The Reasons Why You Can’t Find a Job

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You’ve created a resume, you’ve responded to those job postings that you feel you’re most qualified for, and you might even have gone on some interviews. Yet, you’ve still not been offered a position.

By now, you’re surely wondering: Why can’t I find a job?

With the national unemployment rate at 3.8% as of March 2024 and We Are Hiring signs seemingly everywhere, there must of course be several answers to the “Why I can’t find a job” question that weighs heavy on your mind.

What are the reasons you can’t find a job? From a weak cover letter to a generic resume, there could be many reasons why your struggle is real. There also might be factors outside of your control, such as a saturated job market or a poor recommendation from a former employer.

Here, we identify some of those reasons and offer viable solutions so you can land that job you’ve been seeking!

We also have a free online resume builder so you ensure that your resume is everything it needs to be and is not on the list of Reasons Why I Cannot Find a Job.

Reason #1: Your Resume Could Be Holding You Back

It’s not easy to answer the question “Why Can’t I Find a Job?” with: It’s because of my resume.

You’ve worked hard on your resume, polishing, and re-polishing…but is it the document that can open doors and draw the attention of hiring managers?

Your resume could lack details, or might not be formatted properly, or might even be longer than the typical one-page most hiring managers prefer.

Let’s explore some solutions if indeed your resume is the culprit for: Why Can’t I Get Hired?

Tailor your resume

Customizing your resume can help you stand out from the crowd.

Note the skills that are being sought by the employer and list as many of those as are applicable to your profile. Highlight specific job duties that are discussed in the job posting. Use keywords from the job posting to help your resume rise above the pack

Ensure proper format

The right font in a legible size and a clear layout can be crucial when submitting your resume, especially through an applicant tracking system (ATS).

Make sure you have proper heading sizes and the right amount of white space and, in most cases, keep your resume to one page.

Use online tools to help with your resume

You can refer to our resume builder as well as resume examples to get an idea of what your document should look like. You can also download a template in Word or Google Docs.

Reason #2: You’re Not Wow-ing ‘Em During the Interview

Your resume might be a perfect fit for the job you’re applying for, and an interested hiring manager has called to set up a live interview. Great!

However, here’s where you might be falling short when it comes to landing the job. It very well could be how you’re performing during an interview that’s causing you problems nailing down a job.

Practice your interview skills

Grab a family member or friend and conduct a mock interview. Try answering both general and job-specific interview questions. Pay attention to what you’re saying and how you’re saying it. Tone and inflection count. Be sure you’re showing interest.

Work on body language

Don’t demonstrate interest only in what you’re saying and how you’re saying it; work on your facial expressions and body language, too. Smile. Lean forward (only slightly!) to show you’re listening intently. Don’t slouch or fold your arms.

Incorporate other good interview habits

Dress professionally. Do not be late. Avoid speaking negatively about former employers and/or work experiences. Do your homework on the company you’re interviewing with so you know exactly what they’re looking for and which questions to ask. 

Reason #3: You’re Not Networking Enough

Lacking connections in your industry is not helpful when it comes to finding a job. Some estimates say that nearly 85% of jobs are found through networking!

“Why can’t I get hired?” should be replaced with “How can I get hired?” One way to do that is to network yourself, make connections, and USE those connections. Meeting an influential individual at, say, an industry trade show and not following up will do you no good.

Here’s what you should do when it comes to networking:

1. Contact former employers and colleagues

Reach out to contacts before you begin a job search. Let former managers, co-workers, and HR personnel know that you are seeking new employment in your industry. They may be able to put you in touch with individuals and companies who are hiring in your field.

2. Join a professional association and attend conference/conventions

Become a member of a professional association. Visit the association’s website to find possible contacts. Join any online discussion board hosted by the organization. Find out about high-end conferences and conventions in your area and be sure to attend, especially any talks by major event speakers.

3. Use social media

Sign up with any relevant Facebook or LinkedIn groups. Ask questions, share stories, and connect with recruiters.

4. Maintain your network

Keep in touch with contacts via phone and email every couple of weeks. Send courteous reminders that you are still seeking a job.

Once a contact refers you to a hiring manager, or to any other HR personnel, write a letter such as the one that follows.

Example

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Your Name
Address
City, State Zip Code

Date

Contact Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State Zip Code

Dear [Contact],

I was referred to you by [name of referring individual] from [company name and location]. He/she recommended you as an excellent source of information on the [name of the industry].

My goal is to secure a position in this field. I would appreciate any advice you could give to me regarding career opportunities, effective job search practices, and quality job leads.

Thank you in advance for your time. I look forward to contacting you next week to set up a video or live informational interview.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Reason #4: You’re Not Casting a Wide Enough Job Search Net

Job search sites such as Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor are certainly viable sources for finding job postings, and by all means, you should use these sites whenever possible. 

But you should know that you’re up against some solid competition when you apply for jobs through these sites. Most draw over 100 million users, and, according to LinkedIn talent Solutions, 60% of job seekers use online job boards. 

So, you may well say to yourself: the reason why I cannot find a job is that I am limiting myself to those jobs found on online job boards only.

To remedy that, try:

1. Exploring niche sites

If you are seeking a job in finance, access job sites devoted to financial careers. Interested in a healthcare career? Some sites list only those jobs in the healthcare industry. And so on. Look into sites focused solely on your field.

2. Visiting specific company websites

Everything from department stores to universities maintain their websites, many with a Careers section. Go directly to one of these specific web pages and investigate any job openings within that organization.  In some cases, a job might be listed on a company website before it even appears on a job board!

Reason #5: You Haven’t Researched the Companies You’re Applying To

Applying for jobs shouldn’t be like throwing darts at a dartboard while blindfolded.

Are you a good fit for the particular environment of each company you’re applying to? Are you familiar with how each company works? Do you even know the name of the CEO and other important figures for each company? Do some research into the company to help yourself.

Often, you might be asked specific questions about a company during an interview. The interviewer is likely trying to assess your level of interest. If you come across as unfamiliar with the company you wish to work for, this could very well damage your possibility of landing a job.

Do the following to erase this one among the reasons you can’t find a job.

1. Visit the company websites

Take the time to explore the websites of the companies to which you have applied. Read about the management staff, read their mission statement, become a bit familiar with their history, and examine any photos of workspaces and employee news, such as awards and other recognition.

2. Compare companies to their competitors

While thoroughly exploring a company’s website is important, you might also look at the websites of that company’s top competitors to see what they might do differently. Note what separates the company you wish to work for from others.

3. Read company reviews

Go to sites such as Glassdoor and The Muse to go over employee job reviews. These can give great insight into what it’s like to work for a particular company.

Other Reasons Why It is Difficult to Find a Job

The reasons listed are among the top for job seekers who are finding it difficult to hear the coveted words: You’re hired.

There are of course many other reasons that might be keeping you among the ranks of the unemployed. Some additional reasons are:

• Your cover letter is too generic: make sure to personalize each cover letter. Address a recruiter or hiring manager by name. Note the skills each employer is seeking. Use keywords specific to each company.

• Your job search is too narrow: broaden your horizons if need be. Don’t stick to just one industry or area if you’re not having any luck. Try a temp agency. Talk to people you know from other industries to see if something else might interest you.

• You’re not devoting enough time to the job search: creating your best resume, reviewing multiple job sites, networking, and going on job boards all take time. You can use AI to assist you with your job search too! Set a schedule each day to ensure you’re spending enough productive time on your search.

Remember to review our resume templates and examples to make sure your resume is in tip-top shape; you can fix any of the reasons to solve the “why can’t I get hired” issue, but a poorly formatted resume or one lacking details will derail even the most dedicated, exhaustive job search.

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