Job hunting in 2024?

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Why Is Finding A New Job So Hard?

The ups and downs of job searching and how to solve them

 

The trials and tribulations of finding a new role is a common theme for many job seekers. But why is it such a challenge to obtain a new role, especially when we are told that the job market is littered with open roles and anyone can walk into any position of their choosing?!

Hearing those words makes me do a combination of frustrated sighs and snickering. Why? Because I know that this is not true – yes, there are plenty of job openings, but it does not mean any job you so desire will be offered to you in a blink of an eye. No no, you have to work for it, be prepared for a number of obstacles, rejections and game changes along the way to a job offer.

But why? Why is it such an uphill battle to get a new role? Well, here are four reasons and how to overcome them.

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1. Competition

You are not the only one applying to the role and you are not the only one who would make a good fit for the position.

Whilst I have heard there is a one for one in the employment market, meaning for every job seeker there is an open job, this statistic does not take into consideration that not every job open is one that people want, have skills for or are even able to easily find online to apply to. So it is not uncommon for 100 or more people apply to the same role as you.

So how do you skip the cue and get noticed over the masses? Take proactive action by picking up the phone and making yourself know via an old fashion call.

Want a little more modern take on it? Then connect via LinkedIn, which is what most companies are using these days to find new talent, and slip into the hiring managers DMs. Let them know you are interested in the open role and how you believe you will be a great fit and an assist to the organisation. If you’re not sure how to properly brand yourself or use LinkedIn, we can help you out – give us a call today to find out how!

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2. Poor Resume

Sorry to say, but your resume may just not be meeting the selection criteria. The structure of your resume may be all wrong, it reads horribly, you are not highlighting your skills and thus it is rejected by the hiring manager.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It is actually very difficult to write a strong, eye catching resume. At the end of the day your personal expertise is in your industry, not in the recruitment and HR field. So of course, how are you to be expected to know how to sell yourself in a Word document that requires a certain formula and layout. However, it does not change the fact that there is an expected etiquette when it comes to resumes.

It is on you to ensure your resume meets the selection criteria and structure that all hiring managers are accustomed to.

If you need help in your resume writing, then find out how My Career Angels, can be the game changers you seek. Get the resume you need here.

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3. You do not know how to job search

The reality is, many of us are stuck doing the same thing over and over. We have our preferred way of finding a job, it has worked for us in the past, we are familiar with it and comfortable sticking to one method and one method alone.

However, with more and more job searching platforms available, more and more jobs are being spread out to different avenues. Not everything is under the one roof any longer. For example, once upon a time Seek was the biggest and most used job search engine. Whilst it is still a massive platform, competition has increased and many are turning to Indeed, CareerOne, Glass door and more. On top of this, job search engines which are designed for specific industries are now making it even easier to find the right roles without the clutter of other industries on the platform.

Many companies are working within a budget (looking for a new employee is costly) so if they can find ways to minimise expenses they will. This is why social media such as FaceBook, is making a big impact in the employment game. Being primarily a free platform why wouldn’t hiring manager use it?

Solution – consider all your job searching avenues. List them down and filter through each platform, this includes Networking, Job Search Engines, Social Media, direct company websites and LinkedIn.

Another job searching obstacle you may face is not applying to the right roles. You have not considered the positions and whether they align with your current skills, experience and needs. A hiring manager can see if you are just applying for the sake of applying.

Be mindful of the roles you consider. Make sure that they are not too left of field. Otherwise it looks like you are applying to ANY role without much thought. Before you apply to any job, question if it aligns with what you are looking for and if you meet the basic selection criteria.

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4. You are not selling yourself

When you are looking for a new role, having exceptional skills and experience is not good enough – not if you can’t sell them in the best light. This is where you need to put on your sales person hat and promote yourself like the Greatest Showman.

The hiring manager does not know what you have done and what you are capable of if you do not tell them. So communication is key. You need to be able to express yourself clearly on paper (resume) and verbally in a job interview.

On top of this, you need to establish a connection / relationship with the hiring manager. Body language, tone and speed of voice, presentation and the way you answer the questions all matter.

The best way is to practise your responses, research the industry, company and role before the interview, come prepared with stories and experience to relate to, know your value and your key skills that you can bring to the role that will benefit the company.

Want to find out how you will go at your next job interview? Then take our quiz here

My Career Angels is able to help and support your interview journey with our Interview Coaching package.

Do not stress if you feel you are ticking some or all four of these boxes resulting in struggles in getting a job offer. Many of us make these errors, whether it is applying to the wrong roles, not expanding our search options, resume not meeting the selection criteria and more. Adapt the recommended changes to your job search journey to see some improved results. It may be the difference you need to get that job offer.

If you feel you need assistance with your job searching journey, then reach out to My Career Angels for a free 30 minute discovery call. The call is for us to get to know you and your needs, provide career advice and solutions on the spot, as well as see if any of our coaching services will help you with your career journey.

Book in your free call today. 

 

my career angels – helping you become who you want to be

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.”

―Jim Rohn

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