You have just finished a job application and hit a submit button. An automated reply from the HR team comes instantly in your inbox informing you that your application has been submitted and that you will be contacted if you have been selected for an interview.
Then comes the long wait. If they care, they will send you a rejection message which is better than just silence. It is okay for your applications not to make it to the interview phase considering a high volume of applicants, some might be more qualified than you.
But if all you get is rejection and total silence after every job application you send, chances are something is wrong at your end.
Make sure your CV is optimised
Your CV can be a reason why you’re not getting interviews. Have you been sending the same CV to every job position you are applying to? That’s the reason. Haven’t updated your CV for years? That’s the problem. Different jobs have different requirements and for that reason you need to keep your CV up-to-date and optimized accordingly. Always make your CV specific to the position you are applying to.
Mind your online presence
Sometimes recruiters may want to take a look at your online behavior. Always try to have a positive life online. No one wants to associate themselves with someone with a questionable online behavior. From what you post, who you follow and what you comment to others, that’s what recruiters are going to take from you. Always mind your digital footprints, someone is watching.
Apply when you really qualify
Out of a desperation to get a job, many people, especially fresh graduates make a mistake of applying to any job even those remotely relating to their skills and profession. Pay attention to the job description and evaluate yourself. Do you have all the skills a company needs? How many are you lacking? Getting a job interview requires a strategy. Sending random CVs to just any job will not give you what you want.
Investigate the company
When you see a job posting online, don’t start filling an application right away. Take an extra step to learn more about the company. Look for their online platforms such as their website or social media. Google them. Find their competitors. Look for workers on LinkedIn. All this information will help you differentiate yourself from other applicants who rush to throw in generic cover letters and CVs. With this information, you will be able to tailor your application in a way that a recruiter and hiring manager understand that you are the right person to the job.
Go back to learning
Lacking necessary skills required to a job may be a reason your application gets trashed. It’s good to take a break and invest your time in learning the skills that will keep you on the lookout.
Sometimes it’s not your fault
There are other factors that may not be in your ability to control. For example a company prefers a female and you are a male, or they already have their guy but they’re posting just to fool around with state regulations. They might be needing someone with many years of experience or you may simply be overqualified.
Unemployment can be a very difficult situation to be in. It affects individuals and families at large. It is degrading especially if you don’t have a rational perception about it. Before you add more stress than you already have, make sure you apply to jobs that you actually stand a chance.
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