you must differentiate yourself. Telling the story of how the company motivates you helps them see you as a good fit for the job. I put Peter on the spot and asked him why he love social media. He immediately was able to reveal his connection to the work - and his reasons why an employer would get a dedicated worker who would be passionate about succeeding on the job.

PS - Peter and I are working together, and he has agreed to come back and share his story once he is successfully hired. So, be on the lookout for an update soon!

And, if you'd like help with your job search, be sure to visit the little company you've never heard of before: https://www.workitdaily.com . We'd love to help!