You’re not imagining things. It is harder. At least for most people. Finding a good job was always a challenge. But now so many things can get in the way of a successful job search. And that even holds true for highly qualified job seekers.
So what gets in the way?
Years ago the job search process was pretty cut and dry. You see an ad. You send in your resume. And someone gets back to you about an interview. Or you get a polite “sorry but…” letter. And if you sent out enough resumes, odds are you’d at least get an interview or two.
But that was many years ago — before automated screening. Now if that actually happens it might make a folksy feature story in a local newspaper. Or a story people will think you made up since nowadays almost every job seeker has more than one “no one gets back to me” story.
Obstacles to finding a good job now
So let’s look at some of the main reasons that job search feels more like an obstacle course nowadays:
- In uncertain economic times with policy changes that may affect their bottom line also uncertain, companies often put a hold on hiring. So less openings.
- Employees also feel less certain about leaving a secure job in uncertain times, meaning less job openings as they stay put. So less openings for that reason too.
- Add to that, new hiring processes (for job openings that do exist) that make it harder for you but easier for employers — or so more and more of them believe.
- And the previously-mentioned automated resume & application screening, including AI resume screening.
- Oh … and one more relatively new obstacle: pre-employment testing where you need to not only submit application materials you create, but you have to pass one ore more standardized “objective” tests that help them screen out the wrong people. (So many reasons that good candidates can lose out here!)
So what can help your chances?
I know this may sound like a broken record, but your number one ally is networking — finding a champion to get you past the seemingly impenetrable hiring gates. Here’s a general tip:
“When extending an invitation, it helps to be polite and offer a good reason they might be interested – such as a mutual connection, interest, or group you have in common. You can also message them to explain more about yourself. But again … if they say no or don’t even respond, it’s not about you.”
EXTRA: Job Search: Why Networking Matters So Darn Much
So what else can help you in finding a good job?
- Make sure your resume and cover letter are rock solid and without typos. This means target your resume to the job using the job description so automated screening will notice the fit for their needs.
- Follow all the rules and complete all they ask for. Even if it feels beneath you or just plain annoying, you want to do all you can to get through to real humans.
- Do your research and find companies that may have unlisted jobs. Not all jobs show up on job search sites.
- Take the time to find companies with jobs that may not be exact matches but may be a good next step using transferable skills and / or may involve a career change you would be open to.
- Try some informational interviews. (Link below for more on that. Can be helpful.)
More things that may help:
- Pick up some new skills, either in your field to expand jobs you qualify for or in a different field if you’re thinking of a career change. You may also make networking contacts / be presented with new opportunities while pursuing this.
- Also be open to part-time or temporary work in your field. Sometimes getting your foot in the door can lead to a full-time job once they get to work with you. This is especially worth considering if you’ve been unable to find anything for a very long time.
- Volunteer. Not always the road to a for-sure job, but getting seen and liked can be step one. Plus it keeps you feeling engaged and useful — and offers potential networking contacts. I once got a great job outside the non-profit that way through a Board member who appreciated what I was doing to help. Or a staff member may be willing to help you find what you really want through their contacts. Ya never know.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile does a good job of listing and presenting your career skills. Being found by recruiters or employers with real jobs can help a lot.
The main thing is doing nothing extra to help yourself nowadays leaves you feeling left out in the cold. And quickly starts to sap your belief in yourself. And none of that helps your job search or your networking.
At the very least, find something to keep you feeling good about yourself — a project, a hobby, small steps into a new business you always dreamed of. This goes a long way to keeping your job search energy up and your interview skills feeling vibrant.
Posts to help your search
12 Bits of “Insider” Info For Beginning a New Job Search
15 Job Search Tips To Help You Get a Job
What Are Informational Interviews?
Resume Employment Gaps? How To Get That Job!
How Companies Decide You’re Not Right for the Job
Can You Reapply If a Company Turns You Down?
Before You Say “Willing To Relocate” On Your Resume
Job Search Sucks. Can Hidden Job Market Help?
10 Resume Writing Tips for Stronger Resumes!
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