Why Won’t Anyone Hire Me? (40+ Tips From Experts)

So you’ve applied to multiple job openings. However, you still haven’t received any good news or job offers.

“What must have been the problem?”
“Are my credentials not good enough?”
“Don’t I have the skills required for this particular job?”

It can be frustrating and downright discouraging when this happens. To help understand why no one has hired you yet, we asked experts to share their insights.

Lattice Hudson

Lattice Hudson

Business Coach and Leadership Mentor | Founder, Lattice & Co

You didn’t provide adequate references

When looking to apply virtually anywhere, you must make sure you have adequate references first. Employers don’t just want to hear about you from you; since everyone glorifies themselves, they’d much rather see what your previous employer has to say.

Not providing adequate references leads to employers questioning your competency.

They are much more likely to hire employees with glowing references or letters of recommendation since it is proof of their competency.

Related: What to Do If You Don’t Have References for a Job

You weren’t truthful about your experience and qualifications

It is also critical not to include misleading information on a resume. When a business examines your employment history and discovers fraudulent information, it is a red flag that you should not be hired.

Companies have high ethical standards, so it’s critical to be truthful about your experience and qualifications.

You didn’t show enough perseverance

When you’re searching for employment, you’re selling yourself, so make it a priority to maintain this mentality throughout the job hunt, even if you’re being disregarded.

It’s critical to realize that an employer is not doing you a favor by hiring you. So, much like a salesperson, you can’t let anything stop you—even if you don’t get a response.

Every excellent salesperson understands the need for perseverance.

Finally, following up with a contact is acceptable, especially if you wish to break free from the “I’m being ignored” whirlpool.

You should consider the size of the company

Remember the size of the company to which you’re applying. A particularly large corporation will most likely have a large employment section, and it may take some time to sort through applications. It’s quite alright to follow up a month after you’ve submitted your paperwork.

If a month goes by without an answer, it could be a good idea to put that possibility on the back burner and concentrate on other choices.

Maintain a professional demeanor at all times. You may be upset during this procedure, but you don’t want to destroy any bridges by following up. After all, these things may come full circle.

Agnieszka Goulin

Agnieszka Goulin

Head of People, Spacelift

Your online presence is problematic: Your past posts or photos might hurt your credibility

Job hunting can be a long and stressful process, especially if you’re unemployed or unhappy with your current workplace environment. It takes a lot of effort to stay confident and patient amid rejection letters or sometimes unresponded applications.

There can be many reasons why you cannot land a job, such as:

  • Having a poor resume and cover letter
  • You’re applying for the wrong position
  • You don’t have the right skills or experience
  • You lied on your resume
  • Your online presence is problematic

Related: What Is the Difference Between a Resume and Cover Letter?

The reasons mentioned above are just a few examples for not landing a job/interview, and there are ways to combat them.

First of all, it’s important to note that many US companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and maybe the way your resume is formatted blocks your application from being received by the recruiter.

Check for typos, spelling mistakes, grammatical mistakes, or bad formatting and correct them.

What’s more, ensure that you meet the qualifications and are not overvaluing yourself, meaning that you’re not applying for jobs requiring a Ph.D. while you have a Bachelor’s degree.

Look up your name and surname and see what Google has to show for it.
Maybe your past posts or photos don’t follow the values of the companies you’re applying for.

The job market is rigorous nowadays, and you never know when your drunk photos from student life might hurt your credibility.

Kristin Heller, PHR

Kristin Heller

Leadership Coach | HR consultant, HR Creative Consulting

You haven’t found the right fit for you

The quick answer is because you haven’t found the right role, the right fit for you. What do you really want to do?

This is your life and your time. Give thought to how you want to spend your time.

Once you figure it out, search for those organizations that can best support you. As you are searching for the role that is meant for you, there are a few things you can do to make sure you are putting your best self out there.

When applying for jobs, candidates should consider the following:

  • Provide a clear and concise resume that is free of grammatical and spelling errors.
  • Research the company.
    • Do you believe in this company?
    • Do you believe in what they do and how they do it?
  • Fit within a company is equally as important from the employer side as it is from the employee side.
    • Make sure the companies you are applying to do something that you can stand up for and support during your time with them.

Prepare for your interview:

  • Be on time.
  • Dress appropriately for the role and the organization.
  • Be prepared, i.e., well-rested with a great attitude.
  • Be engaged.
    • Make sure you sit up straight and engage in eye contact.
    • Turn your cell phone off.
  • Provide thoughtful responses.
    • If you respond with a yes or no, explain why.
  • Be honest.
    • It is acceptable not to know how to answer a question; it is not acceptable to be untruthful about it.
  • Be authentic in your interview.

Be patient. The right role will come along for you. Searching for a job can be exhausting and time-consuming. Do not panic.

There are all kinds of companies with all kinds of roles. The job market changes daily. Keep at it. You will find the right fit for you.

Yuvay Meyers Ferguson, Ph.D

Yuvay Ferguson

Assistant Dean, Impact and Engagement | Associate Professor in the School of Business at Howard University

Many job seekers are disillusioned by looking at reports of “Thousands of jobs available” on the news but getting overlooked when they apply for roles they never get hired for.

Potential employees could benefit from these few hints that explain why they aren’t getting hired.

You aren’t jumping on opportunities quick enough

When a job is posted, don’t take a week to apply. The position may be closed or filled when you wait for your resume and cover letter to become perfect.

My general advice: Apply the day you see the role posted.

Along the same lines, that also means that you need to look where the jobs are being posted to see them as soon as possible. LinkedIn and Indeed both allow for easy searching and registration for job alerts.

Make sure that you are staying alert and ready to apply as soon as it hits the job boards. Perfect candidates can easily be overlooked based on timing.

Your resume isn’t lining up with the job posting

Most talent management teams work thin and rely on HRIS software to vet resumes. You should look at each job description you apply for, and edit/add words based on the details in the description.

The software’s AI (artificial intelligence) may not get the nuanced connection between your previous work and the job description it’s vetting you against.

Make it simple and straightforward that you are a viable candidate with the same set of skills and experiences they are looking for in a candidate.

You aren’t using your network to get an extra boost

Once you’ve found a great job that you want to apply for, utilize your networking skills to help cut through the clutter.

  1. Apply.
  2. Try to find a human connection.
    • Do you have a friend that works there?
    • Do you know the name of the hiring manager?

Try to connect with someone internal to help get your resume seen. This can make the difference between getting the job or getting overlooked for a candidate with more visibility.

Chris Lewandowski

Chris Lewandowski

President, Princess Dental Staffing

Job seekers usually take up to six months before finally securing another job. But if you’re stuck in unemployment for too long, below are some factors that might be affecting your chances of getting hired:

You might be suffering from job search fatigue

Job hunting can be draining, and just like many other things, too much can be dangerous. To address this issue, rest from the job searching process and reflect on how you approach opportunities and potential employers.

This way, you can return with a refined focus.

You’re applying for multiple jobs in haste

To fix this, narrow down your options to job postings that you’re qualified for. Then, before sending your application, read the job description entirely and make sure you understand the role.

Related: Why Are Job Descriptions Important in the Recruiting Process?

Also, learn more about the company, including their work culture and how they value employees. You may also want to look for employee feedback on the company, which can also be accessed online, before deciding if you will pursue their vacant role.

You’re not customizing your applications

In line with conducting your research, you should craft specific resumes for each application accordingly.

For example, as a writer seeking an opportunity with real estate writing, write “financial and business writing” on your resume. Also, highlight your ability to read and analyze financial data and your familiarity with real estate concepts.

Your socials are out to date

You should bolster your visibility on social platforms for professionals like LinkedIn to get your name out there. Updating your profile on the site will let employers know if your experience and skills fit their job openings.

Related: LinkedIn Headline Advice & Examples for Job Seekers

Moreover, you can use LinkedIn to build relationships with other professionals who can help you find the right job.

You lack interview preparations

Being prepared lessens the chances of you stuttering during a conversation with the hiring managers. Also, it allows you to think of unique and substantial answers, which helps you gain more self-confidence.

So it’s best to:

  • Conduct mock interviews,
  • Review how often you pause when answering questions,
  • Practice making eye contact and avoid unnecessary movements, such as excessive arm and hand gestures,
  • Observe if you appear professional with your body language.

These critical factors help you give an excellent first impression to interviewers.

Carolyn Kleiman

Carolyn Kleiman

Career Coach | Professional Resume Writer, Resume Builder

There could be multiple reasons why you are not getting hired or even called for an interview—which sometimes that is what people mean when they say no one will hire me, so I have broken down my thoughts into the following categories:

Resume/Job Application: Not targeted for the job you’re applying for

Your application and/or resume are not targeted or appropriate for the job you are applying for. The employer has stated the requirements on the description, and you simply do not meet them or do not meet enough of them.

If you applied online and had to fill out a questionnaire, you may have been “knocked out” based on how you answered certain questions.

For example, “Do you have an MBA, yes or no?” You selected no. Now you are “knocked out” and are not being considered further.

If you applied through a job board, there is a chance the job is not available. Even though it is listed on your search, the position may have been closed to new applicants officially.

For example, I used to work for an e-commerce business as a recruiter. We had an account with a large job board. According to our agreement, our jobs would be posted for 90 days. Even if I filled the position in 30 days, it still ran for 90 days, but I did not consider any resumes that came in at that point.

Many companies share openings internally first, for up to 2 weeks before opening them to the public.

If they have already started to receive applications and referrals and started to reach out to people, they are not going to the well to seek additional “blind” candidates unless the earlier candidates don’t work out.

Interview: It may have gone poorly from the employer’s perspective

This part is more complex. The interview may have gone poorly from the employer’s perspective. This could mean various things—you were unprepared and lacked knowledge about the company, department, clients/customers, or job.

Upon further digging into your resume and experience, the employer felt:

  • You lacked the skills, knowledge, and/or experience they wanted you to have.
  • You did not clearly answer their questions.
  • You lacked energy, interest, or motivation.
  • Your salary expectation was out of their range.

Related: How to Tell If an Interview Went Bad (And What to Do Next)

They had another “frontrunner” or internal candidate already, but it was not official, so they interviewed you. The other reason is more challenging to explain, particularly by employers, but is commonly referred to as “not the right fit.”

This could really be just about anything, from “We have a team of introverts and need an extrovert, and you are not one”, to:

  • “You came off as obnoxious and seemed like a know-it-all,
  • “You did not seem willing to learn,”
  • “We wanted to diversify our team and not hire another man who went to an Ivy league”, or
  • “We only hire Ivy league.”

The list is endless.

Related: What Not to Say in a Job Interview

References: Keep them up to date with your search

Sometimes references are not what we hope they will be, which is something the job seeker can try to control. Always ask references to act as “References.” Before sharing their information, keep them up to date with your search—send them your resume.

If you are going on an interview, send them information and let them know why you are interested. The idea is to keep them in the loop, hoping they will get “the call” and be ready to share helpful and relevant information about you.

Related: When Do Employers Call References

Michelle Devani

Michelle Devani

Founder, Love Devani

Not getting a job can be your worst nightmare. However, this is the reality for many job seekers.

Based on my experience, there can be a lot of reasons why nobody will hire you even if you have the skills. While the truth hurts, knowing why nobody will hire you gives you the chance to work on your strengths and weakness.

Focus on improvement instead of rejection.

You are not proactive; they want to see genuine enthusiasm

Employers look for proactive employees; they want to see genuine enthusiasm and eagerness. Reach out to employers for a follow-up after the interview. Even if they do not offer you a job, impress them by asking for feedback on your interview.

Your willingness to improve might land you on their shortlist for future hires.

Desperate measures; too much eagerness can turn off employers

On the other hand, too much eagerness can turn off employers. Displaying confidence without being arrogant, show your personality without being too aloof. Be composed and behave professionally. Recruiters are not looking for a unique person for their company.

They are looking for a team player who can collaborate and contribute to company success.

Herndon Davis

Herndon Davis

Licensed Mortgage Loan Originator, Mortgage Real Estate Services

Age may be the hindrance

Once you hit 38-40 years old, you begin to age out of consideration for positions because you likely:

  • know too much,
  • have too much confidence, and
  • command too much money.

Managers like people with experience, but not too much, so that they can underpay them and not deal with potential friction should a more seasoned applicant begin to push back on the work process and decision-making based upon their prior extensive experience.

The solution is:

  • To keep the last 7-10 years of your experience on your resume.
  • Make sure the dates of graduation are not mentioned on your resume.
  • Don’t go into extensive detail about your background in an interview unless you get an indication the interviewer is looking for deeper conversations and understanding that you know how to do the job.

Related: How Far Back Should a Resume Go

However, if an interviewer is constantly cutting you off in conversation and moves swiftly between topics, then he/she likes to be in control and is likely looking for a yes man or woman.

It may be because of your social media profiles

HR and hiring managers scour the internet looking for dirt or reasons why not to hire you.

  • Always use a different email address and a modified name across all of your social media accounts.
  • Keep your social media accounts closed from public viewing and google searches.
  • Only open your accounts to trusted family and close friends.

Too many jobs in a short span of time

Employers think you are a job hopper, immature, and potentially a poor-performing employee.

The solution is that it’s best to introduce yourself upfront in your resume, cover letter, and in the interview as someone who has had numerous employment experiences with different companies that collectively give you the skill, insight, and leadership to come to this new position as a power fit within the organization.

In other words, beat them to the punch by bringing up the fact that you changed jobs so many times. Flip the script, make it a positive, and don’t allow a hiring manager to make you feel bad, insecure, or defensive about it.

Keep matching every negative they say with a positive from you. You need to practice this with someone before the interview. Don’t try and wing it on the fly with your responses. Learn how to stay calm—you have several jobs in completely different capacities and industries.

Employers don’t think you know what you want to be when you grow up, a Marketing Analyst, Financial Analyst, or Compensation Analyst, because you’ve done all three!

The solution is to make it a positive by stringing the common skills used in all your unrelated jobs to show your versatility, willingness to learn, and desire to take on new challenges.

The common skills in these three positions would be analysis, probably strong Excel skills, and communication skills needed to provide executive dashboards and presentations to upper management. Suddenly these positions are not so different after all!

Azmaira Maker, Ph.D.

Azmaira Maker

Psychologist | Founding Director, Aspiring Families

You need to work on yourself more

The best approach to reviewing a situation the right way is to make sense of the role you play in it.

As it is often said, you cannot control the surrounding circumstances, but you can certainly control yourself in them. This is why you must evaluate your own shortcomings if you face a few disappointments on the hiring front.

In doing so, you will be able to evaluate every area and make changes and improvements accordingly. After all, it is only when you improve yourself and pick up key skills that you can open the doors to new opportunities.

Make a list of areas you fall short in

Place a request for an informal call or communicate via email or chat with the personnel who have interviewed you to find out where you fell short.

Tell them how you are working on yourself and why their feedback is important to the process. Once they know that you are earnestly willing to work on yourself, they will provide you with all the information you seek.

Now, take the next step of evaluating your own traits and making an honest assessment of each area. Be as critical of yourself as you can. Remember, only then will you be able to make changes and thoroughly revamp yourself in these areas.

Put together these two lists, and you will have a ready lineup of areas in which you need work. Remember, these inputs have come your way through people who know everything there is to know about the hiring process.

This feedback you have received is extremely helpful and can leave you with valuable insights. When you act upon it, you will be able to make positive changes that will help you latch on to the job position you seek and also influence improvements in your overall career.

Related: How to Ask for Feedback After a Job Rejection

Next, make a list of traits you need to overcome these shortcomings

Now that you’ve defined the problem, work on the solution. Match every shortcoming with a trait or skill you need to work on.

Review this list of traits in line with the list of shortcomings you have made, and you will know if you have indeed managed to cover every angle.

If you think it will help, you can ask a trusted peer or friend to evaluate this list to make sure that you have addressed every point.

It’s time to get to work

With the list of solutions in hand, you can get working on picking up one skill after another to keep striking off one shortcoming after another from your list.

The trick is to work on each problem area in earnest so that even as you get better, you also develop confidence in your efforts. This way, even if you will fall short in some areas, the knowledge that you have tried your best will help you accept these hurdles and move forward by creating more momentum with your strengths.

Along with the improvements you have made, this confidence will help you do well in that next interview. Remember, it is not the one who fails that falters. It is the one who does nothing to negate this failure that truly stops growing.

The mantra is to identify and accept your shortcomings, address them head-on, and take every step that’s required to overcome them.

Ria Taneja

Ria Taneja

Intern, MoreWithUs

Your resume/application is poorly written

There are many reasons why you could be struggling to get a job. Finding a job can be a tedious and lengthy process, and it is important to reflect on why you cannot get a job. You can read about some tips and possible reasons why you aren’t getting hired below.

  • Poorly written resume/application

Recruiters have to look through many resumes when hiring employees, and if your resume does not stand out or if there are spelling mistakes, employers would rather pursue other candidates for the job.

Recruiters can save a lot of time by using AI to scan resumes. Since AI could be used to read your resume/CV, it is important to tailor your resume to the job description and use keywords that can help increase your chances of getting an interview.

Related: How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

  • You didn’t show enthusiasm during the interview

Let’s suppose you are getting interviews, but you are not getting hired. You need to reflect on what part of the interview you did inadequately.

Did you struggle to answer some questions? If so, you should try to reflect on those questions and practice answering other questions that could come up in an interview.

Did you research the company and industry prior to the interview? You have to research the company and its industry so that you are informed and can answer interview questions confidently and correctly.

Many employers want to see that you are enthusiastic about the role and company by researching it.

Did you ask questions about the job? It is essential that you are engaging and trying to learn more about the position.

Some questions that you can ask are:

“Can you tell me about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?”
“What’s your favorite part about working at this company?”

  • Qualifications for the job

In order to apply for a job, you do not need to meet all of the qualifications of the job since part of having a job is learning new skills. If you only apply for jobs that are an exact match, then you will not be able to develop and learn any new skills.

However, if a job posting says that they are looking for candidates completing their Ph.D. or masters and you are still completing your undergraduate studies, then you will not be hired for the job.

Next time you are looking for a job, whether it is an everyday job or a career position, remember these common but costly mistakes that could be preventing you from being hired.

Maciek Kubiak

Maciek Kubiak

Head of People, PhotoAiD

Resume, interviewing skills, weak network: These things may be part of the problem

One possibility is that your resume doesn’t accurately reflect your skills and experience. It’s important to take the time to list your experiences and skills in an easy-to-read format and to be sure to tailor your resume to each job you apply for.

Another possibility is that you’re not interviewing well. It’s essential to be prepared for interviews and to come across as confident and knowledgeable about the company and the position you’re applying for.

Finally, it’s also possible that you’re not networking enough. Building relationships with people in your industry can help open doors when it comes time to look for a job.

How to fix it?

If you suspect that three things may be part of your problem, there are a few solutions you can work on.

First, you should set up an appointment with someone who can advise you on resume writing. There are plenty of private companies and freelancers offering such services.

In some countries, the public labor office will also be able to set you up with a consultant on such matters, usually free of charge.

The same can be said about interviewing: Find relevant professionals who can help you practice and become a better interviewee.

Finally, if you feel like your lackluster network is the root of your problems, it’s time to consider attending networking events and even job fairs. That may be just what you need to increase your network and job prospects.

Sameera Sullivan

Sameera Sullivan

Relationship Expert, Sameera Sullivan Matchmakers

Your approach to your job hunt is part of the problem

Job hunting is a nerve-wracking experience, to say the least. It’s mostly due to the uncertainty and the anxiety that comes along with it. Several thoughts race through our heads during this time. Mostly it’s, “Why won’t anyone hire me?”

Remove this thought completely that there is something wrong with you and that you are someone who isn’t a desirable candidate for any company.

Instead, think of it this way, maybe your approach to your job hunt is part of the problem. And here is how you can easily fix it.

  • First off, when you get rejected from a job you applied for, don’t take it personally; focus on the why’s, not the why not’s. This will make you see what was lacking that you need to work on for the next place you apply to.
  • Secondly, be more active in your job pursuit, and follow through everywhere you apply.

Be proud of the achievements you already have

Instead of focusing on the negatives, use your talents and capabilities and show them off to recruiters and employers. You will notice a drastic change in your pursuits and hopefully will end up having the job you desire.

Stephen Light

Stephen Light

CEO, Nolah Mattress

Your job application for a position doesn’t suit their qualifications

Many candidates send a job application for a position that doesn’t suit their qualifications—or interests, for that matter. For the most part, the prospective candidates don’t have to fulfill every requirement, but they should at least cover the baseline for the position.

The most efficient way to determine your chances is to ask yourself:

  • “If I were in the CEO’s/HR’s shoes, would I hire me? Why?”

This question does two things:

  • It identifies your strengths and weaknesses for a particular position
  • It brings clarity on how to present yourself.

The more you know about the company, the better you will answer the question—and increase your chances of getting hired.

It’s important to remember that qualifications are a part of the equation—but fitting in the company culture is equally, if not sometimes, more important. The candidates who express genuine interest and knowledge about the company have much higher chances of joining the team.

A little bit of nervousness is expected during the interview phase—but you can mitigate it by focusing on the people you’re talking to and why you like the company.

What made you apply in the first place? Talking about these things during the interviews relaxes you and builds a connection with recruiters.

Finally, it’s important to remember that sometimes things just don’t work out. But, if you’ve taken the steps above, you significantly increase your chances of getting an offer for future positions.

Thomas Niemczewski

Thomas Niemczewski

CEO and Founder, Dream Chasers

You don’t have the right skills for a particular company or industry

As a job seeker, you might be struggling to find work. You might have applied for hundreds of jobs and not heard back from even one company. This happens because employers are looking for certain skills that you don’t have.

Related: How Long Does It Take to Hear Back From a Job Interview

This is the time when you should focus on what you do have:

  • Your personality
  • Your skillset

These are the things that make you stand out from other candidates and get noticed by employers.

We all know that it is not easy to find a job in this competitive market. There are many factors that play into why people aren’t getting hired or have trouble finding work.

One of the most common reasons is that they don’t have the right skills for a particular company or industry. Sometimes, it is because they lack the skills or experience that the hiring manager is looking for.

Other times, it could be because they have a bad reputation.

There are many ways to find work, some easier than others.

Take advantage of your social networks and try networking with friends and family members who might know someone who needs help with their business or can hire you on as an independent contractor, freelancer, or consultant.

Chaye McIntosh

Chaye McIntosh

Clinical Director, ChoicePoint

You might lack confidence; you need to look more professional, strong, and presentable

Here are some reasons why people aren’t hiring you right now:

  • Maybe due to an un-updated resume

Update your resume according to current standards of job requirements. Make it more interesting by adding your qualifications and skills. Maybe you need to pick up a few courses to get back into the competition.

  • Lack of confidence during interviews

Improve your interview-giving technique. You might lack confidence and communication skills. Also, another possibility is that your wardrobe needs an upgrade to make you look more professional, strong, and a presentable candidate for the job.

  • You don’t have strong references

A lack of strong references can be a problem. Make sure you connect with the right people before you start applying because it affects your eligibility for the job in certain situations. Bring your A-game to your resume.

  • Perhaps you are underqualified

There is nothing wrong with being under-qualified for a particular position; that is just how you will learn.

Apply for the jobs that you think you are suitable for.

Highlight as many critical skills and experiences as possible that are specified in the job posting, as well as mention education, volunteering, and internships in your resume.

  • Untimely response

Are you submitting your resumes within the due date? Most companies only check your resumes if they are available in the time slot they ask for.

Mary Jurgensen

Mary Jurgensen

Community Outreach Director, Gary and Mary West PACE

You were not fully prepared during the interviews

When you know you’re having trouble getting hired, it is time for you to call a timeout on the whole exercise instead of attempting the same routine in futility.

Instead, put effort into building all the backup you need so that when you appear for that next interview, you are well-prepared in every way. Remember, the more interviews you attend without being fully prepared, the fewer opportunities you will be left with.

Therefore, it is better to take a break, review the areas you are falling short in, and then get back on to the job-hunting bandwagon with renewed confidence.

Build all the backup you need: Skills, experience, and references

The skills you possess for carrying out your new job responsibilities, the experience you have gathered until now to be eligible for a shot at even an interview, and the references you have that second your capabilities — these are the primary elements that back you up in your quest for that new job.

And if you’re unable to make an impact at your job interviews, it is probably because you are falling behind in one of these areas.

So set aside enough time to work on building a backup of skills, experience, and references that will hold you in good stead throughout the next interview process, and you can approach your goal of landing that dream job with more confidence.

Work on your skills

Every job requires the candidate to possess a set of skills that will help them carry out their new job responsibilities effectively.

Zero in on the skills you need to have and work on them. They could be as simple as being acquainted with a team communication platform or as complicated as possessing coding skills.

However long the list of skills, you have to understand that unless you have them, you will never be able to present yourself as a worthy candidate.

Gain more experience

Even if you possess the right skills, some job positions require the candidate to have a certain amount of experience in the industry, a certain department, or a specific position. This is because there may be certain job responsibilities that require prior hands-on work experience.

If you know that the job you seek requires the candidate to have prior experience, first find opportunities that help you add this experience to your resume.

Make impactful references

In some industries, especially where security and ethics are crucial, the references you share can make all the difference.

To line up impactful references, talk to your previous employers, check out ex-colleagues who may have moved on to impactful positions in the industry, and create a database of references that will come in handy for different job positions you may be interested in.

An associated benefit of lining up references is that you can also discuss available opportunities with these individuals and start a conversation about all you need to do to get your hands on the right job.

Be the candidate the employer is looking for

Your interviewer already knows the type of candidate they need to take on the position that is vacant in their company. If you fall short in any way, they will simply move on to the next viable candidate.

Therefore, the onus of matching the requirements of the job role and equipping yourself with the necessary skills and experience, and backing it up with the right references, is on you.

Fulfill these requirements, and you will surely be among the top contenders to land the job.

Kyle Kroeger

Kyle Kroeger

Founder, Via Travelers

You showed reluctance regarding long-term commitment

One of the most common reasons why recruiters may become disinterested in hiring a potential candidate is because they show hesitance and reluctance to commit long term.

A long-term commitment usually comprises around two years at least. Not being confident about committing to a time period this long causes problems for the organization as it piles up their costs. Hiring and onboarding is a hefty process that incurs expenses on the firm.

Secondly, even if candidates state that they are willing to stay for the long haul, they often cannot fully convince the recruiter with respect to their motives and dedication to doing so.

What makes them right for the role and how it aligns with their own personal and professional goals to stay here long-term is what recruiters want to hear.

Make sure your introductory sentences are right

Secondly, one must ensure that their opening sentences are right. The chances are high that a recruiter starts by asking you to introduce and describe yourself.

Here, what you need to do is begin to draw briefly on your academic and professional background. It is advised to align that with your personal and professional passions and how what you are setting out to do in the present and what you have done in the past will contribute to your future aspirations.

Many times, there seems to be incoherence with candidates’ trajectories, which puts the recruiters off.

Inquisitive questions during the interview

Lastly, recruiters are almost always going to ask if you have any questions of your own. When they do that, make sure that you ask them something, even if it seems unimportant.

This still makes them feel like you are not rushing to end the interview and that you are eager to know all that you can.

Konstantin Kuligin

Konstantin Kuligin

Owner, K5 Mortgage

You can blame it on your interpersonal skills

In any business, as important as having the right merchandise is knowing how to sell it, and this is a rule that applies when showcasing your skills and trying to land a job too.

Even when you have everything you need to land the job, communicating these strengths proves to be a crucial skill.

Often, even candidates who have the skills, the experience, and even the drive to land a particular job do not manage to do so because they fall short when communicating these wins to the interviewer.

Blame it on nervousness, inability to communicate effectively, or simply the gap between interviews where candidates forget everything about going through the different stages of an interview process.

If a candidate has reviewed the reasons and finds this reason to be the culprit, it is time to get working on one’s interview skills.

Work on your interpersonal skills

The primary skill to work on is communication. Written communication comes in handy when preparing your resume and communicating via emails.

Verbal communication comes in handy when conversing with the HR team, personnel from the interview panel, as well as in other scenarios such as group discussions.

And finally, even your listening skills come in handy at various times during the entire process.

Of course, one other reason to start working on your interpersonal skills, in addition to cracking interviews and getting hired, is that even at your new workplace, these skills are essential to help you do well on the job as well as set yourself up for further growth and success.

Catherine Mack

Catherine Mack

Co-Owner, House Buyer Network

If you have applied for countless jobs and have not yet found a job, it’s normal to ask, “Why won’t anyone hire me?” But, it is typically something you are doing wrong that’s stopping you from getting that dream job rather than yourself.

Not getting any interviews

If you are not getting interviews, chances are your CV needs some work. Look at your peers and other people who are applying for the same job, and compare your skills and experience with them.

Related: Why Am I Not Getting Interviews for Jobs I’m Qualified For?

Adapt your CV to include information you may have omitted, but always make sure not to embellish.

You get the interview but never get an offer

Getting an interview is both exciting and nerve-racking. If you have been to many interviews without receiving an offer, you may need to jazz up your interview techniques.

Don’t be afraid to ask a recruiter why they thought you weren’t the best candidate for the job. Most recruiters will provide constructive feedback that you can use to improve your interview technique.

Andrew Makhovskyi

Andrew Makhovskyi

CEO, Effy

You have a passive attitude

One of the main reasons people don’t get hired is their passive attitude.

For instance, people commonly complain that businesses require a lot of work experience, even for junior positions. It can be impossible to obtain so much experience quickly, and many young people don’t even get a chance to show their potential.

However, this isn’t a sign to sit at home and whine. There is so much time that can be used for learning new skills or improving your current ones.

You can also volunteer or start your own projects. Whatever you choose, you need to demonstrate interest and passion for whatever you are doing. This is the main factor that can “buy” recruiters, even if you don’t have a lot of formal experience.

However, a lot of people decide to stay passive and wait for a magic opportunity to present to themselves. They won’t even consider doing something else unless it’s their ideal job.

In my experience, this kind of attitude kills your chances of being hired. Not only are you inexperienced, but also unwilling to do something about it. Even if you are not entirely new to a business, you need to work on yourself all the time.

Nowadays, when recruiters come across someone who doesn’t care about anything but a secure role and a big salary, they don’t want to hire this person.

Related: Can You Lose a Job Offer by Negotiating Salary

Jared Stern

Jared Stern

Founder and CEO, Uplift Legal Funding

The reasons can be internal or external

There are a plethora of reasons why a candidate is being rejected consistently. The reasons can be internal or external. A candidate must not hesitate to ask his previous interviewer’s grounds for rejection.

  • Revamp your resume and cover letter very often.
  • Ensure you are presentable for an interview.
  • Never sell yourself short.
  • Don’t be afraid to portray your true self in an interview.
  • Be honest but professional.
  • Interviews might throw curveball questions.
    • Take your time and answer them carefully as they reveal a lot about your personality.

It also helps to assess your skills continually. Identify if your skills are relevant to the job you are applying for. Upskill if you are underqualified.

Never give up on your search. Keep at it.

Jerry Han

Jerry Han

Chief Marketing Officer, PrizeRebel

You’re not specializing your resume

Adapting your resume to the right company helps it get recognized by AI bots. They’re looking for keywords for special candidates. That’s why many job boards now include tests to help narrow down candidates.

Look at the keywords at the bottom of the job description

Most job descriptions explain what they’re looking for. For example, most coding jobs require experience in Python, Java, etc. Explain your proficiency in each category and tailor your CV job descriptions to show you have experience in them.

Write down previous jobs that complement the company

Your job probably doesn’t need to hear about your experience working as a Walmart stocker if you’re pursuing a marketing job. This is especially true for people with long job histories. Resumes can reach into the 2-page range, but they shouldn’t contain every job if they don’t relate to your job search.

You’re not researching the company

You’ll never know if you don’t do your research first.

  • Why do you want to work there?
  • How can you make a difference?
  • Why are you the best candidate for the job?

Search for keywords again

If you’re applying for an engineering position, learning about the company’s stance on content marketing probably won’t help.

Search for engineering topics instead, specializing in what they’ve done to succeed and what you can do to improve the company.

Find their accomplishments

It doesn’t hurt to flatter your future bosses. Search for their accomplishments and mention them about your position.

You’ll get brownie points, and the employers will remember you.

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