Not Getting Hired? Put in the Basics
Are you looking for work and taking loss after loss? Isn’t there someone out there who finds you and what you offer valuable? Is there some secret to getting hired?
I know what you mean. I was a senior manager until 4 years ago, and I examined thousands upon thousands resumes, performed hundreds of interviews, and hired dozens of people.
During that time, I’ve learned a few things about the job search. I know what employers want, and I know what causes them to reject applicants.
Maybe you’ve been on hundreds interviews? Have you sent out thousands of resumes? Or maybe you’re not getting any responses at all? No one has called you back after the phone interview? Or are you getting rejected after the interview?
Perhaps you are going going about your job hunt incorrectly. If you keep trying the same thing over and over without results, it’s time to change your modus operandi. What have you got to lose?
Yeah, I know it’s easier to whine about it on Facebook and LinkedIn, but that won’t get you any closer to being employed.
There are jobs to be had. Jobs that pay reasonably well and that are in your area or can be worked remotely.
So why can’t you find one?
You keep doing the wrong thing. It’s as simple as that.
What’s the wrong thing?
- Sending out resume after resume. Emailing or mailing thousands of resumes blind no longer works, if it ever did.
- Not customizing your resume or cover letter. Target your resume and cover letter directly at the position.
- Not doing your homework. In your cover letter, explain, briefly, why you are applying.
- Talking to much about YOU. What do you bring to the table? How can you help the employer? They want to hire someone to solve a problem. Address that as best you can.
- Presenting an inappropriate image. Dress up for your interviews.
- Screwing up the interview. Be professional at the interview.
- Being late. Don’t ever be late. Not even one minute. Be early.
- Poor social media presence. Audit your social media, and delete the junk.
- Poor LinkedIn. Employers will look at LinkedIn. Make sure yours shines.
What can you do to improve your chances of getting hired?
- Ensure your resume is tip-top professional. Hire a pro if needed.
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is as perfect as you can make it. Hire a pro to write it if needed.
- Get a professional headshot for your LinkedIn. (Stressing PROFESSIONAL)
- Drill your interview skills with friends.
- Drill your phone interview skills. Use a friend to help.
- When you apply for a job, do your basic research about the company, and write a custom, for them only, cover letter. Use the internet.
- Go to the interview dressed well. Ask a friend to look you over and make sure you shine.
- Maintain good eye contact. Ask a friend to help you work on this if needed.
- If you don’t get the job, ruthlessly examine what happened and correct.
- Build your network like crazy.
- Attend local networking groups.
#9 is critical. You didn’t get the job? Ask the manager for some advice. Why didn’t you get it? Correct what’s needed. Also, ask if the manager knows of anyone else who needs your skills, either in the company or connected to them in their network.
Keep trying. You’ll succeed and get hired – But only if you CHANGE what is not working.
Failing the same way over and over is insanity.
You agree? Leave your comments below.
Richard is the Owner and Senior Writer for The Writing King, a bestselling author, and ghostwriter. He’s written and published 63 books, ghostwritten 40+ books, as well as hundreds of blog articles.
