Why Job Seekers Struggle Despite Applying Correctly

You’ve done everything by the book, polished your CV, applied to countless jobs, and even followed up. Yet, your inbox remains silent. Why does this keep happening?

As a recruiter, I’ve seen talented professionals get stuck in the same job search cycle—sending out applications, waiting, getting no response, and repeating the process. It’s not just bad luck. There are hidden factors at play that most job seekers don’t realize.

This article will uncover:

?? The biggest job search mistakes holding you back

?? What actually happens after you hit "Submit"

?? How recruiters prioritize candidates (and what makes you stand out)

?? Practical steps to improve your chances today

Let’s break it down.

1?? Why Most Job Seekers Struggle: The Biggest Mistakes

Many job seekers assume that applying to more jobs means better chances. But that’s like throwing darts in the dark and hoping one lands on the target.

Here’s where things go wrong:

? Applying for jobs without tailoring your CV. Recruiters can spot a generic application instantly. If your CV doesn’t match key requirements, it’s often overlooked.

? Ignoring networking & referrals. Many candidates rely only on job boards, but did you know that up to 80% of hires come through networking?

? Not optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Recruiters actively search for candidates on LinkedIn. if your profile isn’t optimized, you’re missing out on unseen opportunities.

? Lack of follow-up & engagement. Most candidates apply and wait. The most successful ones engage with hiring managers, follow up, and build relationships.

? What to do instead:

• Focus on quality over quantity—apply only to roles where your experience aligns.
• Before submitting an application, match your CV to the job description by emphasizing relevant skills.
• Start networking: Connect with recruiters, hiring managers, and industry professionals.

2?? The Hidden Process: What Happens After You Apply?

Once you hit "Submit," your application doesn’t go directly to a recruiter’s inbox—it enters a multi-step evaluation process. Here’s what’s really happening:

?? Step 1: Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Scan Many companies use ATS software to filter applications. If your CV lacks the right keywords (aligned with the job description), it might never be seen by a human.

?? Pro Tip: Before applying, run your CV through a free ATS scanner to see if it’s optimized for keyword matching.

?? Step 2: Recruiter Review Recruiters spend 6-10 seconds scanning your CV to look for:

- Relevant experience (Is it clear within the first few lines?)

- Job title alignment (Do your past roles match the role you’re applying for?)

- Career progression (Does your experience tell a growth story?)

?? Pro Tip: Make sure your CV highlights key achievements in bullet points—not just job duties.

?? Step 3: Hiring Manager Evaluation Even if a recruiter likes your CV, they often send only 5-10 candidates to the hiring manager. The hiring manager looks for:

- Culture fit & alignment with company goals

- Soft skills & leadership potential

- Unique value you bring beyond qualifications

?? Pro Tip: The best way to bypass this competitive stage? A referral from someone inside the company.

3?? How Recruiters & Hiring Managers Prioritize Candidates

Most job seekers think recruiters are only looking for experience and skills. But the hiring process is more nuanced than that.

Here’s what separates top candidates from the rest:

? A Clear & Impactful CV – Not just job duties, but measurable achievements. Example: Instead of "Managed social media," say, "Increased engagement by 40% in 6 months."

? Strategic Networking – Hiring managers trust internal referrals more than cold applications. Engaging with industry professionals, commenting on LinkedIn posts, and even reaching out directly can fast-track your application.

? LinkedIn Visibility – Many recruiters search for candidates on LinkedIn before reviewing applications. If your profile isn’t optimized (or lacks a strong headline and keyword-rich summary), you might be invisible to recruiters.

? Following Up the Right Way – A simple follow-up message after applying (or post-interview) can increase your chances of getting a response.

?? Action Step: If you’re not getting responses, audit your job search strategy—are you relying only on applications, or are you engaging with recruiters and hiring managers?

4?? What You Can Do Today to Improve Your Chances

If you’re struggling to get responses, here’s a practical checklist to improve your job search approach starting today:

?? Before You Apply:

- Match your CV with the job description – Highlight key skills & tailor it.

- Run your CV through an ATS checker to improve keyword alignment.

?? After Applying:

- Engage with the company on LinkedIn (comment on posts, connect with employees).

- Send a personalized message to the recruiter (not just "Hi, I applied").

?? Ongoing Strategy:

- Build relationships with recruiters & hiring managers before you need a job.

- Showcase your expertise on LinkedIn—posts, comments, and engagement help.

Conclusion: Job Searching is More Than Just Applying

If you’re not landing interviews, it’s not always about your qualifications—it’s about how you’re approaching the job search.

?? Key Takeaways:

?? Focus on quality over quantity in applications.

?? Optimize your CV, LinkedIn, and networking efforts together.

?? Engage with recruiters beyond just applying.

Let’s talk: Have you ever applied and heard nothing back? Drop a comment or leave a direct message with your experience, I’d love to help you troubleshoot your job search strategy!