Why is applying for a job so hard

After being laid off as a designer early on in the pandemic, Healy, 36, tried his hand at a couple of entrepreneurial ventures before looking for a new full-time position at the start of It took nearly six months for Healy, who has a decade of experience in industrial design, to find a new job. Meanwhile, headlines touted a record number of job openings , and many employers said they were doing everything in their power to entice potential employees.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there are 8. Meanwhile, job seekers say employers are unresponsive. A survey of workers actively searching for a job on FlexJobs, a jobs website that focuses on remote and flexible work, found that about half of job seekers said they were not finding the right jobs to apply for. For more, check out our full list of tips on applying for jobs in these times. Instead, she found herself in a maze: It was hard to tell if recruiters who reached out about jobs were serious.

When she did get replies, jobs would offer her much less than what she was paid before, sometimes even less than what was advertised. Or, they would offer to pay her requested hourly rate — but only for part-time work. And part of the reason is that the skills necessary for a given job are changing faster than ever, as companies more frequently adopt new software.

The pricing tool or order entry software necessary for logistics workers to perform their jobs, for example, will likely be different one year to the next. The pandemic has also made the specter of in-person work less attractive — if not dangerous — so many people are now looking for jobs where they can work from home.

The vast majority of workers, regardless of industry, say they want to work from home at least some of the time. While the number of remote jobs has certainly risen, they still only represent 16 percent of job listings on LinkedIn, though they receive two and a half times as many applications as non-remote work.

The problem, however, may not only be on the hiring side. About half of the FlexJobs respondents searched for jobs outside their current field.

Career Change , Job Search , Resume. She brings over 15 years of corporate and coaching experience to help organizations boost employee engagement while simultaneously helping her clients excel in their careers. Phone: Email: info coaching4good. Email: info coaching4good. Web: Coaching 4 Good. Get Started. September 5, By Amy Wolfgang. When it seems hard to find a job, there are typically three factors at play: Your job search and application practices are ineffective.

It is challenging to get the attention of hiring managers with so many other applicants. How to Find a Job Looking for a job is a complicated process. So You're Looking For a Job? Our talented career coaches have identified the best ways to find a long-term position that compliments your skillset and ultimate career goals.

Why not try a FREE consultation? Simply enter your name and email in the form below. Use tools like LinkedIn to meet and engage with others in your field. Participate in groups, post regularly, and don't be afraid to reach out to new connections. Then, as you go about your job search, leverage those relationships. Ask for referrals or, at least, for them to let you know if they see any openings that could be a fit. Some sources report that up to 85 percent of all jobs are filled through networking , which means it could be your ticket out of the job search and into a new role.

You could be the most qualified candidate in the pool, but without a well-constructed resume, an employer will never know. Therefore, if you don't want your resume to fall into the resume black hole , it has to be top-notch. This means writing an achievements-focused document that is as substantive as it is visually appealing. It also means strategically crafting your resume with the ATS in mind. We've put together a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know to create an impressive resume that ticks all the right boxes and will grab attention.

Once you do that, check your resume's quality with TopResume's free resume critique , where you'll get expert feedback on this essential job-search document. Contrary to popular belief, submitting your resume to every listing you find is not actually productive for your job search. When it comes to sending in applications, fit is the most important factor.

Remember that tailoring your resume and cover letter for each application is essential to job-search success, as well. Because of this, every submission is time and labor intensive. If you cut corners and send dozens of generalized resumes each week, you are likely working in vain; you're more likely to be eliminated by the ATS, and even if you do make it through, a hiring manager will immediately see that you are not a good fit for the role and eliminate you. Instead, take a moment to consider your work experience and career goals.

Then, thoughtfully target only the job openings that fit for you. When you eventually pass through the ATS, a hiring manager will notice that you are exactly right for their role, making you more likely to land the job. There's no denying that it's hard to find a job — there's a lot you're up against. However, it doesn't have to be a painful experience.

Armed with the right knowledge and tools , you can land your dream job faster and with less frustration. And to further improve your chances, you can always work with a professional resume writer who is trained to help you show a hiring manager why you're the one for the job. Don't waste your time Googling. Get expert career advice delivered straight to your inbox. Understanding the TopResume Process. Let's stay in touch.

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