The Job Seeker’s Dilemma: Why am I not getting Hired?

In the competitive market of job hunting, at HireGenie | Finance Recruitment Expert , we've seen countless candidates grapple with the mysteries of hiring decisions after hearing 'We'll be in touch'. From our experience, the statistics paint a revealing picture. Only around 2% make it to interviews, emphasizing the need to stand out in the initial screening process.

In the competitive job market, where the interview-to-offer ratio can be as low as 1 in 10, succeeding in the job search requires proficiency in multiple aspects, such as - creating a standout resume, excelling in interviews, building a robust online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, Monster, Naukri etc, leveraging effective networking strategies, refining cover letters, performing well in assessments, and engaging in continuous skill development, among other key elements.

In this article, we will delve into the reasons why many folks find themselves grappling with the pursuit of landing a fulfilling job and get into the different ways they can improve upon themselves and various other factors.??

We have bifurcated the reasons why a job-seeker finds it difficult to get a job into three main buckets:

1. Has difficulty in finding a job
2. Has difficulty in landing an interview
3. Has difficulty in clearing the interviews and getting the job offer

?A. Having difficulty finding a job for oneself ???

Needless to say, the job market is an endless reservoir of opportunities that knock on the door as and when companies decide that they need fresh perspectives. The inability to discover the most fitting job may have various underlying reasons. One would of course be the unavailability of the role suited to all your needs and skillsets. The other aspect, could be the challenge of securing interviews.?The below suggestions will help you apply at the company of your choice.

1. Apply for Online Jobs Strategically ??:

Many individuals express disappointment in their job search, often attributing it to a common mistake—applying for every job or expressing interest in LinkedIn posts without conducting thorough research. It's crucial to assess whether one truly aligns with the job requirements before submitting an application and becomes even more vital to share with the recruiter how you personally connect and fit into the role.?

2. Network, Network, Network ??:

Networking plays a crucial role in the job search process. From reaching out to former colleagues and mentors to attending industry events and building strategic connections, learn how to cultivate a powerful network to open doors to unexpected opportunities.???You could also harness the power of networking by actively seeking referrals or reaching out with well-crafted cold messages. Initiating these proactive strategies will not only broaden your professional network but also enhance your chances of making valuable connections in your desired field.??

Now that you’ve landed some exciting job prospects, it is your moment to chase after your dream job you have envisioned for yourself. There can be hiccups all along the process. But you have to trust your gut and your skills to seek clarity and more knowledge in crafting the best way forward for yourself. This brings us to the question of why you might be facing challenges in landing interviews. Let's take a closer, more personal look into that.

B.? You find trouble landing interviews ??

?Embarking on the job search journey, the struggle to secure interviews is a common hurdle. A potential reason for this challenge could be that you may not be applying to roles that are the perfect fit for your skills and interests. In this section, we'll delve into the issue of difficulty in landing interviews, shedding light on the importance of targeting positions that align more closely with your strengths and career aspirations, and how you can go about doing that.

1. Research the hiring trends in your industry :

It is of vital importance to research hiring trends in your industry, because it helps you stay informed and up to date about the evolving job market, understand the requirements of employers and align your job search strategy accordingly.?

Don't forget to stay updated on any big news on the day of your interview. We’ve heard stories of candidates walking into interviews completely unaware that the company recently went through changes like an acquisition, welcomed a new CEO, or even launched a major product – all on the same day as their interview. Not being aware of the company's current happenings can make you seem disinterested and less informed. Interviewers can pick up on this, and it might impact your chances of landing the job.????

2. Show, Don’t Tell:

In the current scenario of high competition in applying for jobs and rat races against time for the best fitting job, make sure that you include in your resume how you are taking steps beyond your education and internships to enhance your knowledge and skill set.

Whether it’s taking a course, attending industry conferences, doing projects or going as far and ambitious as building your own start up, recruiters want to see in action how much you can do with your potential, to believe in you enough to hire you. Action verbs on your resume will always go a long way when it comes to hiring the best candidate and fit for a company.???

3. Using the language of your industry:?

Being the bridge between recruiters and job-seekers, we at HireGenie often find that being conversant in industry-specific terms isn’t just a professional nicety; it is a strategic necessity. It enables us to connect more authentically with both clients and candidates, showcasing a nuanced understanding of their unique needs and challenges.??

Furthermore, when interacting with candidates, demonstrating familiarity with their industry's language helps establish rapport and builds trust. Conversely, a failure to employ the correct industry terminology might not only convey a lack of expertise but could also hinder effective communication. In essence, for recruiters, utilizing the language of the industry is an essential tool for navigating the diverse and specialized landscapes of talent acquisition. It not only enhances communication effectiveness but also solidifies our role as knowledgeable and credible partners within the industries we serve.??

4. Follow up, follow up, follow up:

Why is following up crucial in recruitment?

It is crucial because it demonstrates your genuine interest in the application process and your commitment towards the same. It helps keep you on top of mind of the recruiter and this can boost your name up because remember, it’s you along with around 500-1000 candidates applying for this one position every year! It could also give you an edge by getting timelines clarified from your end and also additional questions that you may need clarity on.??

C. The job offer feels just out of grasp ??

Perhaps you've faced rejection after interviewing with 10 different recruiters or hit a dead end after multiple interviews at one organization. It's natural to feel a dip in both energy and confidence. The following tips can assist you in enhancing your approach during interviews.

1. Read up on the company thoroughly :

Many candidates struggle to secure interviews because they often overlook the importance of thorough and personalized research. Extend your preparation beyond technical skills—stay current with the latest company information and industry news.

Take it from us, we know what sets apart a job-seeker that is well researched before an interview and one that isn’t. It takes a village to get a job-seeker through the many stages of recruitment to the very bottom of it with a great job offer!The first step to overcoming the challenges that the hiring process poses you with is to dive into an extensive amount of research and start the process of learning with vigour about that particular industry. A detailed amount of understanding of companies, their needs, vision and goals to check if any of them align with yours can make your applications very appealing to recruiters across the globe. This tactic is not only to showcase your skills but also demonstrating your genuine interest and keenness in aligning with the company.?

Approach your interviews well-prepared by understanding the company's core operations,? ??revenue streams, and recent developments, such as being in the news.??

An effective strategy is to set up Google alerts for the company and actively follow their social media channels. Additionally, stay updated on major headlines on the day of the interview. We at HireGenie, have encountered several instances where candidates were unaware of significant company events, like acquisitions or leadership changes, on the day of the interview. This lack of awareness not only reflects a lack of interest but also hampers your chances of making a favourable impression. Interviewers can discern when you're not informed about the organization, potentially impacting your prospects of securing the position.??

2. Storytelling is a must during interviews :

Rather than taking a straightforward approach, promising recruiters of your potential that is definitely worthy of the company no doubt, take them on a ride through your journey of handling various situations, showcasing your many skills. These could be areas of problem-solving that you encountered and mastered, it could be a show of your research abilities or even conflict resolution.

Select the BEST stories from your portfolio of experiences. Once you see what job skills the company is looking for, check to see if they match with your skill set and start building on effective anecdotes from your experiences that could be a breakthrough of pivotal moments in your career trajectory!

Crafting narratives infused with data-driven examples showcasing your substantial contributions in areas such as profit generation, client process enhancements, or the implementation of data-driven solutions can significantly resonate with recruiters, leaving a lasting impression.HireGenie has a section just for you on the art of storytelling in interviews. Refer to this article for more on it!

3. Showcasing your soft skills ??:

While interviews are an ideal platform to showcase your technical expertise acquired through education and work experiences, it's crucial not to overlook the significance of "soft skills." These qualities encompass your ability to collaborate, communicate, innovate, and think critically, along with traits such as empathy, resilience, and ethical behaviour.?

In your upcoming interview, go beyond highlighting technical skills gained from your last internship. Share instances and tell anecdotes and stories, as discussed in the previous point about where you demonstrated resilience by balancing work and school commitments, collaborated effectively across diverse age groups, and tackled intricate problems by incorporating various perspectives. While technical skills are undoubtedly valuable, it's worth noting that many candidates will possess them.

What sets you apart is not just having these skills but also articulating and emphasizing your unique set of soft skills, which not everyone may possess or articulate effectively.

4. Connect and Follow Up :

Building and nurturing connections during and after the interview process is pivotal for a lasting impact. As the interview concludes, take a moment to express your appreciation with a sincere thank-you note, showcasing gratitude and reinforcing the positive impression you've made. ??

Following up is equally important. After the interview, seize the opportunity to seek constructive feedback. Politely inquire about the areas where improvement could be made or reasons for not securing the position. This not only demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth but also opens a channel for future interactions.

5. Always remember to reflect ??:

Whether it’s the “n” number of interviews you go through or the struggle to land an offer, always remember to continuously ask yourself some important questions-

• Is this role I’m applying or interviewing for really the job I want? Where is my current career path leading me??
• If I am not landing the interviews and jobs I want, is it time to contemplate a change in direction — perhaps a new industry or function??
• What additional skills and expertise do I need to build? Could an advanced degree, such as an MBA, or an online certification, help me get there??

Through introspection and valuable feedback, you'll gradually surmount the challenges, ascending to the pinnacle of success and planting your flag on the summit. Keep these insights from HireGenie in mind and stay tuned for a wealth of content covering recruitment, hiring, interview strategies, and insider tips to navigate your journey toward the right career path.

In your quest, never underestimate the power of proactive follow-ups and the consistent cultivation of a positive demeanour. As you conclude your job pursuit, emphasize your sincere enthusiasm for the role, showcasing your eagerness to contribute to the organization's triumphs. These final steps not only create a lasting impression but underscore your unwavering commitment to becoming a valuable asset to your potential employer.

May your career journey be fulfilling and your aspirations realized. ????

This article has been inspired from the original HBR Article written by Liza Kirkpatrick .

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