Help! My job search is going nowhere!

Probably the question that I am asked most frequently is this one: “Why am I not getting interviews/callbacks/offers when I’m putting in all this effort?” I know that job seeking can be frustrating; the process is often lengthier than candidates would like. To make it less frustrating, you need to be strategic and precise in how you execute your search. Most job seekers go about executing their search in ineffective and inefficient ways. Here are some things that might be making your job search more arduous than it needs to be:

You’re relying solely on online applications. Without a doubt, this is the worst way to look for a job. Online applications are facilitated by a nameless, faceless, soulless applicant tracking software that merely scans for keywords and phrases. If you don’t have the requisite number of pre-programmed keywords, your application will be tossed. I advise my clients to spend only 10-15% of their time completing online applications.

You’re not active on LinkedIn. Being active on LinkedIn has multiple benefits. Not only does it help grow your professional brand, but it also results in more profile views. When I have clients tell me that they’re not getting traction on LinkedIn, I ask how they are using the platform. Most of the time, they are merely going on and looking for jobs. You need to join groups relevant to your industry and field, contribute to them, and make connections. You can also publish original content—written and video—to showcase your expertise.

You don’t conduct interview post-mortems. I advise clients to go back over each interview experience and identify where they think they nailed it and where they think they did poorly. Every interview is a valuable learning experience. 

Your lack of confidence is coming across. Many candidates, especially women, will make casually self-deprecating comments and minimize their value in an interview. You need to think of an interview as an infomercial where the product is you. Don’t convey anything negative about your product!

You are not building, growing, and working your network. Networking is always the best way to get a job, but far too many people don’t invest the time in cultivating and communicating with their network. To network effectively, you should make genuine connections with people, get to know who they are and what they do, and offer your assistance. 

You make it all about you. I have said this many times before, but the job search process is not about you. It is about the hiring company and the urgent business problem it has. Focus on how you can solve those business problems rather than on your specific background, skills, and experience. They already know about the latter from your resume. 

Job searching can be harrowing, but you don’t need to spin your wheels using ineffective techniques. Use these tips to optimize your efforts and improve your results.